What Vegetables do Groundhogs Eat?
Groundhogs are members of the Sciuridae family, which includes squirrels, chipmunks, and prairie dogs. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. But what vegetables do groundhogs eat?
Groundhog Vegetable Diet
Groundhogs primarily eat plant-based foods like green vegetation, succulent fruits, shrubs, and tree bark, along with insects and other small animals that it can catch such as worms, slugs, and snails.
Their favorite vegetables include:
- Berries
- Leafy Greens
- Fruits
- Root Vegetables
- Grains
Groundhogs also occasionally eat mushrooms, fungi, and even small insects. Although groundhogs may consume these items, they typically prefer more nutrient-rich options.
Feeding Groundhogs
When you are feeding groundhogs, make sure to keep their diet varied and healthy. Provide a mix of vegetables, fruits, greens, and grains.
If you are providing fruits, make sure they are the sweeter kinds, such as apples, cherries, pears, plums, and apricots. Avoid giving them citrus fruits, as their acidic content can cause discomfort. When offering vegetables, select softer items such as lettuce, celery, carrots, or spinach.
When giving grains and seeds for groundhogs to eat, opt for seeds that have some fat content. sunflower seeds or cracked corn are preferable. Additionally, as treats, you can offer cooked pasta, oats, and nuts.
Conclusion
Groundhogs are omnivores, and their eating habits depend on their environment and available food sources. While groundhogs prefer meats, they will also happily munch on a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. To ensure they are getting enough nutrients, provide a variety of these items to your groundhog.
