The best bird seed for squirrels is usually a wildlife feed that gives squirrels an appealing food source without asking one blend to suit every backyard visitor. My leading pick is Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food for its mix of corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts and its flexible feeding options. Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts suit buyers who want a simple, high-energy ingredient, while Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts offer a larger supply of unsalted peanuts that squirrels can handle in the shell.
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These are not interchangeable choices. A mixed blend can draw a broader range of wildlife, but it is less targeted than peanuts alone. A large bag can make sense for a regular feeding station, yet it takes more storage space and can be harder to move. I compare the four options by ingredients, intended visitors, feeding flexibility, and practical fit—not by assuming that attracting squirrels is the same as feeding birds alone.
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Key Takeaways
- Audubon Park is my best all-around choice for mixed backyard wildlife: corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts give it broader appeal than either peanut-only option.
- Pennington is the most focused choice for buyers who want shelled peanut pieces, but its peanut-only formula offers less ingredient variety than Audubon Park or Ernst.
- Trailmark Naturals pairs raw, unsalted, in-shell peanuts with a 15-pound bag, making it a fit for regular outdoor feeding stations rather than occasional use.
- Ernst offers the largest supply at 46 pounds and includes grains, roasted soybeans, and black oil sunflower seeds; its size is a drawback if storage or handling is limited.
- To distract squirrels from bird feeders, place a separate squirrel feeding spot away from the bird feeder; none of these foods guarantees that squirrels will leave other feeders alone.
| Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food, 15 lb |  | Best Overall | Brand: Audubon Park | Weight: 15 lb | Ingredients: Corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ernst Grain & Livestock Non-GMO Bird and Wildlife Feed, 46 lb |  | Best for Large-Scale Wildlife Feeding | Brand: Ernst Grain & Livestock | Weight: 46 lb | Ingredients: Non-GMO cracked corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, black oil sunflower seeds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts, 5 Pounds |  | Best Compact Peanut Option | Brand: Pennington | Weight: 5 lb (80 oz) | Ingredients: 100% shelled peanut pieces | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trailmark Naturals 15 lb Raw In-Shell Peanuts for Birds and Squirrels |  | Best for In-Shell Feeding | Brand: Trailmark Naturals | Weight: 15 lb | Contents: Raw in-shell peanuts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| bird seed for squirrel | Brand | Weight | Ingredients | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audubon Park Squirrel & Critte | Audubon Park | 15 lb | Corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts | Seed |
| Ernst Grain & Livestock Non-GM | Ernst Grain & Livestock | 46 lb | Non-GMO cracked corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, black oil sunflower seeds | Granule |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Pea | Pennington | 5 lb (80 oz) | 100% shelled peanut pieces | Nuts |
| Trailmark Naturals 15 lb Raw I | Trailmark Naturals | 15 lb | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food, 15 lb
Audubon Park is my best all-around pick because its corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts offer more variety than either peanut-only option. It is explicitly intended for squirrels and chipmunks as well as jays, woodpeckers, and other small wildlife, so it suits a feeding station where the goal is to attract more than one kind of visitor. Compared with Pennington’s shelled peanuts, this blend is less specialized; compared with the large Ernst mix, its 15-pound bag is a more manageable middle ground.
Its usefulness comes from flexible placement: the food can go in a squirrel, platform, or table feeder, or be scattered on the ground. That gives buyers room to set up a separate station away from bird feeders, a placement that may help distract squirrels. It is not a promise that squirrels will stop visiting a bird feeder, and the product is wildlife food rather than a bird-only seed. Buyers should also check the ingredient and allergen information, since the blend contains peanuts and may list other allergens.
Choose it for mixed-species feeding and practical flexibility, not for a single-ingredient diet or a peanut-free yard. Its blend makes it the most versatile option in this lineup, while Pennington is a cleaner fit for someone set on shelled peanuts and Trailmark for someone who specifically wants peanuts in the shell.
Pros:- Combines corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts for more ingredient variety than the peanut-only choices.
- Names squirrels, chipmunks, jays, and woodpeckers among its target visitors.
- Can be offered in squirrel, platform, or table feeders, or scattered on the ground.
- The 15-pound bag sits between the smaller Pennington package and the much larger Ernst bag.
Cons:- Contains peanuts and may contain other listed allergens.
- Its broad wildlife purpose may not suit buyers looking for bird-only feed or a single ingredient.
Best for: Backyard owners who want one 15-pound blend for squirrels, chipmunks, and visiting birds, with the option to use a feeder or ground station.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need peanut-free food, want a single ingredient, or are feeding birds only and do not want to attract squirrels and other wildlife.
- Brand:Audubon Park
- Weight:15 lb
- Ingredients:Corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts
- Form:Seed
- Target species:Squirrels, chipmunks, jays, woodpeckers, and other small wildlife
- Feeding methods:Squirrel, platform, and table feeders; ground feeding
- Diet type:Plant-based
- Life stage:All life stages
- Container:Bag
Our verdict“I would choose Audubon Park for the most flexible mixed-wildlife setup, provided peanuts and a varied visitor list suit the yard.”
Ernst Grain & Livestock Non-GMO Bird and Wildlife Feed, 46 lb
Ernst is the high-capacity choice, with a 46-pound bag that far exceeds the 15-pound Audubon Park and Trailmark options and the 5-pound Pennington pack. Its blend includes non-GMO cracked corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, and black oil sunflower seeds. That broad ingredient list is aimed at a wide set of outdoor visitors—birds, ducks, squirrels, turkeys, rabbits, geese, and deer—rather than squirrels alone.
This makes sense for a buyer who maintains a regular feeding area, has room to store a heavy bag, and wants one feed for varied wildlife. Like Audubon Park, it can be used in outdoor feeders or as a ground pile, but its grain-and-soybean composition distinguishes it from Audubon’s corn, sunflower, and peanut blend. It also differs from the two Pennington and Trailmark products, which focus on peanuts rather than offering a broad grain blend.
The main compromise is scale and lack of species focus. A 46-pound package can be awkward to handle, especially if the feeding area is small or use is occasional. Buyers who want a compact supply or a simple squirrel treat may find Pennington easier to manage, while those who want an explicitly squirrel-friendly mix in a smaller bag may prefer Audubon Park. Non-GMO ingredients are a stated attribute, but the feed remains a general outdoor wildlife product, not a specialized squirrel formula.
Pros:- The 46-pound bag provides the largest supply in this comparison.
- Includes non-GMO cracked corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, and black oil sunflower seeds.
- Targets a broad range of birds and wildlife, including squirrels.
- Suitable for outdoor feeders or ground feeding.
Cons:- The large bag may be cumbersome to lift, carry, and store.
- Its broad wildlife formula is less focused than the squirrel-and-critter blend or the peanut products.
Best for: People maintaining a regular outdoor feeding area who want one large supply for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife and have space to store it.
Not ideal for: Small-yard owners, occasional feeders, or buyers who want a compact bag, a peanut-only option, or food targeted mainly at squirrels.
- Brand:Ernst Grain & Livestock
- Weight:46 lb
- Ingredients:Non-GMO cracked corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, black oil sunflower seeds
- Form:Granule
- Diet:Plant-based
- Life stage:All life stages
- Container:Bag
- Target animals:Birds, ducks, squirrels, turkeys, rabbits, geese, deer
- Feeding methods:Outdoor feeders or ground feeding
Our verdict“I would pick Ernst for a spacious, regularly maintained wildlife feeding area, but not for a small or occasional setup.”
Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts, 5 Pounds
Pennington is the most compact, single-ingredient choice in the group: a 5-pound package of 100% shelled peanut pieces. That focus separates it from Audubon Park’s corn-and-seed mixture and Ernst’s grain-heavy blend. The product is described as an energy- and protein-rich food for birds and other wildlife, with woodpeckers, blue jays, and squirrels among the stated visitors.
For a buyer who wants to scatter food on the ground near a separate squirrel station, its smaller bag can be easier to manage than Ernst’s 46-pound supply. It also avoids the additional ingredients found in the mixed feeds. Compared with Trailmark Naturals, Pennington offers shelled pieces rather than raw peanuts in their shells; that is a meaningful difference in form, though the provided details do not establish which will work better in every feeder or yard.
Its simplicity is also its limitation. A peanut-only product will not provide the ingredient variety of Audubon Park or Ernst, and it is not appropriate for a buyer avoiding peanuts. The smaller quantity may be a poor fit for someone feeding a busy station regularly, where Trailmark’s 15-pound bag or Ernst’s bulk supply may better match the routine. I would choose it for a modest, focused peanut offering rather than as a general-purpose wildlife blend.
Pros:- Contains 100% shelled peanut pieces rather than a mixed ingredient blend.
- The 5-pound package is the smallest and easiest to scale down in this lineup.
- Peanuts are described as an energy- and protein-rich option.
- Can be scattered on the ground for wildlife feeding.
Cons:- Contains peanuts, so it does not fit peanut-free feeding needs.
- Offers less ingredient variety than Audubon Park or Ernst.
- Its 5-pound package may not suit frequent or high-volume feeding.
Best for: Buyers who want a smaller package of shelled peanut pieces for squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers, and other outdoor visitors.
Not ideal for: People who need peanut-free feed, want a varied blend, or maintain a high-volume feeding station that would use a 5-pound supply quickly.
- Brand:Pennington
- Weight:5 lb (80 oz)
- Ingredients:100% shelled peanut pieces
- Form:Nuts
- Diet type:Plant-based
- Target animals:Birds and wildlife, including woodpeckers, blue jays, and squirrels
- Recommended use:Outdoor wildlife feeding
- Product type:Wild bird and wildlife feed
Our verdict“I would choose Pennington for a compact, focused supply of shelled peanuts, not for broad ingredient variety or bulk feeding.”
Trailmark Naturals 15 lb Raw In-Shell Peanuts for Birds and Squirrels
Trailmark Naturals is my pick for buyers who specifically want in-shell peanuts. Its 15-pound bag contains raw, unroasted, unsalted peanuts grown in the USA and is intended for birds and squirrels. That puts it between Pennington’s 5-pound shelled-peanut pack and Ernst’s 46-pound mixed wildlife feed: more quantity than the compact peanut option, without Ernst’s broad grain-and-soy blend.
The form is the deciding difference. Pennington supplies shelled pieces, while Trailmark keeps peanuts in their shells. Buyers choosing between them should focus on which form suits their feeding station and routine; the product details do not claim that the shell makes one option nutritionally better. The raw, unroasted, unsalted description gives buyers a clearly specified peanut product, while Audubon Park offers more ingredient variety for yards where a mixed feed is preferable.
This is a focused outdoor wildlife food, not a general bird-seed blend. Its 15-pound bag suits a regular station better than a small trial quantity, but may be more than an occasional feeder needs. The listing specifies that it is for outdoor wildlife feeding and not for human consumption. I would skip it if the goal is a mixed feed, a shelled peanut product, or a small package; for those needs, Audubon Park or Pennington is a closer match.
Pros:- Contains raw, unroasted, unsalted peanuts in the shell.
- The 15-pound bag suits a regular outdoor feeding station.
- Grown in the USA, according to the product details.
- Intended for both birds and squirrels.
Cons:- A single-ingredient peanut product rather than a varied wildlife blend.
- The 15-pound quantity may be more than occasional feeders need.
- Intended for outdoor wildlife feeding, not human consumption.
Best for: People who regularly feed squirrels and birds outdoors and want a 15-pound supply of raw, unsalted peanuts in the shell.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking shelled peanut pieces, a varied seed-and-grain mix, a small package, or food for human consumption.
- Brand:Trailmark Naturals
- Weight:15 lb
- Contents:Raw in-shell peanuts
- Processing:Unroasted and unsalted
- Origin:USA
- Package type:Bag
- Target animals:Birds and squirrels
- UPC:850077094460
Our verdict“I would choose Trailmark for regular in-shell peanut feeding, but choose Pennington for shelled pieces or Audubon Park for a mixed blend.”
How We Picked
I ranked these products for the specific job implied by this guide: choosing food that can attract squirrels while also making sense in a backyard where birds or other wildlife may visit. I looked first at ingredient mix and target animals. A blend that names squirrels alongside birds and other wildlife serves a different purpose from a single-ingredient peanut product, and the distinction matters to buyers who want to focus feeding on one ingredient.
I also compared feeding flexibility and package size. Ground feeding, platform feeding, and squirrel feeders can suit different yards, but the food still needs to fit the way a buyer plans to serve it. The 46-pound Ernst bag offers a much larger supply than the 5-pound Pennington bag, for example, while the two 15-pound options sit between them. Large capacity only helps when the buyer has room to store and handle it.
Finally, I weighed each option’s tradeoffs rather than treating broad wildlife appeal as an automatic advantage. Corn-and-seed blends can attract more kinds of visitors, but buyers seeking peanuts alone may prefer a focused product. In-shell peanuts differ from shelled pieces in form and handling; the provided product details do not establish that one is nutritionally superior. I do not infer ingredient proportions, feeding results, or squirrel-proof behavior beyond the stated product information.
| bird seed for squirrel | Brand | Form | Feeding methods | Target animals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audubon Park Squirrel & Critte | Audubon Park | Seed | Squirrel, platform, and table feeders; ground feeding | — |
| Ernst Grain & Livestock Non-GM | Ernst Grain & Livestock | Granule | Outdoor feeders or ground feeding | Birds, ducks, squirrels, turkeys, rabbits, geese, deer |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Pea | Pennington | Nuts | — | Birds and wildlife, including woodpeckers, blue jays, and squirrels |
| Trailmark Naturals 15 lb Raw I | Trailmark Naturals | — | — | Birds and squirrels |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Bird Seed For Squirrels
I would choose squirrel-friendly bird and wildlife food by starting with the feeding goal, then matching the ingredients and package to that goal. These four products split into two clear groups: mixed wildlife blends and peanut-focused options. After that, the important differences are feeding form, quantity, and whether the intended visitors include birds as well as squirrels.
Decide whether you want a blend or peanuts alone
Audubon Park and Ernst are blends, but they are not the same blend. Audubon Park combines corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts in a product explicitly aimed at squirrels, chipmunks, jays, woodpeckers, and other small wildlife. Ernst adds wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, and black oil sunflower seeds to cracked corn, and names a wider mix of animals. Choose a blend if multiple ingredient types and visitors are part of the plan.
Pennington and Trailmark keep the ingredient focus on peanuts. Pennington provides shelled peanut pieces; Trailmark provides raw, in-shell peanuts. That distinction can narrow the choice quickly for buyers who already know which form they want. Peanut-focused products are not suitable for anyone avoiding peanuts, and neither is a substitute for a varied blend if ingredient diversity is the priority.
Match the package size to your routine
The range runs from 5 pounds to 46 pounds, so it is worth being realistic about how often the feeding station will be stocked and how much storage space is available. Pennington’s 5-pound pack is the easiest fit for a smaller or occasional setup. Audubon Park and Trailmark each come in 15-pound bags, offering a larger supply without reaching the bulk scale of Ernst.
Ernst’s 46-pound bag stands apart for sustained outdoor feeding, but that capacity brings a handling and storage tradeoff. A large bag is not automatically the right choice for a small yard. I would favor a quantity that fits the routine rather than buying more feed than the available storage or feeding station can comfortably accommodate.
Think through feeding placement and form
Audubon Park can be used in squirrel, platform, and table feeders, or scattered on the ground; Ernst can go in outdoor feeders or in a ground pile. Pennington is also described for ground feeding, while Trailmark is suited to outdoor feeders and feeding stations. Check the product form against the feeder you plan to use rather than assuming that every food works equally well in every setup.
If the goal is to give squirrels a separate food source, placement matters as much as the product. A squirrel feeder or ground station away from bird feeders may help direct attention, but these feeds do not guarantee that squirrels will avoid other feeders. The layout of the yard and the animals that visit can affect what happens, so treat separation as a practical approach rather than a sure result.
Choose the visitors you are prepared to attract
All four options include squirrels among their intended visitors, but several are designed for other wildlife too. Audubon Park names chipmunks, jays, and woodpeckers; Ernst targets a particularly broad range that also includes deer, turkeys, geese, and rabbits. Pennington and Trailmark are peanut options for birds and other wildlife, with specific bird visitors listed for Pennington.
Broader appeal can mean less control over which animals visit. If the aim is to feed squirrels alongside birds, a mixed or peanut-focused product may fit. If the yard cannot accommodate other wildlife or the buyer wants to feed birds alone, these squirrel-oriented products may not match the goal. Check the target-animal information and consider where the feeding spot will sit before choosing.
Review ingredients and handling needs
Ingredient lists are especially relevant when peanut exposure is a concern. Audubon Park contains peanuts and may include other listed allergens; Pennington is 100% shelled peanut pieces; Trailmark is raw in-shell peanuts. None of those three is a peanut-free option. Ernst lists corn, wheat, barley, roasted soybeans, and black oil sunflower seeds, so buyers should review that ingredient list as well against their own needs.
Package form also affects daily handling. Pennington’s shelled pieces differ from Trailmark’s in-shell peanuts, and Ernst’s large bag may be cumbersome. Product details do not provide a basis to claim that one form is healthier or that any blend produces a particular feeding result. Compare the stated contents and form, then select the option that fits the intended feeder, visitors, and storage arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best option here if I want to attract squirrels and birds?
Audubon Park is my most balanced choice for mixed visitors because it combines corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts and lists squirrels, chipmunks, jays, and woodpeckers among its target animals. Ernst also targets birds and squirrels, along with a wider set of wildlife, and comes in a much larger bag. I would choose between them by deciding whether a 15-pound squirrel-and-critter blend or a 46-pound broad wildlife feed better fits the yard.
Which product is best if I want peanuts rather than a mixed feed?
Pennington and Trailmark are the peanut-focused choices. Pennington supplies 100% shelled peanut pieces in a 5-pound bag, while Trailmark offers raw, unroasted, unsalted peanuts in the shell in a 15-pound bag. I would select Pennington for a smaller quantity of shelled pieces and Trailmark for a larger supply in shell; the product details do not establish that one form is better for every feeding setup.
Can these products keep squirrels away from bird feeders?
No product here guarantees that squirrels will avoid bird feeders. Audubon Park and Pennington are described as options that can be placed away from bird feeders or scattered for wildlife, and separate placement may help distract squirrels. A squirrel feeding spot should be treated as a way to offer another food source, not as a promise that squirrels will stop visiting other feeders.
Which bag makes the most sense for a small or occasional feeding setup?
Pennington’s 5-pound package is the smallest option and offers a more limited quantity than the two 15-pound bags or Ernst’s 46-pound bag. It is also a peanut-only product, so it fits only if shelled peanuts suit the buyer’s needs. If a small setup needs a mix rather than peanuts alone, Audubon Park’s 15-pound blend may be a better ingredient match, though it is a larger package.
Are all four products suitable for a bird-only feeding plan?
No; all four are presented as wildlife feeds that include squirrels, and some name additional animals as intended visitors. Audubon Park is specifically a squirrel-and-critter food, while Ernst targets a broad range of wildlife. Pennington and Trailmark are peanut products for birds and other wildlife, including squirrels. If the purpose is strictly to feed birds without encouraging squirrels or other visitors, these options may not fit that goal.
Conclusion
My best all-around recommendation is Audubon Park for buyers who want a flexible 15-pound blend for squirrels and visiting birds. Choose Pennington if you want a smaller quantity of shelled peanut pieces, or Trailmark Naturals if you prefer a larger supply of raw, unsalted peanuts in the shell. For a spacious feeding area with a steady need for a broad wildlife mix, Ernst is the high-capacity option—but its 46-pound bag is a poor fit for tight storage or occasional feeding.
The right choice depends on what you want the station to attract, which ingredient form you prefer, and how much feed you can store and handle. I would use a separate squirrel feeding spot if the aim is to offer an alternative near bird feeders, while treating any distraction effect as possible rather than guaranteed. Buyers who need peanut-free food or strictly bird-only feed should skip the peanut products and reconsider whether any of these squirrel-oriented choices suits their yard.
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