Yes, squirrels will eat celery, and it can actually be a healthy snack for them in moderation.
Celery is a crunchy, low-calorie vegetable that fits well into a squirrel’s diet because it provides fiber and water without adding too much sugar.
If you’ve ever wondered “will squirrels eat celery” while watching one scamper across your yard, the answer is a resounding yes in most cases.
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, meaning they’ll try almost anything that looks or smells edible, and celery often makes the cut.
In this post, we’ll explore why squirrels will eat celery, how to feed it to them safely, and what to keep in mind before you toss a stalk their way.
Let’s dig in.
Why Squirrels Will Eat Celery
Squirrels will eat celery for several good reasons, and understanding them helps you decide if it’s worth offering.
1. Squirrels Are Natural Foragers
Squirrels are built to forage, so they will eat celery because their instinct is to sample whatever plant material is available.
In the wild, they nibble on buds, shoots, roots, and even the occasional garden vegetable.
Celery fits right into that pattern since it’s a crisp, watery stem that’s easy to gnaw on.
That foraging habit is exactly why so many people catch squirrels munching on celery in compost piles or backyard gardens.
2. Celery Offers Hydration
Celery is about 95% water, so when squirrels eat celery, they get a decent hydration boost.
That matters most during hot, dry spells when natural water sources are harder to find.
A squirrel that nibbles on a celery stalk gets both moisture and a little nutrition in one bite.
So if you’re asking will squirrels eat celery for the water content alone, the answer is yes.
3. It Provides Fiber and Crunch
Squirrels need fiber to keep their digestion running smoothly, and celery delivers plenty of it.
The stringy texture also gives their ever-growing teeth a healthy workout.
Rodents like squirrels have incisors that never stop growing, so chewing on tough, fibrous veggies helps wear them down.
That’s a big reason squirrels will eat celery even when other foods are around.
4. It’s Low in Sugar and Calories
Unlike nuts and seeds, celery is low in fat and sugar, so it won’t cause weight problems in squirrels.
Squirrels will eat celery as a light snack without loading up on the calories they’d get from a handful of peanuts.
That makes celery a smart choice if you want to feed backyard squirrels without turning them into beggars.
How to Feed Celery to Squirrels Safely
If you’ve decided squirrels will eat celery in your yard, a few simple steps keep it safe and enjoyable for them.
1. Wash It Thoroughly
Always rinse celery under cool running water before offering it to squirrels.
Pesticides, wax coatings, and dirt can cling to the stalks and make a squirrel sick.
A quick scrub with your fingers or a vegetable brush removes most of the residue.
2. Cut It Into Manageable Pieces
Squirrels will eat celery more easily if you chop it into one- or two-inch segments.
Long stalks can be awkward for them to carry up a tree or balance on a branch.
Smaller pieces also reduce the chance of a squirrel choking on a tough string.
3. Skip the Seasonings and Dips
Plain celery is best when you feed squirrels.
Ranch dressing, peanut butter, salt, or spices can upset a squirrel’s stomach and are not part of their natural diet.
So if squirrels will eat celery, let them eat it plain and unadorned.
4. Offer It in Moderation
Even though squirrels will eat celery, it shouldn’t replace their normal diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, and wild plants.
Think of celery as a treat or a supplement rather than a meal.
A few pieces a day is plenty for most backyard squirrels.
Potential Risks of Feeding Celery to Squirrels
While squirrels will eat celery without much trouble, there are a few things to watch for.
1. Pesticide Exposure
Non-organic celery often carries pesticide residue that can harm small animals.
Buying organic or growing your own celery reduces that risk significantly.
2. Overfeeding and Dependency
If squirrels will eat celery every day from your hand, they may become dependent on human handouts.
That can make them less likely to forage naturally and more aggressive toward people.
3. Digestive Upset
Too much celery at once can cause loose stools in some squirrels.
Introduce it slowly and watch how they respond before offering more.
So, Will Squirrels Eat Celery?
Yes, squirrels will eat celery, and it can be a healthy, hydrating snack for them when offered plain and in moderation.
Celery gives squirrels fiber, water, and a satisfying crunch without the fat and sugar found in many other treats.
Just remember to wash it well, cut it into small pieces, and avoid any seasonings or dips.
As long as you keep portions reasonable, squirrels will eat celery happily and safely alongside their normal diet.
So next time you’re chopping veggies, feel free to share a stalk with your bushy-tailed visitors.