Raccoons can make unique and entertaining pets, but it's important to be aware of their dietary needs to keep them healthy and happy.

What to Feed Raccoons as Pets

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of a raccoon's diet. Some good choices include:

Apples

Berries

Bananas

Cantaloupe

Carrots

Celery

Corn

Grapes

Lettuce

Mangoes

Peaches

Pineapple

Pumpkins

Sweet potatoes

Watermelons

Protein

Raccoons also need protein in their diet. Good sources of protein for raccoons include:

Chicken

Fish

Eggs

Insects

Lean beef

Pork

Turkey

Commercial Raccoon Food

There are also several commercial raccoon foods available. These foods are typically formulated to provide raccoons with all the nutrients they need. However, it's important to read the label carefully before choosing a commercial raccoon food to ensure that it is a complete and balanced diet.

Foods to Avoid

There are some foods that should never be fed to raccoons, including:

Avocado

Chocolate

Coffee

Garlic

Grapes

Macadamia nuts

Mushrooms

Onions

Raisins

Rhubarb

Salt

Sugar

Xylitol

How Much to Feed a Raccoon

The amount of food you should feed your raccoon will depend on its size and activity level. A general rule of thumb is to feed your raccoon about 10% of its body weight each day. So, if your raccoon weighs 10 pounds, you should feed it about 1 pound of food per day.

How Often to Feed a Raccoon

Raccoons should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. It's important to feed your raccoon at the same time each day so that it can develop a regular feeding schedule.

Tips for Feeding a Raccoon

Here are a few tips for feeding a raccoon:

1. Raccoons are omnivores, so they need a variety of foods in their diet.

2. Offer your raccoon a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein, and commercial raccoon food.

3. Avoid feeding your raccoon foods that are toxic to raccoons.

4. Feed your raccoon about 10% of its body weight each day.

5. Feed your raccoon twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your raccoon gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and happy.