Best Food for Squirrels: Top Picks to Attract Backyard Wildlife
The following guide highlights five squirrel-friendly feeds that balance attraction with practical backyard care. Each product below is designed to appeal to a variety of rodents and related wildlife while helping to keep feeders protected from more dominant visitors. Read on to compare ingredients, benefits, and use cases to choose the best option for your yard.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food | Audubon Park | Nut-and-seed blend attracts diverse wildlife and helps reduce feeder crowding |
| Kaytee Corn On The Cob | Kaytee | Whole corn cobs to draw squirrels and other backyard visitors |
| Exotic Nutrition Squirrel Complete (4 lb.) | Exotic Nutrition | Healthy mix with natural ingredients and insect protein |
| Pennington Squirrel & Critter Blend | Pennington | Balanced blend with corn, seeds, and vitamins to enrich diet |
Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food
Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food is a tasty mix of nuts and seeds designed to attract a variety of backyard wildlife. The formulation emphasizes items that appeal to chipmunks, squirrels, jays, and woodpeckers, while also serving to help keep critters away from primary bird feeders. The blend offers a practical solution for yard managers seeking to diversify visitors without compromising feeder efficiency.
Kaytee Corn On The Cob
Kaytee Corn On The Cob provides whole cobs of corn as a simple, natural treat for backyard wildlife. This item is presented as a straightforward attractant with no added ingredients, making it suitable for visitors such as squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and other nearby wildlife who rely on natural forage. It pairs well with supplemental seeds and grains in mixed feeders.
Exotic Nutrition Squirrel Complete (4 lb.)
Exotic Nutrition Squirrel Complete blends healthy ingredients such as sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, apples, and rose hips to mimic natural flavors. It includes dried insects to provide natural animal proteins, creating a nutrient-dense option for grey, ground, and flying squirrels, as well as chipmunks. The product emphasizes quality and freshness in its formulation.
Pennington Pride Squirrel & Critter Blend
Pennington Pride Squirrel & Critter Blend features a mix of corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts designed to attract backyard wildlife, including ducks, squirrels, and chipmunks, while helping to keep feeders free from heavy animal pressure. The product is fortified with vitamins and nutrients through bird-kote technology for a balanced diet, making it a practical option for ongoing yard feeding routines.
Exotic Nutrition Squirrel Complete (1.75 lb.)
Exotic Nutrition Squirrel Complete (1.75 lb.) offers a nutritious diet for pet, captive, or backyard squirrels. Its formulation mirrors natural flavors with sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, apples, and rose hips, plus dried insects for protein. This version emphasizes quality ingredients and freshness in a compact package, suitable for periodic feeding or supplementing larger feeds.
Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food
Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food is designed to attract small backyard animals, including rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels. It supports a close-to-nature feeding experience, with recommendations to feed directly on the ground or from a platform feeder. The blend is formulated to be versatile for various yard setups and feeding routines.
Wild Delight Advanced Formula Squirrel Away
Wild Delight Advanced Formula Squirrel Away Zero Waste Wild Bird Food is designed to deter excessive visits by squirrels with a chili-pepper component while ensuring birds still receive adequate nutrition. The zero-waste formulation minimizes mess, making it suitable for yard-maintenance considerations and long-term feeders in areas with mixed wildlife visiting.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting food for squirrels, consider the following factors to balance attraction, health, and yard maintenance:
- Wildlife mix versus single-ingredient options: Blends attract a broader range of visitors, while single-ingredient feeds may target specific species.
- Ingredient quality and nutrition: Look for natural ingredients, protein sources, and vitamins to support overall health for wildlife and pets nearby.
- Digestibility and mess: Zero-waste or low-mess formulas help reduce yard cleanup and feeder maintenance.
- Temperature and storage: Choose products with durable packaging and clear storage guidelines to preserve freshness in varying climates.
- Feeding strategy: Pair kernels or corn with mixed seeds or nuts to diversify visitors and reduce feeder dependence on a single resource.
- Protection of other wildlife: Consider blends that minimize aggressive competition at feeders and encourage peaceful coexistence in mixed habitats.
- Environment and safety: Avoid products with artificial additives or ingredients that could attract pests beyond intended wildlife.
For yard planners, a combination approach often yields the best balance between enjoyment and maintenance. Blended formulations can attract squirrels, chipmunks, and occasional birds, while corn or single-ingredient options provide simple alternatives for specific visitors. Consider seasonal needs and fence or barrier strategies to guide wildlife interactions without obstructing the natural ecosystem.
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