You’re enjoying some white rice with your lunch in the park when a cute squirrel scampers over looking for a handout.
Rice is a tasty carb for humans, but can our furry friends eat it too? Is rice safe and nutritious for energetic squirrels or hard for them to digest? Let’s find out!
Can Squirrels Eat Rice?
Yes, squirrels can eat plain white or brown rice without health issues. Rice does not contain anything toxic to squirrels.
However, rice should only be an occasional treat. It does not provide complete nutrition without other foods. Too much rice can also cause digestive problems or weight gain.
In moderation though, plain rice can be an OK supplement to give neighborhood squirrels some variety!
Why Would Squirrels Eat Rice?
Rice is not a normal part of a squirrel’s diet, but they may eat it for these reasons:
Curiosity – Squirrels are naturally curious and will sample new foods in their environment.
Carbs for Energy – Rice provides lots of carbohydrates that give squirrels quick energy.
Hunger – If normal foods are scarce, squirrels may eat rice if it’s readily available.
Opportunistic Eating – Urban squirrels will eat almost anything people offer them!
Accidental – Squirrels may ingest rice accidentally when stealing or hoarding human food.
So while rice is not a typical squirrel food, they will check it out and eat it, especially if their normal foods are hard to find.
Is Rice Nutritious for Squirrels?
Rice does provide some nutrition, but not a complete healthy diet:
Carbohydrates – The starch in rice gives squirrels an energy boost.
B Vitamins – Rice has small amounts of B vitamins like thiamine and niacin.
Fiber – Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice to aid digestion.
However, rice lacks the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals squirrels need in a balanced diet. So rice should only supplement other healthier squirrel foods, not replace them.
Risks of Feeding Squirrels Rice
While not toxic, wildlife rehabilitators caution against feeding too much rice:
- It has very little nutritional value beyond carbohydrates.
- The starch can be hard for squirrels to digest properly.
- Too much may cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
- Rice fed frequently may lead to weight gain or malnutrition.
- It can attract unwanted pests like rats or birds competing for the rice.
So rice should only be an occasional squirrel treat, not a dietary staple.
Do Wild Squirrels Eat Rice?
In the wild, squirrels don’t seek out rice or consume it. Here’s why rice isn’t part of their natural diets:
- Rice is a human agricultural crop not found in squirrel habitats.
- Squirrels don’t have tools to harvest rice paddies or process rice.
- Nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, and insects are way more available in nature.
- These whole foods provide more balanced nutrition than plain rice.
So while urban squirrels will eat discarded rice, wild squirrels don’t consume plain rice in nature.
Signs a Squirrel Has Eaten Rice
If a sneaky squirrel manages to get into some rice, here are some signs to look for:
- Rice pieces clinging to their fur
- Crumbs around their mouth
- Chewed-up rice packaging
- Piles of rice scattered on the ground
- A puffy, full belly!
These clues indicate an opportunistic squirrel snagged itself a rice feast!
Better Foods to Feed Squirrels
Rather than plain rice, wildlife experts recommend providing squirrels with more beneficial foods like:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Unsalted peanuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chopped fruits
- Fresh veggies like broccoli or carrots
- Whole grain bread or muffins
These foods give squirrels balanced nutrition without the starch overload of rice.
Can Squirrels Eat Fried Rice?
Fried rice with oils, salt, seasonings, and other ingredients is even worse for squirrels. The added flavors and fat make it very unhealthy as a regular part of their diet.
An occasional tiny bite of plain fried rice won’t hurt them, but it should be avoided in favor of more natural food choices.
Conclusion
Can squirrels eat rice? In small amounts, plain white or brown rice can be an acceptable supplement for neighborhood squirrels. But rice does not provide complete nutrition. Too much rice risks weight gain, stomach issues, and malnutrition.
While urban squirrels will eat discarded rice, rice is junk food, not a natural diet choice. For a healthy snack, give squirrels better nutritious foods that align with their natural wild diets. Save the rice for your meal and give squirrels the good stuff instead!
