Viewers took to Twitter to discuss the moment Ben Shephard tried the rodent for the first time, while sat alongside director of PETA UK, Elisa Allen.
Some said they were “disgusted” by the discussion, which saw Dave and Rosie Barham defend the activity after recently hitting the headlines.
As well as allowing their son to hunt squirrels, the couple then cook them and feed the finished dish to their family.
Ben, 42, went on to try some squirrel pâté, telling co-star Amanda Holden: “It’s got a bit of chicken liver in it too… it’s quite a delicate flavour, isn’t it?
“It’s not strong. I thought it might be a bit stronger, like rabbit or pigeon. It’s quite a sweet meat, it’s very pâté-y…”
However, some slammed Ben for indulging, with one user tweeting: “Aw @benshephard so disappointed to see you eat squirrel #ThisMorning.”
Someone else agreed: “#ThisMorning #insulting #vegans #eating #squirrel #pate #live in front of a vegan, #apparently this is #hilarious #not #classy #not #funny.”(sic)
Others saw the funny side, given his company, writing: “@benshephard eating squirrel right in front of the wife from @peta #nof***sgiven #thismorning.”
And: “Oh my god, Ben eating the squirrel pâté in front of the PETA lady. Her face was priceless #ThisMorning.”
Many blasted the couple, adding: “@thismorning actually disgusted by this! Hunting squirrels is sick #ThisMorning.”
A second post read: “Animal lover? Compassionate? No, a hypocrite!!! Leave our wildlife alone #thismorning.”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.
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