Quick answers
Foxes are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Some safe foods to leave out for foxes include:
- Fruits like apples, berries, and melons
- Vegetables like corn, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Meat scraps like chicken, eggs, fish, and suet
- Dry dog or cat food
- Peanuts and other unsalted nuts
Avoid anything spicy, salty, or sugary. Also do not give foxes chocolate, onions, avocado, or grapes as these can be toxic.
Why should I feed foxes?
Here are some reasons you may want to leave food out for foxes:
- Supplement their diet – Especially in urban areas, foxes can struggle to find natural food sources
- Deter them from other food sources – Leaving appropriate foods may stop foxes from getting into trash or pet food
- Enjoy wildlife – Seeing foxes come to eat can be a fun nature experience for many people
- Give back – As human development encroaches on fox habitats, providing food can help fox populations thrive
However, it’s important not to overfeed foxes or make them reliant on human food sources. Only put out small amounts of food intermittently.
When and where should I put out fox food?
Some tips on timing and placement of food for foxes:
- Evening – Foxes are mostly nocturnal, so put food out at dusk when they wake up to hunt
- Secluded area – Place away from pets, children, roads, etc. Foxes prefer quiet, undisturbed areas
- Elevated – Use a platform or box to keep food off the ground and free of ants
- Change location – Vary placement so foxes don’t become territorial over a single spot
- Avoid pet food – Don’t place near pet bowls, as foxes may get conditioned to approach pets for food
It’s best to start with small amounts of food and monitor to see if and when foxes take the bait. You can then adjust timing and placement accordingly.
What foods should I not give foxes?
Do not feed foxes:
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Avocados
- Grapes or raisins
- Processed human foods like cookies, chips, etc.
- Anything spoiled or moldy
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Dairy products
- Citrus fruits
- Raw eggs
- Alcohol
- Salt
These items can make foxes very sick. Even if they eat the food, it can be harmful to their health and digestion. Stick to simple fruits, vegetables, proteins, and nuts. Avoid anything artificial, greasy, or high in sugars, salt, acid, or fat.
What are the best fruits and vegetables for foxes?
Some of the top fruits and veggies to feed foxes include:
Fruits | Vegetables |
---|---|
Apples | Carrots |
Bananas | Sweet potatoes |
Berries | Broccoli |
Melons | Peas |
Mangoes | Corn |
Focus on in-season produce when possible. Make sure fruits and veggies are ripe – not under or overripe. Good sanitation is also important when handling produce to avoid contamination. Cut into small pieces to make it easier for foxes to eat.
What proteins can I offer foxes?
Good protein options include:
- Cooked chicken or turkey – Shredded or diced into small bites
- Hard-boiled eggs – Sliced or quartered without the shell
- Canned fish like mackerel, sardines, or salmon – Fork shredded or flaked
- Beef, venison, liver or kidney – Thin slices or crumbles
- Insects – Crickets, mealworms, or other insect-based pet foods
- Unsalted nuts like walnuts, peanuts, almonds
Avoid cooked bones as they can splinter. Make sure meats are fresh and safely handled/stored to prevent illness. Rotating different protein sources will give foxes variety.
What about dry pet food?
Dry dog or cat kibble can work for foxes. Look for foods with:
- 25-30% minimum protein
- 15-20% fat
- Low carbohydrates
- Real meat as first ingredient
- No artificial colors/flavors/preservatives
Stick to reputable brands recommended for wild canids like foxes, coyotes, or wolves. Foods formulated for all life stages are best. Limit amounts to reduce choking risk and dietary issues.
What foods attract foxes best?
Foxes have a great sense of smell, so pungent smells help attract them. Top food attractants include:
- Fish – Mackerel, sardines, salmon
- Meat scraps – Fatty raw trimmings, suet, offal
- Eggs – Hard-boiled or scrambled
- Cheese – Small amounts of mild, soft cheese
- Fruit – Berries, melons, apples
You can also use commercial fox bait or fox urine/gland lures. But food attractants are easiest for the average person to acquire and use responsibly.
What should I avoid feeding foxes?
Do not feed foxes:
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Pasta
- Bread
- Marshmallows
- Seasoned meats
Basically any human junk food or processed items. Also avoid dairy, citrus fruits, grapes, raisins, avocado, onion, raw potatoes, or anything spoiled/contaminated. These can make foxes very sick.
What amounts of food are safe for foxes?
When first starting, only put out small amounts of food for foxes:
- Fruit/veggies – 1-2 cups total per feeding
- Meat/eggs – 1/2 pound or less
- Dry food – 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Nuts – Handful or less
Gradually increase amounts if foxes eat the food consistently. Scatter food loosely rather than piling it to prevent gorging. Remove uneaten food after 1-2 days. Avoid leaving out more than foxes will realistically eat in a single night. Monitor their health and adjustment to any dietary changes.
How often and long should I feed foxes?
When starting, only put food out 1-2 times per week. If foxes start regularly taking the food, you can increase to every other day or daily. But avoid feeding them constantly or in excess. Here are some general guidelines:
- Feed in evening when foxes are active
- Put out new food each time rather than leaving it
- Remove uneaten food within 48 hours
- Clean feeding area to prevent contamination
- Stop feeding for a couple weeks periodically
- Adjust amounts and timing based on consumption
- Avoid feeding from December to February when vixens have fox cubs
The goal is to provide a supplemental food source without disrupting natural fox behaviors or territory. So keep feedings sporadic and limited based on local fox activity.
What methods keep fox food clean and safe?
To safely feed foxes:
- Use elevated food platforms or bowls
- Choose secluded feeding areas away from pets and roads
- Put out food in evening once foxes are active
- Pick ripe, fresh, human-grade foods only
- Wash produce before preparing
- Handle meat/eggs with gloves and utensils
- Defrost frozen items in refrigerator overnight
- Cut foods into bite-size pieces for foxes
- Change gloves/utensils between ingredients
- Remove uneaten food within 48 hours
proper sanitation is crucial. Avoid plastic containers, which can trap bacteria. Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls are best. Wash and sanitize all bowls/utensils after each use.
Conclusion
Feeding wild foxes can be done safely and responsibly with some precautions. The key is providing supplemental foods foxes naturally eat without overfeeding or disrupting their normal habits. With the right foods, timing, placement, and sanitation, leaving food out can benefit urban foxes and let you enjoy wildlife up close. Monitor the foxes in your area and adjust as needed to ensure healthy fox populations.