About feeding a sugar glider
Sugar gliders are small nocturnal marsupials with one of the most misunderstood diets in the pet world — they are not rodents, and a seed or pellet 'gliders mix' alone will slowly make them ill. Their diet needs a specific balance of protein, a nectar/sap component and limited fruit.
How much should a sugar glider eat?
Calorie needs use the veterinary formula 70 × weight(kg)0.75 (the Resting Energy Requirement), multiplied by a lifestyle factor of ×1.5 for a typical sugar glider at the life stage shown. Enter your own animal's details in the calculator for an exact figure.
| Body weight | Daily calories |
|---|---|
| 100 g | 19 kcal |
| 109 g | 20 kcal |
| 117 g | 21 kcal |
| 126 g | 22 kcal |
| 134 g | 23 kcal |
| 143 g | 24 kcal |
| 151 g | 25 kcal |
| 160 g | 27 kcal |
What to feed
Sugar gliders need a carefully balanced diet — commonly a recognised plan such as a nectar/protein staple plus insects and limited fruit and vegetables, with correct calcium-to-phosphorus balance. Poorly balanced diets cause metabolic bone disease and nutritional deficiencies.
How often to feed
Gliders are fed in the evening (they're nocturnal), following a specific balanced diet plan by volume. Because they're prone to obesity and to selectively eating sweet foods, portioning and balance are critical.
Common feeding mistakes
- Feeding only pellets or seed 'glider food', which is nutritionally inadequate.
- Too much fruit, causing sugar over-selection and calcium imbalance.
- Incorrect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, causing metabolic bone disease.
- Ignoring an established, vet-endorsed diet plan.
Weight & health
Metabolic bone disease, obesity and nutritional deficiencies are all common when gliders are fed casually. Following a recognised, balanced diet plan and correct supplementation is essential for this specialised species.
Frequently asked questions
What do sugar gliders eat?
A carefully balanced diet with a nectar/protein staple, insects, and limited fruit and vegetables, with correct calcium supplementation. Seed or pellet 'glider mixes' alone are not adequate.
Why do sugar gliders need a special diet?
They're marsupials with specific protein, sugar and calcium needs. Unbalanced diets cause metabolic bone disease and deficiencies, so a recognised diet plan and supplementation are important.
Can sugar gliders eat only fruit?
No. Too much fruit unbalances calcium and encourages selective sweet-eating. Fruit is a small part of a diet built around protein, a nectar component and supplementation.
How often do sugar gliders eat?
They're fed in the evening as nocturnal animals, following a specific balanced diet plan by volume, adjusted to maintain a healthy weight.