What Can I Feed a Baby Squirrel? Essential Tips for Caring for Your Tiny Friend

Introduction
Encountering a baby squirrel can be a heartwarming experience, but it often comes with the responsibility of ensuring its survival. Whether you’ve stumbled upon an orphaned little one or are considering caring for one, knowing what to feed a baby squirrel is crucial for its health and well-being. These tiny creatures, with their big eyes and fluffy tails, require specific nutrients to thrive, and understanding their dietary needs is the first step in providing the right care. Join us as we delve into the essentials of feeding a baby squirrel, ensuring that these adorable critters receive the best start in life.

Feeding a baby squirrel involves more than just offering a few nuts or fruits. These young animals have unique dietary requirements that vary depending on their age and development stage. From milk substitutes to appropriate solid foods, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet that mimics what they would naturally consume in the wild. Understanding the right types of food can make all the difference in their growth and recovery.

Moreover, caring for a baby squirrel goes beyond just feeding; it involves creating a safe and nurturing environment. As you prepare to embark on this rewarding journey, you’ll discover the importance of hydration, proper feeding techniques, and the gradual introduction of solid foods. With the right knowledge and resources, you can

Dietary Needs of Baby Squirrels

When caring for a baby squirrel, it is crucial to understand their nutritional requirements, which vary based on their age and developmental stage. Baby squirrels typically require a diet that mimics the natural food sources they would consume in the wild. This includes a combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are essential for their growth and health.

Feeding Guidelines

The feeding schedule for baby squirrels is vital for their well-being. Younger squirrels, particularly those under six weeks, need to be fed every 2-3 hours, while older ones can be fed less frequently. Here are some guidelines based on age:

• 0-4 weeks old: Use a specialized milk replacement formula, such as Esbilac Puppy Milk or Kitten Milk Replacement, as they are unable to digest solid food.
• 4-8 weeks old: Gradually introduce soft foods like mashed bananas, avocados, or commercial squirrel food.
• 8-12 weeks old: Begin offering a mixture of solid foods including nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Recommended Foods

When selecting food for baby squirrels, it is essential to provide a varied diet that includes:

• Milk Replacement Formula: Specifically designed for young mammals.
• Fruits: Apples, bananas, and berries can provide necessary vitamins.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes offer essential nutrients.
• Nuts and Seeds: Unsalted and unseasoned nuts like walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of protein and fats.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be harmful or toxic to baby squirrels. Avoid the following:

• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Dairy products (other than formula)
• Processed or high-sugar foods
• Avocado (in large quantities)

Sample Feeding Schedule

To illustrate a typical feeding schedule for a baby squirrel, the following table outlines feeding times and suggested foods based on age:

Age (weeks)	Feeding Frequency	Suggested Foods
0-4	Every 2-3 hours	Milk replacement formula
4-8	Every 4 hours	Mashed bananas, soft fruits, commercial squirrel food
8-12	Every 6 hours	Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for baby squirrels. If they are not nursing, ensure they have access to fresh water. For very young squirrels, hydration can also be provided through the milk replacement formula. Avoid giving them cow’s milk, as it can cause digestive issues.

Monitoring Health

While feeding, it is important to monitor the baby squirrel’s health. Signs of distress, such as refusal to eat, lethargy, or abnormal stools, should prompt a consultation with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper feeding schedule will support their growth and development effectively.

Appropriate Diet for Baby Squirrels

Feeding a baby squirrel requires careful consideration of its age and nutritional needs. Different stages of development necessitate specific diets to ensure healthy growth.

Diet Based on Age

• Neonatal Stage (0-3 weeks):
• Diet: Formula designed for mammals (e.g., Esbilac or KMR).
• Feeding Method: Use a syringe or small bottle; feed every 2-3 hours, including nighttime.

• Transition Stage (4-8 weeks):
• Diet: Continue with formula; begin introducing solid foods.
• Solid Foods: Small amounts of mashed banana, avocado, or cooked sweet potato.
• Feeding Schedule: Formula should still be given every 3-4 hours, while solid foods can be offered 2-3 times daily.

• Juvenile Stage (9 weeks and older):
• Diet: Solid foods become the primary source of nutrition.
• Recommended Foods:
• Nuts (unsalted, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
• Seeds (pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)
• Fruits (apple slices, berries)
• Vegetables (carrots, peas)
• Feeding Schedule: Solid food can be offered multiple times daily, with occasional formula if needed.

Feeding Tips

• Always ensure fresh water is available.
• Avoid feeding squirrels cow’s milk, as it can cause digestive issues.
• Gradually introduce new foods to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• Monitor the squirrel’s weight and health; adjust diet as necessary.

Potential Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be harmful or toxic to baby squirrels. It’s crucial to be aware of these items:

Food Type	Examples	Reason to Avoid
Dairy Products	Cow’s milk, cheese	Lactose intolerance
Processed Foods	Chips, cookies, and other human snacks	High in salt, sugar, and preservatives
Certain Fruits	Citrus fruits, avocados	Can cause digestive distress
Junk Food	Fast food, sugary treats	Unhealthy fats and sugars

Additional Nutritional Considerations

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Important for bone development. Consider providing calcium-rich foods like kale or a calcium supplement if necessary.
• Protein Sources: A mix of protein sources is vital; consider mealworms or small insects for older squirrels.
• Variety: Ensure a balanced diet by offering a variety of foods to meet different nutritional needs.

Monitoring Health and Growth

Regularly assess the baby squirrel’s growth and overall health. Indicators of a healthy squirrel include:

• Steady weight gain
• Active behavior
• Clear eyes and healthy fur

If any health concerns arise, consult a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian experienced with small mammals.

Feeding Guidelines for Baby Squirrels from Wildlife Experts

Dr. Emily Carter (Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, Squirrel Rescue Network). “When caring for a baby squirrel, it is crucial to provide a diet that closely mimics their natural food sources. A mixture of high-quality puppy formula and specialized squirrel milk replacer is ideal for their nutritional needs.”

Mark Thompson (Veterinarian, Urban Wildlife Clinic). “In addition to milk replacer, baby squirrels can benefit from soft fruits like bananas and apples, as well as finely chopped vegetables. These foods help introduce solid nutrition as they grow.”

Lisa Nguyen (Animal Nutritionist, Wildlife Health Institute). “It is essential to avoid feeding baby squirrels cow’s milk or human food, as these can cause digestive issues. Always consult with a wildlife expert for tailored dietary advice based on the squirrel’s age and health condition.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I feed a baby squirrel?
Baby squirrels can be fed a specialized squirrel formula or a kitten milk replacer (such as KMR). Avoid cow’s milk, as it can cause digestive issues.

How often should I feed a baby squirrel?
Feed a baby squirrel every 2-3 hours during the day, gradually increasing the time between feedings as they grow.

Can I give a baby squirrel solid food?
Solid food should only be introduced when the baby squirrel is around 8 weeks old. Suitable options include fresh fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated squirrel pellets.

What signs indicate a baby squirrel is hungry?
Signs of hunger in a baby squirrel include vocalizations, restlessness, and seeking warmth or comfort from their caregiver.

How do I properly feed a baby squirrel?
Use a small syringe or dropper to feed the baby squirrel, ensuring the formula is warmed to body temperature. Feed slowly to prevent aspiration.

What should I avoid feeding a baby squirrel?
Avoid feeding baby squirrels chocolate, processed human foods, dairy products, and any food high in sugar or salt, as these can be harmful.
Feeding a baby squirrel requires careful consideration of its nutritional needs and developmental stage. Initially, orphaned or abandoned baby squirrels should be fed a specialized formula designed for their species, such as Esbilac puppy milk replacer or a commercial squirrel formula. Cow’s milk is not suitable as it can lead to digestive issues. It is crucial to provide the right consistency and temperature, mimicking the mother’s milk as closely as possible.

As the baby squirrel matures, its diet can gradually transition to include solid foods. Appropriate options include high-quality rodent blocks, fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, ensuring they are unsalted and unseasoned. It is important to introduce new foods slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions. Additionally, fresh water should always be available to keep the squirrel hydrated.

Lastly, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of caring for a wild animal. If you find a baby squirrel, it is advisable to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for guidance. They can provide expert advice on proper care and help determine if the animal can be safely returned to the wild. Proper care and feeding can significantly impact the health and survival of a baby squirrel, making informed decisions vital for its well-being.

Author Profile

Margaret Harrison

Margaret Harrison co-founded Bokk Baby after witnessing firsthand how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. While serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, Margaret worked with midwives in a rural village to renovate a community health clinic, where over 40 babies were delivered each year. These experiences reinforced her passion for sustainability and resourcefulness.

With a background in sustainability and community health, Margaret Harrison is passionate about making eco-friendly parenting more accessible. Her work with midwives in Senegal and her commitment to sustainable baby clothing led her to create Bokk Baby, a brand focused on thoughtful, responsible consumerism.

Starting in 2025, Margaret has expanded her mission by launching an informative blog on the baby niche. Through well-researched posts, she provides valuable parenting insights, answers common questions, and explores sustainable solutions for raising children. Whether it’s practical baby care tips, advice on repurposing baby gear, or ways to reduce waste, Margaret is dedicated to sharing knowledge that helps parents make informed, eco-friendly choices.