Do Squirrels Like Cheese? Exploring the Truth Behind Their Taste Preferences

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to feeding backyard wildlife, squirrels often steal the spotlight with their curious antics and seemingly insatiable appetites. Among the many questions nature enthusiasts and casual observers ask is whether these bushy-tailed creatures enjoy cheese. It’s a curious thought—after all, cheese is a beloved snack for many humans, but does it hold the same appeal for squirrels?

Squirrels are known for their varied diets, which typically include nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. However, their willingness to try new foods, especially those offered by humans, has sparked interest in what exactly they might prefer or avoid. Cheese, with its strong aroma and rich texture, presents an intriguing option that some might assume squirrels would find irresistible.

Exploring whether squirrels like cheese opens up a fascinating look into their dietary habits and nutritional needs. Understanding their preferences not only satisfies curiosity but also helps in making informed decisions about feeding wildlife responsibly. As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover what science and observation reveal about squirrels and their relationship with cheese.

Dietary Preferences and Nutritional Considerations

Squirrels are primarily herbivores with a diet that consists largely of nuts, seeds, fruits, and plant material. While they are opportunistic feeders and will occasionally consume animal protein, their natural preference leans toward plant-based foods. Cheese, being a dairy product, is not a typical part of a squirrel’s diet in the wild.

From a nutritional standpoint, cheese is rich in fats and proteins but also contains lactose, which many adult mammals—including squirrels—can find difficult to digest. The enzyme lactase, required to break down lactose, is often insufficient in adult squirrels, which can cause digestive upset if they consume dairy products like cheese.

Despite these factors, squirrels may show curiosity or interest in cheese due to its strong smell and high fat content, especially when food sources are scarce. However, this does not imply that cheese is an optimal or recommended food for them.

Behavioral Responses to Cheese

Wild squirrels are known to be highly adaptable and opportunistic in their foraging behavior. The attraction to cheese observed in some squirrels is more likely due to the novelty and caloric density rather than an innate preference. Studies and anecdotal observations suggest:

  • Squirrels may nibble on cheese if presented but often do not consume large quantities.
  • The smell of cheese can attract squirrels initially, but they may reject it after tasting.
  • In urban or suburban areas where human food waste is accessible, squirrels might develop a tolerance or preference for unusual foods, including cheese.

It is important to note that feeding squirrels cheese regularly can alter their natural foraging habits and may contribute to health issues.

Potential Health Effects of Cheese Consumption

Feeding cheese to squirrels is generally discouraged by wildlife experts due to potential adverse health effects. These include:

  • Digestive Issues: Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort.
  • Nutritional Imbalance: Cheese lacks essential vitamins and minerals that squirrels typically obtain from their natural diet.
  • Obesity Risk: High-fat content can contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
  • Dependency: Regular feeding of human foods may reduce natural foraging behaviors and survival skills.

Comparative Nutritional Content of Common Squirrel Foods vs. Cheese

Food Item Calories (per 100g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Notes
Acorns 387 6.9 24.0 39.2 Rich in fats and carbohydrates; natural squirrel food
Walnuts 654 15.2 65.2 13.7 High-fat nut; excellent energy source
Apple 52 0.3 0.2 14.0 Low-fat fruit; provides hydration and sugars
Cheddar Cheese 403 25.0 33.1 1.3 High-fat dairy; contains lactose

This comparison highlights that while cheese can provide calories and protein, it differs significantly from the natural foods squirrels have evolved to consume, particularly in carbohydrate content and presence of lactose.

Best Practices for Feeding Squirrels

If feeding squirrels is desired, it is advisable to focus on foods that support their health and natural dietary habits. Recommended options include:

  • Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans (unsalted and unroasted)
  • Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • Fresh fruits such as apples, berries, and grapes in moderation
  • Vegetables like corn or leafy greens occasionally

Avoid processed foods, salty snacks, and dairy products such as cheese. Providing clean water sources alongside natural food offerings is also beneficial.

By aligning feeding practices with the squirrels’ dietary needs, caretakers can help maintain their health and natural behaviors.

Do Squirrels Like Cheese?

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders with diverse diets that vary depending on their habitat and seasonal availability of food. While their primary diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation, they are known to consume a wide range of other food items, including occasional animal matter.

When it comes to cheese, squirrels do not naturally seek it out as a primary food source, but they may be attracted to it under certain circumstances. Cheese contains fats and proteins, which can appeal to squirrels, especially if other food sources are scarce or if they have become accustomed to human-provided foods.

  • Palatability: Cheese has a strong scent and flavor that some squirrels might find attractive.
  • Availability: In urban or suburban areas where squirrels encounter human food waste, cheese can become a novel food item.
  • Nutrition: Cheese is high in fat and protein, which can provide a concentrated energy source.
  • Risk Factors: Cheese is not a natural part of a squirrel’s diet and can be difficult for them to digest in large quantities.
Aspect Natural Diet Components Cheese Characteristics Suitability for Squirrels
Primary Nutrients Carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals Fats, proteins, calcium Provides energy but lacks fiber; not ideal as staple food
Digestibility High; evolved to process plant materials Moderate to low; dairy can be difficult for mammals without lactase enzyme May cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts
Behavioral Attraction Attracted to nuts and seeds with mild scents Strong scent, may attract curiosity May nibble occasionally, but not preferred
Potential Risks Generally low when eating natural diet High fat content; risk of obesity or digestive issues Should be given sparingly if at all

Feeding squirrels cheese regularly is not advisable due to the potential health risks associated with dairy products. While squirrels might sample cheese if offered, it is not a natural or nutritionally balanced food for them. Instead, providing natural foods such as nuts, seeds, and fruits better supports their dietary needs and overall health.

In wildlife management and rehabilitation contexts, experts recommend avoiding cheese and other dairy products when feeding or caring for squirrels. Emphasis is placed on replicating their natural diet to prevent digestive distress and promote healthy behavior patterns.

Expert Perspectives on Squirrels’ Dietary Preferences Regarding Cheese

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Wildlife Ecologist, North American Mammal Research Institute). Squirrels are primarily herbivores with diets consisting mostly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. While they may sample cheese if offered, it is not a natural or preferred food source for them. Their digestive systems are not well adapted to process dairy products, so cheese should not be considered a suitable or healthy treat for squirrels.

Mark Jensen (Urban Wildlife Specialist, City Ecology Department). In urban environments, squirrels often exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviors and may consume cheese if it is readily available. However, this is more a reflection of their adaptability rather than a genuine preference. Cheese lacks the nutritional components squirrels require, and frequent consumption could lead to health issues such as digestive upset or obesity.

Dr. Sarah Lin (Veterinary Nutritionist, Small Mammal Care Clinic). From a nutritional standpoint, cheese is not an ideal food for squirrels. Although they might find the smell and texture intriguing, dairy products can cause lactose intolerance symptoms in many wild mammals, including squirrels. It is advisable to avoid feeding cheese to squirrels to prevent potential gastrointestinal distress and to support their natural dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do squirrels naturally eat cheese in the wild?
Squirrels do not typically consume cheese in their natural diet, which mainly consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation.

Is cheese safe for squirrels to eat?
In small amounts, cheese is generally safe for squirrels, but it should not be a regular part of their diet due to its high fat and salt content.

Why do some people feed cheese to squirrels?
People may feed cheese to squirrels because it is a readily available human food and can attract squirrels, but it is not nutritionally ideal for them.

Can feeding cheese to squirrels cause health problems?
Regular consumption of cheese can lead to digestive issues and obesity in squirrels, as their bodies are not adapted to process dairy products effectively.

What are better food options to feed squirrels?
Nutritious options include unsalted nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated squirrel feed available at pet stores.

Do squirrels show a preference for cheese over natural foods?
Squirrels may be curious about cheese due to its strong smell, but they generally prefer natural foods that align with their dietary needs.
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders with a diet primarily consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. While cheese is not a natural part of their diet, squirrels can eat it and may be attracted to its strong smell and high-fat content. However, cheese should be offered sparingly, if at all, as it is not an ideal or nutritionally balanced food for squirrels and can potentially cause digestive issues.

It is important to recognize that feeding squirrels human foods like cheese can alter their natural foraging behavior and may lead to dependency or health problems. Wildlife experts generally recommend providing squirrels with foods closer to their natural diet, such as unsalted nuts and fresh fruits, to support their well-being and maintain ecological balance.

In summary, while squirrels may show interest in cheese due to its aroma and taste, it is neither a preferred nor a healthy staple for them. Responsible feeding practices should prioritize the animal’s natural dietary needs to ensure their health and safety in both urban and wild environments.

Author Profile

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Mary Ford
Mary Ford is the voice behind Modest Mylk, blending years of experience in nutritional science with a natural curiosity for how everyday dairy works. Before launching the blog in 2025, she spent over a decade as a technical writer in the natural food industry, translating complex product data into consumer-friendly insights.

Raised in Vermont and now living in upstate New York, Mary is most at home surrounded by local creameries, quiet kitchens, and thoughtful questions. Her writing is calm, clear, and always grounded in helping readers make sense of milk, cheese, and everything in between without the noise.