What Do Squirrels and Chipmunks Eat? A Backyard Feeding Guide

If you've ever watched squirrels and chipmunks dart around your backyard, you've probably wondered what these energetic little animals eat. While they both enjoy many of the same foods, each species has its own preferences and feeding habits. Understanding their natural diet can help you create a wildlife-friendly backyard while keeping the animals healthy.

What Do Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods depending on the season and what's available.

Favorite Foods of Squirrels

• Acorns
• Hickory nuts
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Hazelnuts
• Beechnuts
• Pine nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Corn
• Berries
• Apples
• Pears
• Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Tree buds
• Tender shoots
• Leaves
• Flower blossoms

Although nuts are often associated with squirrels, they only make up part of a balanced diet throughout the year.

What Do Chipmunks Eat?

Chipmunks have a similar diet but spend much more time foraging on the ground rather than in trees.

Favorite Foods of Chipmunks

• Sunflower seeds
• Acorns
• Grass seeds
• Wildflower seeds
• Berries
• Small fruits
• Mushrooms
• Insects
• Caterpillars
• Beetles
• Earthworms
• Corn
• Oats
• Wheat
• Fresh greens

Chipmunks collect and store food in underground burrows, creating impressive winter food supplies.

Foods Both Animals Enjoy

Many backyard foods are favorites for both squirrels and chipmunks.

• Black oil sunflower seeds
• Unsalted peanuts (in moderation)
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Hazelnuts
• Acorns
• Pumpkin seeds
• Corn kernels
• Apples
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

Offering a variety of natural foods helps attract multiple species while encouraging healthy feeding habits.

Best Foods to Feed in Your Backyard

If you'd like to support local wildlife, choose nutritious, natural foods.

Great Choices

• Black oil sunflower seeds
• In-shell walnuts
• In-shell pecans
• Acorns
• Hazelnuts
• Unsalted peanuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Fresh apple slices
• Pear slices
• Grapes
• Fresh water

Providing clean water is just as important as offering food, especially during hot summer weather.

Foods to Avoid

Some common human foods can be harmful to squirrels and chipmunks.

Do not feed:

• Salted nuts
• Chocolate
• Candy
• Chips
• Bread in large amounts
• Sugary cereals
• Processed snack foods
• Moldy food
• Foods containing artificial sweeteners

Natural foods are always the healthiest option.

Seasonal Feeding Habits

Spring

Both species eat fresh buds, shoots, flowers, insects, and leftover stored nuts.

Summer

Seeds, berries, fruits, insects, mushrooms, and garden vegetables become abundant.

Fall

This is the busiest feeding season. Squirrels and chipmunks gather and store nuts, seeds, and acorns to prepare for winter.

Winter

They rely heavily on stored food caches but will gladly visit backyard feeding stations when natural food is scarce.

Tips for Feeding Backyard Wildlife

• Use a dedicated squirrel or wildlife feeder.
• Offer food in moderation.
• Keep feeding areas clean.
• Provide fresh water daily.
• Leave some natural leaf litter and fallen acorns for wildlife.
• Plant native trees and shrubs that produce nuts and berries.
• Avoid overfeeding to encourage natural foraging.

Plants That Naturally Feed Squirrels and Chipmunks

Adding wildlife-friendly plants to your landscape provides food throughout the year.

Excellent choices include:

• Oak trees
• Hickory trees
• Beech trees
• Hazelnut shrubs
• Black walnut trees
• Serviceberry
• Elderberry
• Wild grape vines
• Sunflowers
• Coneflowers
• Native grasses

These plants also benefit birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can squirrels eat bird seed?

Yes. Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and mixed bird seed are popular with squirrels, though they may empty bird feeders quickly.

Are peanuts good for squirrels?

Unsalted peanuts are safe in moderation, but they should not be the primary food source because they don't provide all the nutrients squirrels need.

Do chipmunks eat insects?

Yes. Chipmunks regularly eat insects, worms, beetles, and caterpillars, especially during spring and summer.

Should I feed wildlife year-round?

Supplemental feeding is optional. Providing native plants, clean water, and natural habitat is often the best long-term way to support local wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels and chipmunks are fascinating backyard visitors that help disperse seeds and contribute to healthy ecosystems. By offering natural foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, and fresh water—and avoiding processed human foods—you can enjoy watching these charming animals while helping them thrive. Whether they're burying acorns for winter or gathering sunflower seeds from a feeder, these busy little mammals bring life and entertainment to any backyard.