Perhaps unsurprisingly, these big-eyed, small-bodied animals use their intelligence to avoid predators, as well as to find, store, and protect their food.
Speaking of their eating habits, squirrels have a diverse diet, eating everything from nuts to vegetables and herbs – yes, our furry friends love to munch on herbs!
In general, squirrels are omnivores: they eat plants and other smaller animals.
Below is a list of just a few of the things squirrels love to eat.
Vegetables, especially leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula
Nuts, though this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Fresh herbs from your garden.
Squirrel diets are typically high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates, so it should come as no surprise that squirrels often integrate herbs into their diet.
Check out these five herbs squirrels love to eat.
5 Herbs Squirrels Can Eat
Both coriander leaves and seeds are edible, and it’s not just squirrels that like to eat them.
Rabbits and raccoons are also fans of this popular herb, which makes sense since coriander leaves are rich in vitamins.
Although coriander seeds have a much lower vitamin level than coriander leaves, they are rich in calcium, iron and magnesium, making them a popular snack for squirrels.
Closely related to oregano, thyme is a prevalent herb in both the culinary and medicinal realms.
Its pungent odor, high percentage of healthy fats, and antioxidant properties make it an herb with many uses, including providing a healthy snack for squirrels.
Used as a garnish in many cuisines around the world, parsley is probably one of the most popular herbs – and not just for humans, but for squirrels as well.
Parsley is also a source of antioxidants.
It is also rich in vitamins, which is why squirrels do not hesitate to chew on this herb.
Squirrels are among a long list of animals that enjoy eating basil.
This plant comes in many varieties and is easy to digest, so it’s no surprise that squirrels have a particular fondness for the herb.
Finally, another herb that you’ll often find squirrels happily munching on is dill.
Coming from the celery family, dill leaves and seeds are edible and highly aromatic.
Again, this herb is rich in vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin A.
Like us, an elderly squirrel will have to deal with aches and pains.
For the most part, fresh organic herbs are safe for these rodents.
Herbs grown in the garden can contain toxic pesticides that can poison these creatures.
Believe it or not, squirrels don’t like to eat all kinds of weeds.
If you are having problems with squirrels eating the weeds in your garden, consider planting the following herbs.
When feeding herbs to your pet squirrels or backyard squirrels, make sure they do not contain pesticides.
Are there herbs they don’t eat?
Well, according to this forum, squirrels love to eat most herbs.
Other herbs they love are rosemary, ginger, coriander, vanilla.
Like humans, some prefer to eat certain herbs and spices because they taste better.
It may take some time to figure out which herbs your squirrels love to eat.
Unlike dogs and cats, squirrels don’t need our help to feed themselves.
However, many homeowners love to fill feeders with wild squirrel food to keep them visiting their yard.
If you start feeding them herbs or other human food, they will eventually take notice of your garden.
Eventually, you’ll be looking for ways to keep them out of your herb garden.
If you are going to feed them, I recommend placing a feeder in your yard, away from your garden.
Should You Feed Squirrels Herbs and Spices?
Do not feed herbs to wild squirrels.
Instead, provide nuts, wild squirrel food, and other vegetables.
If you have a pet squirrel, you can feed them some herbs because you don’t have to worry about them destroying your garden!
How to feed squirrels with herbs?
It is not difficult to find videos of squirrels eating vegetables, herbs, sweets, etc.
If you’re reading this, you probably want to see if your squirrels eat grass, so how do you feed them?
Well, it’s easy, just place some clean fresh herbs near the feeder and go.
Once they feel it’s safe, they’ll either eat it or not.
If it’s a weed they don’t like, you’ll notice they won’t go back to the feeder until you throw the weed away.
If you have a pet squirrel, you can just feed them a small amount.
Squirrel diets are quite similar to rabbits in that they both tend to eat whatever they can get their hands on.