Change the water daily so that your glider always has fresh water. Using filtered water is recommended, but not a necessity. [2] X Research source
You’ll want to make sure your glider is getting protein, calcium, fruits and vegetables, and enough vitamins in their meals. Many owners of sugar gliders recommend that the glider’s meal should consist of a ratio of half protein, a quarter of fruits, and a quarter of vegetables. [4] X Research source Usually, though, gliders require less protein in the winter, since it isn’t their breeding season.
Bugs (unaffected by pesticides)[7] X Research source Hard-boiled eggs Plain nonfat yogurt Boiled chicken or turkey
Gliders prefer sweet fruits and vegetables, but these should not be the core of their diet to ensure they get enough nutrients. Avocado, lettuce, chives, and onions should not be fed to your glider. The same applies to grapes, which have not been studied enough to know if they’re safe to feed to gliders. [9] X Research source If you’re in a pinch, dried or thawed-out frozen fruits and vegetables are acceptable, but avoid giving your glider canned fruits and vegetables.
If you’re feeding your glider foods especially high in phosphorus - such as eggs or meats - you’ll want to make sure your glider gets extra calcium that feeding, since phosphorus can make it hard for your glider to absorb calcium. Many owners of sugar gliders recommend using a calcium supplement that doesn’t have phosphorous in it. [11] X Research source
Mealworms or gut-loaded crickets, due to their high fat content[12] X Research source Foods of a moderate to high oxalate level (such as, but not limited to, pears, beets, and figs) due to the potential for loss of calcium absorption[13] X Research source Raw corn, due to its high sugar content[14] X Research source Unsalted raw nuts and seeds, due to their high fat content
Foods that are considered toxic (e. g. apple seeds, tomato stems and leaves, and eggplant stems and leaves) Sugary foods, such as chocolate or candy, or foods with artificial sweeteners[15] X Research source Foods treated with pesticides or preservatives Bugs and insects from outside (they may have been affected by pesticides) If you don’t know whether or not the food is safe, err on the side of caution and don’t give it to them until you’ve gotten a chance to look it up or ask the vet.
Gliders are sometimes finicky about their meals and may pick out their favorite parts of the meal, leaving the rest of it alone. To reduce the risk of them doing this, it’s important to chop the food and mix it thoroughly. [17] X Research source
You can leave a bowl of dry glider food in the cage in case your glider is hungry outside of their normal feeding times.
Overfeeding too much of certain foods (e. g. too much protein or too much of foods high in phosphorus) can result in health problems, such as bone weakening.
