Possums, those nocturnal marsupials often seen scurrying around our backyards, can be fascinating creatures. While it might be tempting to offer them a snack, it’s crucial to understand that not all human food is safe for possums. In fact, some common items can be downright harmful, leading to health problems or even death. This article provides a comprehensive guide to what you should never feed a possum, ensuring their well-being and the ecological balance of your neighborhood.
Understanding Possum Diets and Nutritional Needs
Before diving into the list of forbidden foods, it’s helpful to understand what possums naturally eat and what their bodies need to thrive. Possums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, from insects and fruits to small rodents and carrion.
Their natural diet includes:
- Insects (grasshoppers, crickets, beetles)
- Snails and slugs
- Fruits and berries (wild berries, apples, persimmons)
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs (bird and reptile)
- Small rodents (mice, voles)
- Carrion (dead animals)
- Frogs and snakes
They play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, cleaning up carrion, and even eating ticks. Supplementing their diet with inappropriate food can disrupt this natural balance and negatively impact their health.
Harmful Foods: What to Absolutely Avoid Feeding Possums
Many common human foods can cause serious health problems for possums. These foods often lack the necessary nutrients and can even be toxic. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding possums anything that isn’t explicitly known to be safe.
Dairy Products: A Recipe for Digestive Disaster
Possums are generally lactose intolerant. This means they lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
Feeding possums dairy products like milk, cheese, or yogurt can lead to:
- Diarrhea: This can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Vomiting: Another sign of digestive upset.
- Abdominal pain: Indicating discomfort and inflammation.
- Nutrient malabsorption: Interfering with their ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from their natural food sources.
Therefore, dairy products should always be avoided. While a tiny amount might not be immediately fatal, repeated exposure can lead to chronic digestive issues and weaken their immune system.
Processed Foods: Empty Calories and Toxic Ingredients
Processed foods, like bread, cookies, chips, and sugary cereals, offer little to no nutritional value to possums. These foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to:
- Obesity: Excess weight can lead to joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Dental problems: Sugar promotes tooth decay.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Filling up on processed foods leaves less room for nutrient-rich natural foods.
- Organ damage: High levels of salt and fat can strain the kidneys and liver.
Furthermore, many processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives that can be toxic to possums. Chocolate, in particular, contains theobromine, which is poisonous to many animals, including possums.
It’s best to avoid feeding possums any type of processed food. Stick to their natural diet whenever possible.
Dog and Cat Food: Imbalanced Nutrition and Potential Toxins
While dog and cat food might seem like a convenient source of protein and calories, it is not a suitable food for possums.
Here’s why:
- Nutritional imbalances: Dog and cat food is formulated to meet the specific needs of those animals, not possums. It may contain excessive amounts of certain nutrients and deficiencies in others.
- Potential toxins: Some pet foods contain ingredients that can be harmful to possums, such as certain preservatives or artificial colors.
- Risk of disease transmission: Sharing food with domestic animals can expose possums to diseases they may not be resistant to.
- Unhealthy fats: Certain fats can be particularly unhealthy for possums.
Never offer dog or cat food to a possum. It’s best to stick to their natural diet or provide them with safe and appropriate food options.
Avocados: A Surprisingly Toxic Treat
Avocados are a popular and nutritious food for humans, but they contain a compound called persin, which is toxic to many animals, including possums, birds, rabbits, horses, and livestock.
Persin is found in the leaves, bark, seed, and fruit of the avocado plant. While the toxicity level varies depending on the animal and the amount consumed, it’s best to avoid avocados altogether.
Symptoms of persin toxicity in animals can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid accumulation around the heart
- Even death
Therefore, it is imperative to keep avocados away from possums.
Onions and Garlic: Common Kitchen Ingredients, Serious Health Risks
Onions and garlic, common ingredients in many human dishes, contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in animals, including possums.
These compounds, called thiosulphates, can cause:
- Anemia: A deficiency of red blood cells.
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing
Even small amounts of onions and garlic can be harmful, so it’s essential to keep them away from possums. This includes raw onions and garlic, cooked onions and garlic, and onion and garlic powder.
Bones: Choking Hazards and Internal Damage
While possums may occasionally scavenge on carrion, offering them cooked bones is a bad idea. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter easily, posing a serious choking hazard.
Splintered bones can also cause:
- Internal punctures: Damaging the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
- Obstructions: Blocking the digestive tract.
- Constipation: Making it difficult or impossible to pass stool.
- Peritonitis: An infection of the abdominal lining.
It’s best to avoid feeding possums bones of any kind.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Dangerous Stimulants
Alcohol and caffeine are both stimulants that can have serious health consequences for possums. Their smaller size and different physiology make them more sensitive to these substances than humans.
Alcohol can cause:
- Intoxication: Leading to loss of coordination and impaired judgment.
- Liver damage: Because possums lack the capability to efficiently process it.
- Respiratory depression: Slowing down or stopping breathing.
- Death
Caffeine can cause:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Leading to anxiety and restlessness.
- Seizures: In severe cases.
- Cardiac arrest: In extreme cases.
Never give possums alcohol or caffeine. Even small amounts can be fatal.
Certain Nuts and Seeds: Potential Choking Hazards and Cyanide Concerns
While possums do eat nuts and seeds in the wild, some types can be harmful.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Large nuts: Whole nuts like walnuts or almonds can be choking hazards, especially for young possums.
- Seeds from certain fruits: Apple seeds, cherry pits, and apricot pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous.
- Processed nuts: Salted or seasoned nuts can be high in sodium and other additives that are harmful to possums.
If you choose to offer nuts or seeds, make sure they are small, unsalted, and free from any shells or pits. Better options include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped nuts.
Safe Foods for Possums: What You CAN Offer (in Moderation)
While it’s best to let possums forage for their natural food, there are some safe food options you can offer in moderation if you feel compelled to supplement their diet.
Safe options include:
- Fruits: Berries, apples (without seeds), melon, grapes.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, corn, peas, carrots.
- Cooked eggs: A good source of protein.
- Small amounts of unsalted nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts.
- Mealworms: A good source of protein.
Important Considerations:
- Moderation is key: Don’t overfeed possums. Too much supplemental food can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and lead to nutritional imbalances.
- Freshness matters: Always offer fresh, clean food. Avoid spoiled or moldy food, as it can make possums sick.
- Water is essential: Always provide a source of fresh, clean water, especially during hot weather.
- Avoid dependency: Do not make them reliant on your food offerings, especially if you live in a place where you might not be available to feed them consistently.
Why You Should Reconsider Feeding Possums at All
While offering a small amount of safe food might seem harmless, there are several reasons why it’s best to avoid feeding possums altogether.
- Dependency: Feeding possums can make them dependent on humans for food, reducing their natural foraging abilities.
- Nuisance behavior: Regular feeding can attract possums to your property, leading to nuisance behavior like raiding garbage cans or damaging gardens.
- Overpopulation: An easy food source can lead to overpopulation, increasing competition for resources and spreading diseases.
- Altered behavior: Feeding can make possums less fearful of humans, which can be dangerous for both humans and possums.
- Ecological imbalance: Interfering with their natural diet can disrupt the ecosystem and have unintended consequences.
Ultimately, the best way to help possums is to leave them alone and allow them to forage for their natural food. If you are concerned about a possum’s health or welfare, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
Protecting Possums: A Few Extra Tips
In addition to avoiding harmful foods, here are a few other ways you can help protect possums:
- Secure your garbage cans: Use tight-fitting lids to prevent possums from getting into your garbage.
- Keep pet food indoors: Don’t leave pet food outside, as it can attract possums.
- Trim tree branches: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent possums from gaining access to your attic.
- Provide a safe habitat: Leave some areas of your yard wild and natural to provide possums with a place to hide and forage.
- Drive carefully: Possums are often hit by cars at night. Drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings.
- Support wildlife rehabilitation centers: These centers provide care for injured and orphaned possums.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the well-being of possums and maintain a healthy ecosystem in your community. Remember, observing and appreciating these fascinating creatures from a distance is often the best approach.
What types of bread should I avoid giving to possums?
While a small piece of plain, whole-wheat bread might seem harmless, bread generally offers very little nutritional value to possums. Avoid offering white bread, processed breads, or bread high in sugar, salt, or preservatives. These can disrupt their natural diet and digestive system, leading to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Moreover, moldy bread is extremely dangerous and can cause serious illness or even death.
Instead of bread, focus on providing natural foods that mimic their wild diet. Small amounts of unsalted nuts, seeds, or fruits like berries and apples are much better options. Remember, the goal is to supplement their natural foraging, not replace it with processed human food that lacks essential nutrients. Always prioritize their well-being and stick to a healthy and balanced diet.
Are dairy products safe for possums to consume?
Generally, dairy products are not recommended for possums. Possums are often lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme necessary to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Feeding them dairy can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort. These symptoms can weaken the animal and make it more susceptible to disease.
While small amounts of plain yogurt might occasionally be tolerated by some adult possums, it’s best to avoid dairy altogether. There are much safer and more nutritious alternatives you can offer. Focus on providing foods naturally suited to their diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and insects, which will provide them with the necessary nutrients without causing digestive distress.
Can I feed my pet possum cat or dog food?
Although it might seem like a convenient option, cat and dog food are generally not suitable for possums. These foods are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of domestic carnivores and contain ingredients that are not ideal for a possum’s omnivorous diet. The protein and fat content may be too high, and the carbohydrate sources might not be easily digestible.
Long-term consumption of cat or dog food can lead to nutritional imbalances and health problems in possums. It’s crucial to research and provide a diet that closely mimics what they would eat in the wild. A diet rich in insects, fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of nuts and seeds is far more appropriate and will support their overall health and well-being. Consult with a veterinarian or wildlife expert for specific dietary recommendations.
Are onions, garlic, or other alliums toxic to possums?
Yes, onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (such as chives and leeks) are considered toxic to possums. These vegetables contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially to young or vulnerable individuals. It’s essential to completely avoid feeding possums any food containing these ingredients.
Always check ingredient lists carefully when offering prepared foods, and be cautious about leaving out scraps from your own meals. Ensure that your garden is protected from possums if you are growing alliums. Focus on providing safe and nutritious alternatives, such as berries, melons, and leafy greens, to support their health without risking toxicity.
What about chocolate or sugary sweets?
Chocolate and sugary sweets are extremely harmful to possums, just as they are to many other animals. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound toxic to many species, including possums. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems, such as seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Sugary sweets, in general, offer no nutritional value and can lead to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes.
It is absolutely crucial to keep chocolate and sugary treats away from possums. They may be attracted to the sweetness, but the consequences can be devastating. Instead of offering these dangerous foods, focus on providing natural, healthy alternatives like small pieces of fruit or unsalted nuts. Remember, their health and well-being depend on responsible feeding practices.
Can possums eat avocado safely?
While avocados are generally considered healthy for humans, they contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be harmful to some animals, including possums. The level of toxicity varies depending on the variety of avocado, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding it to them altogether. Persin can cause gastrointestinal upset, breathing difficulties, and even heart problems.
There are plenty of safer and more nutritious food options available for possums. Fruits like berries and melons, vegetables like leafy greens and carrots, and small amounts of unsalted nuts and seeds are much better choices. Prioritizing their health means avoiding potentially toxic foods and sticking to a diet that supports their overall well-being and natural foraging habits.
Is it safe to give possums cooked bones?
No, cooked bones are not safe for possums to consume. Cooking bones makes them brittle and prone to splintering. These splinters can cause serious damage to the possum’s digestive tract, leading to internal injuries, perforations, and potentially life-threatening complications. Avoid giving them any type of cooked bone, regardless of size.
Raw bones also pose a risk of bacterial contamination. While possums may occasionally scavenge for bones in the wild, it’s best to avoid offering them altogether in a supplemental feeding context. Focus on providing a balanced diet of safe and nutritious foods that mimic their natural diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and insects. Prioritizing their safety means eliminating potential hazards like cooked bones.