Can A Flying Squirrel Eat Almonds?

We believe feeding one’s pets is not only a responsibility, as a parent, but also an adventure. We tend to look up recipes, search for different food options, and are constantly on a journey of trying to deliver nothing less than the best to our pets. After all, isn’t that what they deserve?. Feeding your pet the right foods is a huge part of being a pet parent and is truly just as exciting. However, before you experiment with your adorable little squirrel, you should throw light on a few things, most of all being its good health. It’ll only prove to be a good choice if your nutsy fellow gets to enjoy it without having to experience any other unpleasant circumstances. All human foods and other food items are not fit for the consumption of your squirrel, if something brings you healthfulness, surprisingly, it may have quite the opposite effect on your tiny pet.

On that note, let us see if almonds make it to the list of safe foods for a flying squirrel and much more.

What Is The Ideal Diet Of A Flying Squirrel?

The dietary requirements of a flying squirrel are like that of a casual squirrel and so, there is little to no difference in the foods both of them are inclined towards. Conventionally, to put it simply, your squirrel’s diet should mostly be focused on plants, seeds, and nuts. The right varieties of these are sure to keep your squirrel robust and energized throughout the whole day. But there’s more to it, if you feel as though your little chippy isn’t having a fair portion of the nutrients and supplements that it needs or that perhaps the adventurous creature deserves to have a change in its taste, you can opt for treats as well. Meat and fruits are two edible items that pet parents and animal experts have known to approve and appreciate as treats for wild flying squirrels ever so often.

Having put that out there, as a pet owner another duty that falls under your radar is that of making sure that the animal has a balanced diet. This will be made possible if its daily meals are served in sufficient quantity and have diversity amongst themselves. Diversity is integral because a particular food item alone may not be able to fulfill all of a squirrel’s bodily expectations. The supplements that make up the necessary portion for a flying squirrel include;

• Protein
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Calcium

And most importantly, your pet’s dietary regimen should not be compromised in a manner that its treat foods replace the day-to-day meals the furry little fellow is used to having.

Is It Safe For Flying Squirrels To Eat Almonds?

Now we’re asking the real questions! Yes, there is no harm in a flying squirrel eating an almond. Squirrels are exceptionally fond of nuts of all sorts and almonds are amongst the healthiest of them all. Animal health experts have encouraged pet parents and zookeepers to maintain a healthy intake of almonds to squirrels. But wait, before you take away that ‘yes’ as a definite answer and rush to get the nutty delight, we would advise you to read this article to the end. It is always better to be fully aware of food before you approve and feed it to your dear Alvin.

Is There A Downside Of Feeding Flying Squirrels Almonds?

The proverb, excess of everything is bad applies to almonds as well. There is no denying that they bring countless benefits to us, as human beings and to animals, including squirrels, but at the same time, they have a rather dark and frequently overshadowed side as well. How could that be so? Allow us to elaborate with due details.

Almonds are rich in a compound known as cyanide which can prove to be quite detrimental to animals. Although munching on only a counted number of almonds won’t be a cause of any damage, in surplus amounts the nuts aren’t as friendly. They can lead your poor pet to cyanide poisoning and believe us when we say, you do not want that to happen at the very least! Unfortunately, the symptoms of poisoning can put your fragile squirrel through a lot of unnecessary misery. Henceforth, we would strongly advise you to feed Alvin only a certain amount of almonds (preferably two in the shell) over a stretched period.

What Health Benefits Do Almonds Bring To The Table For Flying Squirrels?

Returning to the positive side of the picture, almonds have enveloped within themselves countless benefits, each one of which is more luring than the last.

First and foremost, a healthy intake of almonds will allow the squirrel to be able to fight against countless health risks that it may come across each day. This is owing to the reason that almonds have advantageous properties which will provide strength to your beloved flying squirrel’s immunity system.

Over and above that, the creamy nutty treat is also rich in antioxidants which too will help it defend itself against health hazards and kill bacteria that may have entered its body through any possible medium.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, almonds provide your pet with calcium as well. Calcium is the biggest necessity (as far as nutrients are concerned) for a squirrel, and particularly, a flying squirrel. This is because they are by nature, nocturnal creatures, and are seldom found enjoying the sunlight. To keep a flying squirrel from growing calcium deficient pet parents tend to mix it in the furry creature’s water. Alongside doing that, almonds can be an excellent addition to its diet to counter calcium intake, amongst other supplements.

Lastly, almonds contain the following supplements and vitamins as well;

• Zinc
• Amino Acids
• Healthy Fats
• Magnesium
• Fiber
• Phosphorus

We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing it!