If you want bird seed that squirrels will eat, Wagner’s 13010 Wild Bird Food is my best overall pick for a familiar, general-purpose blend, while Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts suits buyers who want a more direct squirrel food. Lyric Wild Bird Mix offers a larger, varied blend for households feeding a busy yard. The main tradeoffs are seed variety versus a focused peanut option, bag size versus storage needs, and whether you want squirrels sharing a bird feeder or eating at a separate station. Read on for how all six choices compare and how to match one to your setup.
Get garden gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Wagner’s 13010 is the most balanced starting point in this lineup; it is a general wild-bird blend rather than a squirrel-only feed.
- Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts is the clearest fit for dedicated squirrel feeding, but shell-on nuts create more debris and call for a separate feeding spot.
- Lyric Wild Bird Mix pairs corn, nuts, and sunflower seeds in a 40-pound bag, making capacity and dry storage major parts of the buying decision.
- Kaytee Nut & Fruit and Pennington Shelled Peanuts offer distinct smaller-format options: a mixed seed-and-fruit blend versus a straightforward peanut feed.
- Wagner’s Classic Blend is the compact 6-pound choice, but a smaller bag may need more frequent replacement in a yard with regular squirrel visitors.
| Wagner’s 13010 Wild Bird Food 30-Pound Bag |  | Best for a Large, Mixed Feeding Station | Brand: Wagner’s | Model number: 13010 | Weight: 30 pounds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Seed, 5 lb |  | Best Small-Bag Songbird Blend | Brand: Kaytee | Weight: 5 pounds | Ingredients: Sunflower seeds, peanuts, mixed feed nuts, raisins, cherries, and other seeds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts for Squirrels and Wild Birds, 15 lb |  | Best for Feeding Squirrels Directly | Brand: Trailmark Naturals | Product type: Raw in-shell peanuts | Weight: 15 pounds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Lyric Wild Bird Mix with Corn, Nuts, and Sunflower Seeds, 40 lb |  | Best Large-Format Mixed Seed Blend | Brand: Lyric | Weight: 40 pounds | Form: Granule | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts, 5 Pounds |  | Best Compact Shelled-Peanut Pick | Brand: Pennington | Product type: Wild bird and wildlife feed | Weight: 5 pounds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Wagner’s Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6 lb |  | Best for Flexible Feeder Setups | Brand: Wagner’s | Weight: 6 lb | Ingredients: Millet, milo, cracked corn, sunflower | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| bird seed for squirrel | Brand | Weight | Ingredients | Feeder compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner’s 13010 Wild Bird Food | Wagner’s | 30 pounds | — | Tube, hopper, and platform feeders |
| Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird S | Kaytee | 5 pounds | Sunflower seeds, peanuts, mixed feed nuts, raisins, cherries, and other seeds | — |
| Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shel | Trailmark Naturals | 15 pounds | Raw in-shell peanuts | — |
| Lyric Wild Bird Mix with Corn | Lyric | 40 pounds | Cracked corn, white proso millet, shelled peanuts, safflower seeds, black striped sunflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds | Tube, hopper, tray, and window feeders |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Pea | Pennington | 5 pounds | 100% shelled peanut pieces | — |
| Wagner’s Classic Blend Wild Bi | Wagner’s | 6 lb | Millet, milo, cracked corn, sunflower | Tube, hopper, or platform feeders |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Wagner’s 13010 Wild Bird Food 30-Pound Bag
I’d choose Wagner’s when the goal is to keep a broad mix of songbirds fed while accepting that squirrels may share the feeder. Its sunflower-and-grain blend works in tube, hopper, and platform feeders, giving it wider setup flexibility than Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts, which is a targeted wildlife treat rather than a general bird mix. The 30-pound bag also suits steady feeding better than Kaytee Nut & Fruit’s 5-pound package, though the larger sack takes more storage space and is harder to handle.
The main drawback for a squirrel-focused buyer is that this is not a dedicated squirrel food: the ingredient proportions are not specified, and the blend is designed for songbirds. I’d pick it for a shared feeding area, not for someone trying to direct squirrels toward a separate food source.
Pros:- Designed to attract a variety of songbirds throughout the year
- Suitable for tube, hopper, and platform feeders
- Large 30-pound supply suits frequent feeding
- Includes sunflower and nutritious grains
Cons:- Not formulated specifically for squirrels
- Ingredient proportions are not detailed
- The 30-pound bag can be difficult to lift and store
Best for: Backyard feeders serving several songbird types who want one large bag for tube, hopper, or platform feeders and don’t mind squirrels visiting too.
Not ideal for: People trying to feed squirrels separately from birds, or anyone who needs a lighter bag or a clearly specified ingredient mix.
- Brand:Wagner’s
- Model number:13010
- Weight:30 pounds
- Item form:Granule
- Ingredients described:Sunflower and nutritious grains
- Feeder compatibility:Tube, hopper, and platform feeders
- Container:Bag
Our verdict“Choose Wagner’s for a high-capacity, flexible songbird blend in a yard where squirrels are welcome to share.”
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Seed, 5 lb
Kaytee Nut & Fruit is the more varied, treat-like choice beside Wagner’s 13010, pairing sunflower seeds and nuts with raisins and cherries. That mix is aimed at attracting a range of songbirds, not at making squirrels the main customers, but its nuts may appeal in a shared backyard feeding area. The 5-pound bag is easier to store and handle than the 30-pound Wagner’s sack, making it a sensible trial size for a new feeder or a household that feeds birds occasionally.
There is a tradeoff: the ingredient proportions are not provided, so buyers can’t tell how much of the blend is nuts or fruit. Compared with Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts, Kaytee offers more variety for birds but is less direct as a squirrel food. I’d skip it if the main goal is a bulk supply of a single squirrel-friendly ingredient.
Pros:- Combines sunflower seeds, nuts, raisins, and cherries
- Designed to attract a variety of songbirds
- Compact 5-pound bag is easier to store than Wagner’s 30-pound bag
- Intended for year-round backyard feeding
Cons:- Ingredient proportions are not specified
- Bird-focused blend rather than a dedicated squirrel food
- Small package may need frequent replenishing at busy feeders
Best for: New feeder owners and smaller households who want to try a fruit-and-nut bird blend without storing a large sack.
Not ideal for: People seeking a dedicated squirrel feed, a bulk quantity, or transparent proportions for each ingredient.
- Brand:Kaytee
- Weight:5 pounds
- Ingredients:Sunflower seeds, peanuts, mixed feed nuts, raisins, cherries, and other seeds
- Target species:Wild birds
- Recommended use:Backyard bird feeding
- Container:Bag
- Flavor:Cherry
Our verdict“Pick Kaytee for a manageable-size, varied songbird blend when occasional squirrel visits are welcome.”
Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts for Squirrels and Wild Birds, 15 lb
For buyers who mean “seed for squirrels” literally, Trailmark Naturals is the clearest match in this group: it contains raw, unsalted, in-shell peanuts and is intended for both squirrels and wild birds. The shells make this a more focused wildlife offering than the mixed songbird blends from Wagner’s and Lyric, while the 15-pound bag provides more volume than Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts’ 5-pound package. It also avoids the added ingredients in Kaytee Nut & Fruit.
The tradeoff is selectivity. This is a single-ingredient peanut product, not a varied seed blend for drawing many kinds of birds, and the in-shell format may be less convenient to portion or use in some feeders than Pennington’s shelled pieces. I’d choose it for a dedicated outdoor feeding spot, but not where peanut exposure is a concern.
Pros:- Made from raw, unsalted in-shell peanuts
- Explicitly intended for squirrels and wild birds
- 15-pound supply exceeds Pennington’s 5-pound package
- Peanuts are grown in the USA
Cons:- Single-ingredient feed offers less variety than Lyric or Kaytee
- In-shell peanuts may be less convenient than Pennington’s shelled pieces
- Not suitable for feeding setups that need to avoid peanuts
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts who want a substantial supply of unsalted peanuts to offer squirrels and peanut-eating birds outdoors.
Not ideal for: People seeking a varied songbird seed mix, a compact package, or a feed that avoids peanuts.
- Brand:Trailmark Naturals
- Product type:Raw in-shell peanuts
- Weight:15 pounds
- Ingredients:Raw in-shell peanuts
- Roasted:No
- Salted:No
- Country of origin:USA
- Target animals:Birds and squirrels
Our verdict“Choose Trailmark Naturals when squirrels are a primary audience and you want a bulk, unsalted peanut option.”
Lyric Wild Bird Mix with Corn, Nuts, and Sunflower Seeds, 40 lb
Lyric is the broadest mixed-feed option here for buyers who want to attract many birds while allowing squirrels to share. Its filler-free mix includes cracked corn, millet, peanuts, safflower, and two kinds of sunflower seed, with sunflower making up over 20% of the blend. That ingredient range gives it more variety than Wagner’s 13010, whose exact mix is not detailed, and a larger supply than the other bird blends in this lineup. It also fits tube, hopper, tray, and window feeders.
The 40-pound bag is the catch: it demands storage space and can be cumbersome for a small household. Although the peanuts and corn may suit a shared wildlife feeding area, this remains a bird mix rather than a squirrel-specific product like Trailmark Naturals. Peanut content also rules it out for some yards and households.
Pros:- Lists a range of seeds, cracked corn, and shelled peanuts
- Over 20% sunflower seed content
- Compatible with tube, hopper, tray, and window feeders
- Targets a wide range of wild birds
Cons:- The 40-pound bag requires substantial storage and handling
- Contains peanuts, which may not suit every feeding setup
- Designed as a bird mix, not a squirrel-specific feed
Best for: High-volume backyard feeders who want a clearly listed, varied mix for several feeder styles and accept squirrels sharing the supply.
Not ideal for: Small households with limited storage, or anyone avoiding peanuts or seeking a dedicated squirrel feed.
- Brand:Lyric
- Weight:40 pounds
- Form:Granule
- Ingredients:Cracked corn, white proso millet, shelled peanuts, safflower seeds, black striped sunflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds
- Sunflower seed content:Over 20%
- Feeder compatibility:Tube, hopper, tray, and window feeders
- Target birds:Blue jays, doves, chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches, and wrens
- Allergen information:Contains peanuts; may contain dog allergens
Our verdict“Pick Lyric for a large, varied bird mix when you have room to store it and don’t need to keep squirrels away.”
Pennington Classic Shelled Peanuts, 5 Pounds
Pennington offers a compact way to put peanut pieces out for squirrels and birds without dealing with shells. The 100% shelled peanuts provide a high-energy, protein-rich food, and the product description specifically mentions woodpeckers, blue jays, and ground feeding for squirrels. Compared with Trailmark Naturals’ 15-pound in-shell peanuts, this 5-pound package is easier to store and the pieces are simpler to scatter; Trailmark, in turn, is the better match for buyers who want a larger supply and shells.
Pennington is less versatile than Lyric’s mixed seed blend: it is a single-ingredient feed, not an all-purpose option for a broad range of birds. Shelled pieces also make it especially important to use a feeding area suited to your setup, since this is intended for outdoor wildlife feeding rather than a specified range of feeder types. I’d skip it if peanuts are unsuitable for your yard.
Pros:- Made from 100% shelled peanut pieces
- Provides a high-energy, protein-rich food
- Can be scattered on the ground for squirrels
- Compact 5-pound package is easier to store than Trailmark Naturals’ 15-pound bag
Cons:- Single-ingredient peanuts offer less variety than Lyric’s mix
- Peanuts may not suit all feeding setups
- No specific feeder compatibility is listed
Best for: People with limited storage who want a small supply of shelled peanuts to scatter for squirrels and attract peanut-eating birds.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a varied seed blend, a larger peanut supply, or a feed that avoids peanuts.
- Brand:Pennington
- Product type:Wild bird and wildlife feed
- Weight:5 pounds
- Ingredients:100% shelled peanut pieces
- Form:Nuts
- Diet type:Plant-based
- Target animals:Birds and squirrels
- Recommended use:Outdoor wildlife feeding
Our verdict“Choose Pennington for a compact, shell-free peanut option to scatter for squirrels and peanut-eating birds.”
Wagner’s Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6 lb
Wagner’s Classic Blend earns its place for households that want one year-round blend to use across tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Its mix of millet, milo, cracked corn, and sunflower offers variety for wild birds, while the 6-pound bag is easier to manage than the 30-pound Wagner’s 13010 bag. That smaller size also means less storage commitment, though it will need replacing sooner at a busy feeder.
For a squirrel-focused setup, the corn and sunflower may appeal to squirrels as well as birds, but this is bird food, not a dedicated squirrel ration. Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts are a more direct choice if you want to feed squirrels intentionally. Skip this blend if you need a large supply or want a squirrel-specific food; its main strength is feeder flexibility, not targeted squirrel feeding.
Pros:- Works in tube, hopper, and platform feeders, giving buyers flexibility with existing equipment.
- Year-round blend suited to ongoing feeding rather than a single season.
- Includes sunflower and cracked corn that may attract squirrels alongside wild birds.
- Smaller 6-pound bag is easier to store and handle than Wagner’s 30-pound option.
Cons:- Not formulated specifically for squirrels, unlike Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts.
- The 6-pound quantity may require frequent replenishment at busy feeders.
- Contains millet and milo as well as corn and sunflower, so it may not suit buyers seeking a peanut-focused feed.
Best for: Bird-and-squirrel households with tube, hopper, or platform feeders that want a manageable bag for year-round use.
Not ideal for: People feeding a large yard flock or prioritizing a dedicated squirrel food; the 6-pound bag may run out quickly, and the blend is marketed for wild birds.
- Brand:Wagner’s
- Weight:6 lb
- Ingredients:Millet, milo, cracked corn, sunflower
- Form:Grains
- Feeder compatibility:Tube, hopper, or platform feeders
- Season:All seasons
- Target species:Wild birds
- Container:Bag
Our verdict“Choose this blend if feeder compatibility and a manageable year-round supply matter more than a squirrel-specific formula or bulk quantity.”
How We Picked
I ranked these six products by how clearly they serve the searcher’s goal: feeding squirrels with bird food or a squirrel-friendly alternative. I compared ingredient focus, whether the food is mixed or single-ingredient, package size, and the practical effects of shells, variety, and storage. A product can attract squirrels without being designed specifically for them, so I distinguish general bird blends from peanut-forward options rather than treating them as interchangeable.
The order favors versatility and ease of choosing for an everyday yard, then gives dedicated squirrel foods and larger formats their place for more specific needs. Bag size alone does not make a product a better buy: a large sack only makes sense if it stays dry, can be stored safely, and will be used at a reasonable pace. I also weighed how much sorting, cleanup, and feeder planning each option may require, since those tasks can matter as much as the ingredient list.
| bird seed for squirrel | Brand | Feeder compatibility | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner’s 13010 Wild Bird Food | Wagner’s | Tube, hopper, and platform feeders | — |
| Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird S | Kaytee | — | — |
| Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shel | Trailmark Naturals | — | — |
| Lyric Wild Bird Mix with Corn | Lyric | Tube, hopper, tray, and window feeders | Granule |
| Pennington Classic Shelled Pea | Pennington | — | Nuts |
| Wagner’s Classic Blend Wild Bi | Wagner’s | Tube, hopper, or platform feeders | Grains |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Bird Seed For Squirrels
The right choice depends less on a promise to attract squirrels and more on how you plan to feed them. I would decide where the food will go, how much you can store, and whether you want one food source shared with birds before choosing a blend or peanuts.
Choose Between a Mixed Blend and a Focused Food
Mixed blends combine ingredients, which can make them convenient when you want one bag for a varied backyard feeding setup. A peanut-focused product is a more direct choice when squirrels are the main audience, but it offers less variety for birds that prefer other seeds. Squirrels may pick out preferred pieces from a blend and leave less appealing ingredients behind, creating waste around the feeder. That does not mean every blend will be rejected; local wildlife and what else is available affect what gets eaten. If leftovers accumulate, try a smaller amount before switching to a different food. Choose based on what you want to attract and how much cleanup you are willing to handle.
Plan for Shells, Spillage, and Cleanup
In-shell peanuts offer squirrels a food they can handle and work on, but the shells remain after feeding. Shelled peanuts avoid that particular mess, though loose pieces can still scatter and should not be left to collect. Seed blends can also be messy when animals sort through them or knock food from a feeder. Before buying, decide whether your feeding spot is over soil, lawn, a patio, or a walkway, since the same amount of debris will feel different in each place. A catch tray or a dedicated ground-feeding area can make cleanup easier, but it does not remove the need to monitor leftovers. For a neat patio setup, the least messy option may matter more than the biggest bag.
Match Bag Size to Your Feeding Pace and Storage
Large bags can reduce how often you restock, but they only help when you have a cool, dry place to keep them. Seed and nuts exposed to moisture can spoil, while an open bag may attract pests or lose freshness. Smaller packages are easier to handle and can be useful while you learn how quickly squirrels visit, though frequent restocking may be inconvenient. Estimate your household’s use over a few weeks rather than assuming wildlife will consume a large supply quickly. Keep food in a sealed container and check it for dampness, clumping, or unusual odors before filling a feeder. A manageable bag that stays fresh can be a better fit than a larger one that sits unused.
Decide Whether Squirrels Should Share Bird Feeders
Putting squirrel-friendly food in a bird feeder can lead to more competition, spilled seed, and visits that interrupt birds. If your main goal is to feed both groups, a separate squirrel station can help direct their attention away from bird feeders. Placement matters: choose a spot with room for squirrels to approach and clean up, but avoid putting food where it can create a nuisance for neighbors or attract unwanted animals. A dedicated station also makes it easier to control portions and see how much food is being eaten. If you want to discourage squirrels from taking bird food, feeding them nearby may not solve the problem; it can attract more squirrels to the yard. Pick a setup that reflects whether sharing or separation is your priority.
Consider Ingredient Variety and Leftover Food
A blend with several ingredients can serve more than one kind of visitor, but variety does not guarantee every component will be eaten. When animals sort through a mix, the unwanted pieces may build up below the feeder and need regular removal. A focused food can make consumption easier to track, though it may not suit a yard where you want to offer birds multiple options. Watch what disappears and what remains after filling the feeder, then adjust the amount rather than continually adding more. Avoid leaving piles of stale or damp food out in an effort to attract wildlife. The best fit is often the food that gets eaten consistently with the least leftover waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy bird seed or peanuts if squirrels are my main target?
If squirrels are the main audience, peanuts are the more direct choice in this lineup, particularly the Trailmark Naturals in-shell option or Pennington’s shelled peanuts. A mixed bird food may still attract squirrels, but they can sort through it and leave ingredients behind. Choose in-shell peanuts if shell handling and debris are acceptable; choose shelled peanuts if you prefer to avoid shells. If you also want to feed birds, a blend may be more useful as a shared food. Your feeding location and tolerance for cleanup should guide the final choice.
Will feeding squirrels keep them away from my bird feeder?
Not necessarily. A separate food station may give squirrels another place to feed, but it does not guarantee they will stop visiting a bird feeder. Adding food can also increase squirrel activity in the yard, so placement and portion control matter. If protecting bird food is the priority, use a squirrel-resistant feeder and keep the squirrel feeding area apart from it. Monitor whether the arrangement changes feeder visits before committing to large quantities. If it creates more activity or mess than you want, adjust or stop the separate feeding setup.
Is a 40-pound bag a sensible choice for a small yard?
A large bag is most useful when you feed regularly and have dry, secure storage with enough room to keep the food sealed. In a small yard or for occasional feeding, a smaller package can help you avoid storing food longer than needed. Squirrel visits may vary, so a large bag can outlast your expected feeding pace. Check the food regularly for moisture, clumping, or unusual odors, and do not keep using food that appears spoiled. If you are unsure how much your yard will use, begin with a smaller quantity and track consumption.
Are shelled peanuts or in-shell peanuts better for a tidy feeding area?
Shelled peanuts avoid the shell litter created by in-shell nuts, so they may suit a spot where visible debris is a concern. They can still scatter, and loose food should be cleared rather than left to collect. In-shell peanuts leave shells behind but give squirrels something to handle while feeding. The cleaner option depends on where you place the food: shells on soil may be less bothersome than scattered pieces on a patio or path. A tray or designated feeding area can help with either format, though routine cleanup still matters.
Can I use one blend for squirrels and birds, or should I buy separate foods?
A general wild-bird blend can attract squirrels as well as birds, making one bag convenient when you are comfortable with both groups sharing. The tradeoff is that squirrels may take over a feeder or sort out preferred ingredients, leaving more waste. Separate foods let you put squirrel-friendly options at a dedicated station and keep bird food where birds can reach it more easily. This may take more setup and storage, but it gives you better control over where each group feeds. Start with one setup if simplicity matters, then separate the stations if competition or mess becomes a problem.
Conclusion
For most yards, I recommend Wagner’s 13010 as the best overall because it offers a general-purpose starting point without requiring a dedicated peanut setup. For a focused squirrel-feeding option, choose Trailmark Naturals Raw In-Shell Peanuts; for a large, varied supply, Lyric Wild Bird Mix is the best premium-style pick when you have suitable storage and expect steady use. Kaytee Nut & Fruit is my beginner-friendly choice for someone who wants a mixed food in a smaller bag, while Pennington Shelled Peanuts fit buyers who want a straightforward peanut option without shells. If you want to try squirrel feeding with a compact quantity, Wagner’s Classic Blend is the small-bag option, though it is a general bird food rather than a squirrel-specific product. Match the food to your feeding location, cleanup tolerance, and storage space, and start with an amount you can use while it is fresh.
Fall yard work Picks
EGO POWER+ LB5302 Cordless Electric Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah Battery
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
