Sugar Gliders: Feeding

What do sugar gliders eat in the wild?

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are native to Australia and New Guinea. Sugar gliders are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food items, depending on what is available. 

In the wild, they eat the sap and gum of the eucalyptus and acacia tree, plus pollen, nectar, manna (sugar deposited by the sap oozing from tree wounds), honeydew (sugar secreted by sap-sucking insects), and a wide variety of insects and spiders. Their natural diet varies as seasons change.

What should I feed my sugar glider?

Each day, pet sugar gliders should consume approximately 15% to 20% of their body weight by eating a balanced diet as follows:

• One-third of the diet should be nutritionally balanced pelleted kibble
• One-third of the diet should be a nectar or sap-based mixture
• One-third of the diet should consist of a small number of insects (every other day), a calcium-based multivitamin, and a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits

High-quality formulated diets for sugar gliders include:

• Exotic Nutrition® 
• Wombaroo Glider Nectar and High Protein Supplement

How often should I feed my sugar glider?

Kibble formulated for sugar gliders should be freely available at all times. A pellet formulated for insectivores may also be offered. Because sugar gliders love sweets, they will eat fruit in preference to a healthy, balanced diet. To help ensure they receive proper nutrition, offer only a small portion of fruit as part of their daily diet. Sugar gliders are sensitive to toxins and preservatives, so fresh or organic foods are best.

What should I not feed my sugar glider?

• Never feed your sugar glider chocolate or dairy products.
• Never offer canned fruit because it contains excess sodium and preservatives that may harm your sugar glider.
• Avoid foods treated with pesticides.
• Avoid fruits and vegetables known to be high in oxalates, as they will reduce calcium absorption. These include raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, spinach, carrots, beets, pears, lettuce, figs, and collard greens.
• Feed raw corn only very occasionally, as it is very sweet.

If you plan to change your sugar glider’s diet, transition to the new diet gradually, and take special care to ensure your pet is eating enough. Consult a veterinarian experienced with sugar gliders for more information.

Are there risks associated with improper diet?

Diseases such as obesity, malnutrition, and osteodystrophy are among the more common disorders in sugar gliders and are directly related to being fed an improper diet. Feeding diets high in sugar or carbohydrate diet may lead to tartar buildup on the teeth. 

Most non-traumatic problems in sugar gliders seen by veterinarians are related to nutrition. It is essential to feed a diet that approximates what sugar gliders eat in the wild to help prevent nutritional problems. Yogurt treats are a common cause for dental disease and obesity in sugar gliders.

There is plenty of unregulated nutritional information on the Internet for "homemade" sugar glider diets. The nutritional science behind sugar gliders’ needs (and that of many other animals) is constantly evolving. The recommendations in this handout are based on some of the information and guidelines provided by the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians.

How much water does my sugar glider need?

Water should be available 24 hours a day. Filtered water is preferred. You can offer the water in a dish or a sipper bottle hung in the cage. If using a sipper bottle, ensure that your sugar glider will drink from it. Clean all food bowls and water sippers every day with soap and water and rinse well. Change the water at least daily.