If you love observing and feeding squirrels, offering a variety of foods is one way to enhance their backyard experience. Hazelnuts, a popular type of nut, are often considered as a potential treat for squirrels. But can squirrels eat hazelnuts, and if so, should they be offered in the shell or not?
Nutritional Value of Hazelnuts for Squirrels
Hazelnuts are a nutritious food choice for squirrels! They are high in essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are beneficial to a squirrel’s health.
The natural fats in hazelnuts provide squirrels with energy, especially important in colder months.
Do Squirrels Eat Hazelnuts in the Shell?
Squirrels are perfectly equipped to handle hazelnuts in the shell. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws allow them to easily crack open the shells to access the nut inside. In fact, gnawing on shells can help squirrels maintain healthy teeth!
Squirrels will also eat shelled hazelnuts. Offering nuts both ways can provide variety and enrichment in their feeding behavior.
You can scatter hazelnuts around your bird feeding area or place them in squirrel feeders to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Can Squirrels Eat Nutella?
Even though squirrels can eat hazelnuts and Nutella contains hazelnuts, squirrels CANNOT eat Nutella. Along with sugar and other ingredients, Nutella contains cocoa–and squirrels cannot eat chocolate.
Hazelnuts can be a delicious and nutritious treat for squirrels, enjoyed both in and out of the shell. However, it’s important to remember to offer them as part of a balanced diet and to avoid processed hazelnut products like Nutella. By providing hazelnuts in moderation and alongside a variety of other foods, you can enjoy watching squirrels in your backyard while supporting their health and wellbeing.
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