What Do Sugar Gliders Eat in Captivity?

The sugar glider (Petarus breviceps) is a marsupial mammal native to Australia, New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. It has also been introduced to the island of Tasmania and lives in the wild there. In captivity, pet sugar gliders do not have access to the food they have when living in the wild. As a result, many sugar gliders do not receive the proper nutrition in captivity. Knowing what to feed a pet sugar glider is essential in ensuring a long and healthy life.

  1. Diet Intro

    • In the wild, sugar gliders thrive off eucalyptus leaves, insects, manna and honeydew. Manna is the crusty sugar where sap has flowed from a cut or wound in a tree trunk or a branch. Captive animals can easily suffer vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can lead to serious illness or death.

    Feeding in Captivity

    • As fresh eucalyptus leaves, manna and honeydew are difficult to come by for the American sugar glider owner, finding healthy substitutes is an important care aspect. Despite their name, sugar gliders do not live mostly on a sugar diet. Protein should encompass around 50 percent of the sugar glider's diet. Insects such as crickets or beetles are a good option. A 25 percent diet of fruits and an additional 25 percent vegetable diet complete the balanced diet. Fruits such as grapes, berries, mangoes and bananas are ideal choices. Leafy vegetables such as cabbage and lettuce are ideal. Broccoli is also a good choice.

    Treats

    • Giving treats to your sugar gliders is a sensitive matter. Candies, sugar water and very sweet options should only to be given occasionally. The best treats for a sugar glider are protein-based. Small cuts of lean meat such as white-meat chicken, pork or beef are healthy and tasty treat options.

    Additional Information

    • Manna is an integral part of the wild sugar glider diet. Finding a suitable substitute is vital. Honey makes a great alternative, and 2 tbsp. of raw honey every other day provides a tasty, nutrient-filled snack. Also, 1 tsp. of agave nectar once a week is beneficial. Look for a pellet food to substitute for fruits and vegetables and insects if you are not able to attain those food sources. Be sure that the food has a balance of protein and carbohydrates.