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The information on this page is provided as an introduction to feeding your sugar glider. Opinions vary as to percentages and restrictions, so check with your sugar glider-knowledgeable veterinarian before changing your sugar glider's eating regimen. Check out the Food and Supplements department in our online catalog for dried foods and nectars that you can use to help keep your sugar glider healthy and well nourished.
Nutritional Balance: Sugar gliders need about 25%-35% protein in their diet. Youngsters and pregnant females require more. A safe balance is a 40/30/30 diet. That is: 40% fruit, 30% vegetables, 30% protein. Please note: some owners offer 40/40/20, 40/20/40, 30/30/40, etc. depending upon their sugar glider's needs and vet's instructions. Most health problems can be prevented by a well balanced and nutritional diet. So be sure to keep a healthy balance. Include enough vitamins, minerals, calcium, and protein in pet's diet to keep your sugar glider healthy and active.
Protein: There are several staples that your glider must get in his/her daily diet. Protein is a biggie! Sources of high protein -- crickets, meal worms, waxworms, etc. -- are not always available. So, in a pinch, try boiled eggs, dry cat food, hi-protein cereal, chicken, legumes, and baby food meats. Look for substitutes that contain natural fruit sugars only. And of course, no preservatives or extra sodium.
Calcium: Although it is still somewhat debatable, most sugar gliders are probably lactose intolerant. As such, you will want to avoid (or at least limit) dairy foods. You can meet their calcium needs by calcium-loading crickets and mealworms. (We've got some freeze-dried and ready to ship). If, however, you don't feed crickets and mealworms to your sugar glider, then sprinkle a calcium supplement on their food. If your glider tolerates dairy, then you may want to offer (on special occasions) plain yogurt with a tiny bit of honey mixed in.
Cost-Effective Carbohydrates: Feeding your glider doesn't have to be expensive. Good sources of carbohydrates include cooked pastas, whole wheat toast, and unsalted crackers -- all of which can be purchased for pennies. Although fresh fruits and vegetables are a mainstay of the sugar glider diet, frozen fruits and veggies can be added too. For convenience, you may want to use applesauce and baby foods that you purchase from the grocer. But avoid refined sugars and preservatives. In essence, if you can't provide an all-natural diet, be sure you read packaging labels!
Variety: Provide a variety of foods -- 5 or 6 items at each meal. A handful of food items each day gives your sugar glider enough variety to prevent boredom. And it makes mealtime a lot more fun. But don't overdo it! Gliders can be picky eaters at times, so try to avoid the extra expense of wasted food. Beware that if you provide only favorites, the glider may not get a well balanced meal. For instance, if your glider LOVES corn and you provide corn at every meal, consequently you may find that your sugar glider isn't eating enough protein. Foods like corn, high in starch, can lead to weight gain. So can foods that are high in fats -- peanuts and sunflower seeds, for instance. Since obesity can lead to long term damage to your glider's health, you always want to be aware of what he/she is consuming in any given day.
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