· 7 min read
Can Dogs Eat Squirrels? What Pet Parents Need to Know
Picture this: You’re enjoying a lazy Sunday morning in your backyard when your dog suddenly bolts—tail high, nose twitching—锁定 on a flash of reddish-brown fur. In seconds, they’re in hot pursuit of a squirrel, and your heart races. If they catch it… gulp… would it hurt them? As a pet parent, it’s natural to wonder: Can dogs eat squirrels?
Whether your pup is a born hunter or just curious about backyard wildlife, this question is more common than you might think. In this guide, we’ll break down the risks, potential benefits, and safe guidelines to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Eat Squirrels? The Short Answer
- Potential Benefits of Squirrels for Dogs (Yes, There Are a Few)
- The Risks: Why Squirrels Might Not Be the Best Treat
- How Much Squirrel Is Safe for Dogs? Guidelines for Pet Parents
- Healthier Alternatives to Squirrels
- FAQ: Your Squirrel-Related Questions Answered
- Final Thoughts: Prioritize Safety and Moderation
Can Dogs Eat Squirrels? The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can technically eat squirrels, but it’s not recommended.
Squirrels are a source of protein, and in the wild, canines like wolves or foxes might hunt small prey like squirrels. However, domestic dogs have different nutritional needs and face unique risks when eating wild animals. The key here is that while a small, cooked, boneless piece of squirrel meat isn’t immediately toxic, the potential dangers (like parasites, bacteria, or toxins) often outweigh any benefits.
Potential Benefits of Squirrels for Dogs (Yes, There Are a Few)
Before we dive into the risks, let’s acknowledge why a dog might find squirrels appealing—and what tiny nutritional perks they could offer (though these are minimal compared to safer alternatives).
1. Lean Protein
Squirrel meat is high in protein, which is essential for dogs’ muscle health, energy, and immune function. A 3-ounce serving of cooked squirrel meat contains roughly 20-25 grams of protein, similar to chicken or turkey.
2. B Vitamins and Minerals
Squirrel meat provides B vitamins (like B12, niacin, and riboflavin), which support brain function and energy metabolism. It also contains minerals like iron (for healthy blood cells), zinc (immune support), and potassium (heart health).
3. A “Natural” Instinctual Treat
For dogs with strong prey drives (looking at you, terriers and hounds!), chasing squirrels is hardwired into their DNA. Offering a small, cooked piece occasionally might satisfy that instinct in a controlled way—though we’ll explain why this isn’t necessary.
The Risks: Why Squirrels Might Not Be the Best Treat
While the nutritional benefits are real, the risks of feeding squirrels to dogs are significant. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
1. Parasites: Ticks, Worms, and More
Squirrels are wild animals, and many carry parasites like fleas, ticks, or internal worms (e.g., roundworms, tapeworms). If your dog eats a squirrel, they could ingest these parasites, leading to infections. For example, Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) larvae can be transmitted via mosquitoes that bite infected squirrels, though this is rare. More common: tapeworms from fleas on the squirrel, which can cause weight loss or diarrhea in dogs.
2. Bacterial Infections
Raw or undercooked squirrel meat may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter. These can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or even severe illness in dogs (and humans, if they handle the meat).
3. Secondary Poisoning
One of the scariest risks: rodenticides. Many homeowners use poison to control mice or rats, and squirrels often eat these baits. If your dog eats a poisoned squirrel, they could suffer from secondary poisoning, with symptoms like lethargy, difficulty breathing, bleeding gums, or seizures. This is a medical emergency—contact your vet immediately if you suspect this!
4. Choking Hazards and Intestinal Blockages
Squirrel bones are small and brittle, especially the ribs or leg bones. When chewed, they can splinter and get stuck in your dog’s throat (choking) or puncture their intestines. Even fur or feathers from the squirrel can cause blockages, leading to vomiting or constipation.
5. Stomach Upset from Unfamiliar Food
Dogs have sensitive digestive systems. Eating wild game like squirrels—even cooked—can shock their stomachs, leading to diarrhea, gas, or nausea, especially if they’re not used to it.
How Much Squirrel Is Safe for Dogs? Guidelines for Pet Parents
If you must let your dog try squirrel (or they sneak one!), follow these rules to minimize risk:
1. Cook It Thoroughly
Never feed raw squirrel. Cooking kills parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Boil, bake, or grill the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—no pink left!
2. Remove All Bones and Fur
Bones are a choking hazard, and fur can cause blockages. Only feed the meat—no skin, bones, or organs (organs may contain higher levels of toxins or parasites).
3. Keep Portions Tiny
Squirrel should be an occasional treat, not a meal. A general rule: treats (including squirrel) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a 50-pound dog, that’s about 1-2 ounces of cooked squirrel meat once in a blue moon.
4. No Seasoning
Skip the salt, pepper, garlic, or onion—these are toxic to dogs. Serve the meat plain.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
After feeding squirrel, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If any of these occur, contact your vet.
Healthier Alternatives to Squirrels
Let’s be real: There are far safer, more reliable ways to give your dog protein-rich treats. Here are our top picks:
1. Cooked Poultry (Chicken, Turkey)
Skinless, boneless chicken or turkey is a dog favorite. It’s lean, easy to digest, and packed with protein—no wild-game risks!
2. Lean Beef or Pork
Ground beef (90% lean) or pork loin, cooked plain, is another great option. Avoid fatty cuts, which can cause pancreatitis.
3. Fish (Salmon, Sardines)
Cooked salmon (no bones!) or canned sardines (in water, no salt) provide omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
4. Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Brands like Stella & Chewy’s or Primal make freeze-dried meat treats that are safe, convenient, and low-risk.
5. Veggies (For a Low-Calorie Option)
Carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes are crunchy, fiber-rich, and perfect for dogs watching their weight.
FAQ: Your Squirrel-Related Questions Answered
Q: My dog caught and ate a live squirrel in the yard. Should I panic?
A: Stay calm, but monitor them closely for 24-48 hours. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If they seem sick, contact your vet—they may need deworming or treatment for parasites.
Q: Can my dog eat a raw squirrel?
A: No! Raw meat (especially wild game) is a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. Always cook squirrel meat thoroughly.
Q: Are squirrel brains or organs safe?
A: No. Organs like the liver or kidneys can accumulate toxins (e.g., heavy metals) from the squirrel’s diet. Brains may carry prions (though rare in squirrels), which cause fatal diseases.
Q: My dog only ate a small piece of a dead squirrel. Is that okay?
A: Maybe, but dead squirrels are more likely to have bacteria (like Clostridium) or be poisoned. If the squirrel was decomposing, contact your vet—they may recommend antibiotics.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Safety and Moderation
So, can dogs eat squirrels? Technically, yes—but it’s not worth the risk for most pet parents. While squirrel meat has some nutritional perks, the dangers of parasites, poisoning, or blockages are too great.
Instead, stick to safe, vet-approved treats like cooked chicken or freeze-dried meat. And if your dog is a serial squirrel chaser? Channel that energy into fetch, agility, or puzzle toys—they’ll love the mental stimulation, and you’ll have peace of mind.
As always, when in doubt, consult your vet. They know your dog’s unique health needs and can help you make the best choices. Here’s to happy, healthy pups—and fewer backyard squirrel chases!
Sources:
- American Kennel Club (AKC): “Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?”
- ASPCA: “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants and Foods”
- PetMD: “Feeding Wild Game to Pets: Risks and Benefits”
- Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Jennifer Coates: “Raw Diets for Dogs: What You Need to Know”