You can give squirrels raisins as a snack during the winter when fresh food is scarce. Raisins can be a great source of energy for squirrels and provide them with some much-needed nutrients. However, it is important to make sure that the raisins you offer are unsulphured and natural, as sulphur dioxide can be harmful to squirrels in large quantities.
When feeding squirrels raisins, it is best to offer them in moderation. While raisins can be a tasty treat for squirrels, they should not be the sole source of their diet. Squirrels require a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs.
In addition to raisins, you can also provide other types of fruits and vegetables to squirrels during the winter. Seedless grapes, orange slices, blueberries, cut-up bananas, peaches, and nectarines can all be offered as part of a squirrel’s diet. However, it is important to remove the pits from peaches and nectarines, as they can be toxic to squirrels.
Dried cranberries can also be a good option for squirrels, as they are high in antioxidants and can provide some added nutrition. Just like with raisins, make sure to choose unsulphured and natural dried cranberries.
When offering lettuce to squirrels, it is best to choose romaine lettuce as it is more nutritious compared to iceberg lettuce. Squirrels can enjoy nibbling on small pieces of lettuce, which can provide them with some hydration as well.
Another option for winter feeding is peeled squash. Squirrels can enjoy the flesh of squash, such as butternut or acorn squash, which can provide them with essential vitamins and minerals.
When providing food for squirrels, it is important to remember not to overfeed them. While it can be tempting to offer a large quantity of food, it is best to provide small portions to prevent waste and avoid attracting too many squirrels to one area.
Offering a mix of seedless grapes, orange slices, blueberries, cut-up banana, peaches and nectarines (without pits), dried cranberries or raisins (unsulphured/natural), romaine lettuce, peeled squash, and other suitable fruits and vegetables can help supplement a squirrel’s diet during the winter months. Just remember to provide these foods in moderation and ensure they are fresh and safe for consumption.