Do Squirrels Like Cheese? Exploring Their Dietary Preferences

AvatarByTonya Taylor Cheese

When it comes to feeding wildlife, many people wonder about the dietary preferences of common backyard visitors like squirrels. Among the various foods people consider offering, cheese often sparks curiosity. Do squirrels actually enjoy cheese, or is it a food better left off their menu? Understanding their tastes can help us make informed decisions about how to interact with these lively creatures.

Squirrels are known for their adaptability and opportunistic eating habits, often nibbling on a wide range of foods they encounter. Their natural diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects, but human-provided foods sometimes find their way into their meals. Cheese, a staple in many human diets, raises questions about its appeal and suitability for squirrels.

Exploring whether squirrels like cheese involves looking at their natural inclinations, nutritional needs, and the potential effects of dairy products on their health. This topic not only sheds light on squirrel behavior but also encourages responsible wildlife feeding practices. As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the facts behind this intriguing question and what it means for those who enjoy watching or feeding squirrels.

Types of Cheese Squirrels Are Attracted To

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and their attraction to cheese largely depends on the type, texture, and smell of the cheese offered. Generally, squirrels prefer cheeses that are softer and have a stronger aroma, as these qualities make the cheese more detectable and palatable to them.

Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, Brie, or Camembert tend to attract squirrels more than hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged Cheddar. The moisture content in soft cheeses makes them easier for squirrels to chew and digest. Additionally, the pungent aroma from these cheeses acts as an olfactory lure, drawing squirrels closer.

It is important to note that while squirrels may nibble on cheese, they do not require it as a regular part of their diet. Their natural food sources—nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation—are nutritionally more suitable.

Nutritional Impact of Cheese on Squirrels

Cheese is a dairy product rich in fats, proteins, and calcium, which can provide high-energy content for squirrels. However, the typical squirrel digestive system is better adapted to process plant-based foods rather than dairy.

Feeding cheese in small quantities may offer temporary energy boosts, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as:

  • Digestive upset, including diarrhea or bloating
  • Nutritional imbalance due to excessive fat and protein
  • Potential lactose intolerance symptoms, since many adult squirrels lack sufficient lactase enzymes

It is advisable to avoid making cheese a regular part of a squirrel’s diet to prevent these adverse effects.

Behavioral Responses of Squirrels to Cheese

Squirrels exhibit varied behavioral responses when introduced to cheese, influenced by their past experiences and environmental factors. Some common behaviors include:

  • Cautious investigation by sniffing or lightly nibbling before consuming
  • Storing small pieces of cheese in their cheek pouches or nests for later consumption
  • Preference for cheese when other natural food sources are scarce, especially in colder months

Their natural foraging instincts may cause squirrels to prioritize nuts and seeds, but cheese can act as an occasional supplementary food if readily available.

Alternatives to Cheese for Feeding Squirrels

For those interested in feeding squirrels safely and supporting their health, consider the following alternatives that align better with their natural dietary needs:

  • Unsalted nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans
  • Fresh fruits like apples, berries, and grapes (in moderation)
  • Seeds including sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • Vegetables such as carrots or corn kernels

These options provide essential nutrients without the risks associated with dairy products.

Food Type Nutritional Benefits Suitability for Squirrels Potential Risks
Soft Cheese (e.g., Brie, Cream Cheese) High in fat and protein Occasionally acceptable in small amounts Digestive upset, lactose intolerance
Hard Cheese (e.g., Parmesan, Aged Cheddar) High fat, low moisture Less preferred due to hardness and low moisture Choking hazard, digestive issues
Unsalted Nuts Rich in fats, proteins, vitamins Highly suitable and natural food source Overfeeding can cause obesity
Fresh Fruits Vitamins, fiber, antioxidants Good occasional treat Excess sugar can cause health issues
Vegetables Fiber, vitamins Suitable for variety in diet Potential for spoilage if left uneaten

Squirrel Dietary Preferences and Cheese

Squirrels are primarily herbivorous rodents with diets that mainly consist of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. However, they are opportunistic feeders and have been observed consuming a variety of foods, including some animal-based items. When considering cheese as a potential food source, several factors influence whether squirrels will eat it.

Cheese is not a natural part of a squirrel’s diet, but some squirrels may show interest in it due to its strong smell and high-fat content. The following points highlight key aspects of squirrels’ interaction with cheese:

  • Attraction to Fat and Protein: Cheese contains fats and proteins that can attract squirrels, especially in environments where natural food sources are scarce.
  • Palatability and Texture: The texture of cheese varies widely, and squirrels might prefer softer varieties that are easier to nibble compared to hard cheeses.
  • Risk of Digestive Issues: Squirrels lack the enzymes to digest dairy properly, so consumption of cheese can cause gastrointestinal upset or other health problems.
  • Behavioral Considerations: Squirrels accustomed to human environments may be more likely to try cheese, often scavenging from trash or human-provided foods.
Aspect Details
Natural Diet Nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, occasionally bird eggs or insects
Cheese Attraction Fatty and protein-rich; may attract due to scent and caloric density
Digestive Compatibility Poor digestion of lactose and dairy proteins; risk of digestive upset
Common Behavior May nibble cheese opportunistically but not a preferred or necessary food

Implications of Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

Feeding cheese to squirrels is generally discouraged by wildlife experts and veterinarians. Although squirrels may occasionally consume cheese if available, it does not provide the balanced nutrition they require and can cause health issues.

Important considerations when offering or encountering cheese as food for squirrels include:

  • Nutritional Imbalance: Cheese lacks essential nutrients squirrels obtain from their natural diet, such as specific vitamins and fiber.
  • Potential for Illness: Dairy products can upset the delicate digestive systems of squirrels, leading to diarrhea or more serious conditions.
  • Behavioral Changes: Regular feeding with human foods like cheese can alter natural foraging behaviors and increase dependency on humans.
  • Risk of Obesity: High-calorie human foods may contribute to unhealthy weight gain in wild squirrel populations.

To support healthy squirrel populations, it is advisable to provide foods that mimic their natural diet, such as unsalted nuts and seeds, rather than cheese or other dairy products.

Expert Perspectives on Squirrels’ Dietary Preferences

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Wildlife Ecologist, North American Fauna Institute). While squirrels are primarily herbivores with a diet consisting of nuts, seeds, and fruits, they are opportunistic feeders and may sample cheese if available. However, cheese is not a natural or necessary part of their diet and should be offered sparingly, if at all, to avoid digestive issues.

Mark Jensen (Urban Wildlife Specialist, City Ecology Department). In urban environments, squirrels often encounter human food, including cheese. They may show curiosity and occasionally consume cheese, but it is not a preferred or staple food. Their natural inclination is toward plant-based foods, and cheese does not provide the nutrients squirrels typically require for optimal health.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinary Nutritionist, Small Mammal Research Center). Cheese contains high levels of fat and lactose, which many squirrels cannot efficiently digest. While some squirrels might nibble on cheese out of curiosity, regular feeding of cheese can lead to gastrointestinal distress. It is advisable to stick to species-appropriate foods to maintain their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do squirrels naturally eat cheese in the wild?
Squirrels do not naturally consume cheese in the wild as their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. Cheese is not a typical part of their natural food sources.

Is cheese safe for squirrels to eat?
Cheese can be given to squirrels in very small amounts as an occasional treat, but it is not recommended as a regular part of their diet due to its high fat and salt content, which can be harmful to their health.

Why do squirrels sometimes eat cheese when offered?
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and may try cheese out of curiosity or hunger. Their willingness to eat cheese is more about availability than preference.

Can feeding squirrels cheese cause health problems?
Feeding squirrels cheese frequently can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and nutritional imbalances. It is best to avoid giving them cheese regularly to maintain their well-being.

What are better food alternatives to cheese for squirrels?
Nutritious alternatives include unsalted nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated squirrel food. These options better meet their dietary needs.

Does cheese attract squirrels more than other foods?
Cheese has a strong odor that may attract squirrels temporarily, but they generally prefer natural foods like nuts and seeds. Cheese is not a reliable bait for long-term attraction.
Squirrels are primarily herbivorous animals with a diet consisting largely of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. While they are opportunistic feeders and may occasionally sample a variety of foods, cheese is not a natural or common part of their diet. Their digestive systems are not well adapted to process dairy products, which can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.

Despite this, squirrels may show curiosity toward cheese due to its strong smell and high-fat content, especially in urban or suburban environments where human food sources are readily available. However, feeding squirrels cheese is generally discouraged by wildlife experts because it does not provide the balanced nutrition they require and may contribute to health issues over time.

In summary, while squirrels might nibble on cheese if given the opportunity, it is not an ideal or recommended food for them. Maintaining a diet that closely resembles their natural intake is essential for their health and well-being. Providing appropriate foods such as nuts, seeds, and fruits supports their nutritional needs and promotes sustainable wildlife interactions.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.