Should You Feed Raccoons?
Before diving into what's safe or unsafe, it's worth addressing the central question: should you feed wild raccoons at all? Most wildlife biologists and animal welfare organizations advise against intentional feeding for several important reasons:
- It habituates raccoons to humans, reducing their natural wariness and making them more likely to enter homes or become aggressive when food expectations aren't met.
- It can concentrate raccoons unnaturally, increasing disease transmission between individuals.
- It may be illegal in your municipality — many cities and counties prohibit feeding wildlife.
- It creates dependency and disrupts natural foraging behaviors.
That said, understanding what raccoons can and cannot safely eat is valuable for anyone who interacts with them — whether you're a wildlife rehabilitator, a homeowner trying to understand what raccoons are after, or simply curious.
Foods That Are Safe for Raccoons
These are foods raccoons consume naturally and tolerate well:
- Fruits: Apples (no seeds), bananas, grapes, berries, watermelon, peaches
- Vegetables: Sweet corn, peas, sweet potato, squash, leafy greens
- Protein sources: Cooked chicken (plain, no seasoning), hard-boiled eggs, canned tuna in water
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts (unsalted)
- Aquatic foods: Small pieces of fish, shrimp (plain)
Note: Even safe foods should be offered in small quantities and without added salt, sugar, or seasoning.
Foods That Are Harmful or Toxic to Raccoons
| Food | Why It's Harmful |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine, which is toxic to many mammals |
| Onions & Garlic | Can cause hemolytic anemia |
| Macadamia nuts | Known to cause neurological symptoms in animals |
| Raisins & Grapes (in large amounts) | Associated with kidney damage in some animals |
| Processed/junk food | High salt and sugar content damages kidneys and teeth over time |
| Bread & Pasta | Not toxic but nutritionally poor; leads to malnutrition if relied upon |
| Avocado | Contains persin, which can be toxic |
| Caffeinated drinks | Stimulants are dangerous to small mammals |
| Alcohol | Dangerous and potentially fatal even in small amounts |
| Raw meat | Risk of bacterial contamination (salmonella, etc.) |
The Problem with Bread and "Filler" Foods
One of the most common things people toss to raccoons is bread, crackers, or chips. While these aren't immediately toxic, they're nutritionally empty and can become a problem food if raccoons learn to rely on them. A raccoon filling up on bread near your back door is a raccoon that may grow nutritionally deficient and increasingly bold around humans.
Protecting Your Property from Raccoon Feeding
If you're not trying to feed raccoons but they're helping themselves anyway, here's how to discourage access:
- Use wildlife-proof garbage cans with locking lids.
- Store bird seed in sealed metal containers; use raccoon-proof feeders.
- Remove outdoor pet food bowls at night.
- Pick up fallen fruit regularly.
- Secure compost bins with a latching lid.
Raccoons are intelligent animals and will remember and return to reliable food sources. The best long-term strategy is to eliminate those sources from your property entirely.