Sugar Glider Diet
In the wild, sugar gliders subsist on a diet of insects, nectar, and fruit. However, captive sugar gliders require a more specialized diet to stay healthy and thrive.
One important component of a sugar glider’s diet is calcium. Sugar gliders are susceptible to a condition called metabolic bone disease, which can be caused by a lack of calcium in their diet. A good way to ensure that your sugar glider gets enough calcium is to feed them a diet that includes insectivore diet pellets. These pellets are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of sugar gliders and other small pets.
Another important part of a sugar glider’s diet is vitamin C. Sugar gliders are unable to synthesize their own vitamin C, so they must get it from their diet. A lack of vitamin C can lead to health problems such as malnutrition and it can even escalate into scurvy. A good way to provide your sugar glider with vitamin C is to feed them fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in this nutrient. Some good choices include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and kale.
If you are interested in giving your sugar glider a more natural diet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, sugar gliders are insectivores, so their diet should be high in protein. You can provide them with insects by feeding them live mealworms or crickets. You can also purchase prepared insectivore diets at your local pet store.
Second, sugar gliders are nectarivores, so their diet should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nectar-rich foods such as mango, papaya, and nectarines are good choices. You can also add honey to their diet for an extra sweet treat.
Third, sugar gliders are frugivores, so their diet should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some good choices for fruits and vegetables include apples, bananas, grapes, and melons.
By following these guidelines, you can provide your sugar glider with a diet that is both nutritious and delicious!
The No-No List
- Leeks
- Garlic
- Onions
- Brussel sprouts
- Turnips
- Avocado
- Birdseed
- Fruit pits
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Sugar / Candy
- Any dairy besides yogurt – they are generally lactose intolerant
Ready Food (Store-Bought)
For owners with limited time, there is ready-made food to buy, that is very convenient and will help save you some time. The highly recommended Happy Glider Fruity Formula and Vitakraft Vita Smart Sugar Glider Food – High-Protein Blend – Nutrient-Fortified With Essential Vitamins and Minerals (by themselves) are balanced. However, the recommendation is to also include variety in the diet, by mixing in a blend of chopped fresh fruits and veggies, a fresh protein likes worms, chicken meat (boiled in water without any seasoning) or peeled harboilded eggs (cooked without salt).
It is also recommended to always give a vitamin and calcium supplement as well. Calcium is the most critical mineral, and vitamins are needed to facilitate absorption of the calcium. The Blueberry Fortifier is a great single-source vitamin, calcium, mineral supplement that tastes great.
Alternatively, you can use the ones that are added on top of the food like Rep-Cal’s HERPTIVITE Multivitamin for reptiles and Rep-Cal’s amphibians and Phosphorous-Free Calcium Ultrafine Powder Reptile/Amphibian Supplement with Vitamin D3.
