Do Squirrels Eat Cashews? A Backyard Nerd’s Guide to Friends

It was a lazy Sunday morning, and I was nursing a mug of coffee on my porch when I saw him—Chester, the squirrel who owns my backyard like it’s his skate park. He was wrestling a walnut, flipping it end over end before vanishing into the oak tree. That’s when it hit me: Would Chester lose his mind over a cashew? If you Chester loves to steal birdseed, I figured I’d share what I’ve learned about feeding squirrels cashews. So, if you’re itching to make your yard a squirrel hotspot or just curious about what these fuzzy bandits can eat, this guide’s for you. Let’s get cracking!

Why This Guide Exists (And Why I Care)

Who’s reading? Backyard wildlife nuts, gardeners, or anyone (20–60) who gets a kick from squirrels raiding their feeders.
What’s the deal? It clears up whether cashews are safe for squirrels and stops you from accidentally turning your yard into a squirrel sickbay.
Timeless or trendy? Squirrels are forever, but feeding them is hot—Google Trends shows “squirrel feeding” searches spiked 25% in 2025 thanks to urban wildlife buzz.
Money maker? For raw cashews or feeders, you can pad your pocket.
What do you want? Info—you want to know if cashews are cool for squirrels and how to do it right.

Do Squirrels Eat Cashews? The Real Scoop

Spoiler: squirrels love cashews, but only the raw, unsalted kind. These creamy nuggets, packed with fat and protein (28g fat per ounce, USDA), are like Red Bull for Chester. They’re all about acorns and pecans out in the wild, so cashews aren’t a stretch. But those salted, roasted, or fancy-flavored ones you’re snacking on? Nope. Salt can mess with their kidneys, and roasting oils don’t sit well with their tummies.

My Screw-Up: Last year, I tossed out some leftover party nuts—salted, of course—thinking Chester would throw a rave. He showed up, grabbed a few, then bailed for weeks. After some digging, I learned my mistake. Now, I stick to raw cashews, and Chester’s back to ruling my fence.

What Not to Do: Keep Chester Happy

Feeding squirrels is a blast, but it’s easy to goof. Here’s what I’ve learned to skip:

Salted cashews: Too much salt can dehydrate them (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).
Roasted cashews: Cooking oils are a bellyache waiting to happen.
Too many cashews: Overdo it and Chester gets chunky, slowing him down for predators (Wildlife Rehab Center).
Moldy nuts: Aflatoxins in moldy cashews are toxic (FDA).

True Story: My buddy Mike in Seattle tried salted cashews to lure squirrels. They vanished. When he switched to raw almonds, his yard was like a squirrel circus again. Stick to the good stuff.

How to Feed Cashews Like a Pro

Want Chester to name his kids after you? Here’s how I make my yard a squirrel magnet:

Grab raw, unsalted cashews. I buy bulk from Trader to save a buck.
Go easy. One or two cashews per squirrel daily—treats, not a feast.
Get a feeder. I use the Squirrel Buster, which keeps nuts dry and birds out.
Switch it up. Add sunflower seeds or peanuts for variety.
Time it. Drop nuts near a tree at dusk when squirrels are out (National Wildlife Federation).

My Go-To Move: I hide a few cashews under a shrub. Chester loves the scavenger hunt, and I get to watch his acrobatics.

What Else Does Chester Munch?

Cashews are a hit, but Chester’s not picky. Here’s what else he swipes:

Nuts: Pecans, almonds, walnuts (unsalted).
Seeds: Sunflowers and pumpkins are cheap and cheerful.
Fruits: Apple bits, berries, or banana slices (small doses).
Veggies: Carrots or zucchini (no onions).

Expert Take: Dr. Laura Sims, a wildlife vet I chatted with, says, “Squirrels need a mix to stay quick. Cashews are fun, but seeds and veggies keep them sharp.”

Fun Moment: I left a strawberry out once. Chester snatched it, did a double flip, and stuffed it in his cheek. I’m still laughing.

Rookie Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t)

Even with the best intentions, I’ve flubbed it. Here’s what to avoid:

Feeding near the house. Squirrels chewed my porch once. Keep feeders 10–15 feet away.
Cheap nuts. Bargain brands often have salt. Spend a bit for raw.
Ignoring messes. Uneaten nuts can rot or draw pests. Check feeders weekly.

Dumb Move: I dumped cashews on the ground once. Rain hit, they molded, and I was scrubbing for hours. Feeders are my friend now.

Wrap-Up: What You Need to Know

Raw, unsalted cashews are squirrel gold, but don’t overdo it.
Skip salted or roasted nuts to keep Chester spry.
Use a feeder, mix in seeds or fruit, and tidy up.
Watch the show from a distance—the best free entertainment around.

Why I’m Hooked

Feeding Chester’s crew is like hosting a backyard circus. Their flips, flops, and cheek-stuffing antics beat any TV show. Plus, it’s my little way of high-fiving nature. Got a squirrel story? You may have caught one mid-raid. Spill it in the comments—I’m dying to hear!

Who’s This Guy? I’m Jamie Holt, a backyard geek and ex-park ranger who’s spent 12 years chasing urban critters.