Sugar Glider Food Myths
Sugar Glider Food Myths
How to Avoid Harming Your Glider
Sugar Glider experts from around the world consider Dr. David Brust to be their expert, and "go-to" guy whenever they are stumped.
He understands the complexities of their diets, and has collaborated with the top nutritionists from around the world to generate what he calls his KISS method. It's abundantly obvious that he's dedicated countless hours towards the advancement of the care of these little animals, and is beyond adamant about educating parents everywhere of the dangers that misinformation cause.
Admittedly, he says, some websites provide false information about what you should feed your babies but EVERYONE would agree that what you feed them could be the difference between life and death. His purpose is to help all the parents out there by giving them the tools to keep their babies healthy & happy.
Watch Dr. Brust deliver nugget after nugget of wisdom, that when followed, is sure to keep your Sugar Glider healthy for many years to come.
In case you missed anything here's some important points from Dr. Brust
Contrary to internet claims and the scare tactics present on several websites, a Sugar Glider diet should be kept as simple as possible. As in all cases the best solution is the most simple solution because it's much more repeatable. Sugar Gliders live as long or longer than most dogs, but only if they are consistently delivered the proper nutrients. Make it easy on yourself to provide that healthy balance and choose the simple solutions available. In theory, this sounds obvious but after further examination and the study of a Sugar Glider's behavioral patterns it makes even more sense.
What about the Ledbetter Diet & Other Home Mades?
Although it sounds great in theory it is in fact unlikely to be consistently repeatable, which undoubtedly can lead to one or more of these problems. In fact, most gliders who have problems are a result of a homemade diet.
- Over calcification
- too much protein
- glider obesity
Should I feed my Sugar Glider Meal Worms?
Despite many places marketing mealworms as the "end-all-be-all" food, Sugar Gliders in fact, are NOT insectivores. They may indulge on insects from time to time, but with insects being 80-90% fat there is very little chance for diet consisting primarily of meal worms to deliver enough nutritional content.
I've heard bad things about Pellets...Are they true?
What was once thought of as very controversial has now become the mainstream "go-to". For example: look at the preferred nutritional delivery for virtually every other animal - it is a pellet. They're consistent & are going to provide the best opportunity for an easily repeatable balanced diet. As Dr. Brust says KEEP IT SIMPLE.
I have a Stinky Glider - What should I do?
If your glider is smelly - that is a tell tale sign that you might be providing a diet too rich in protein. A good diet should leave a glider with very little noticeable smell. Don't worry - after creating more balance in the diet the smell will go away :-).
What about Dental Problems?
Sugar Gliders are NOT rodents - and they only get one set of teeth... Talk about an important thing to note, and another reason to pay particular attention to their diet. Cold extruded pellets provide a texture that allows sugar gliders to effortlessly clean their teeth, which is extremely helpful in providing dental maintenance.
Is there such a thing as Good Pellets vs Bad Pellets?
Here's a safe set of things to look for
- Is there any nutritional data to back up the claims
- Is there serious bashing? if so - there's probably something to hide
- If a company produces 10 to 12 diets be careful - good chance of recombinant food (food not just for sugar gliders to make a higher profit)
- Does all the food look the same? If it doesn't there is a chance (a good one) Sugar Gliders will begin to pick and choose what they eat and what they don't, which will cause an inbalanced diet.
- Be weary of marketing buzz words
What is the Ideal Sugar Glider Diet?
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75% Pellets
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20% Fruits and Veggies
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5% Treats
Should I give my Sugar Glider Calcium Vitamins?
The best delivery method is 2 - 3x per week by sprinkling the powder over the food, or putting it on the fruits & veggies. Powder on the food is preferred to the liquid variety, or the type that goes in the water bottle because it does not break down as quickly.
What about Fruit Portion Control?
Since every tooth in a glider's mouth is a sweet one the best way to limit their sugar intake is to control the portion size.
- 1/8 Average Apple Per glider per day
- equivalent weight with peas or carrots
- equivalent weight with peaches & clemontines
- for longer term option, perhaps a weekend away - use large portion of sweet potato
How should I introduce a Food or Diet Change **** VERY IMPORTANT
IF YOU get a Sugar Glider and you're thinking about changing the diet - THINK VERY CAREFULLY. It is over a month long process that you should be creating this change, and often times it's most beneficial to keep the glider on the diet that they've started with (provided it meets the reccomended requirements). If for some reason you feel that you know better than Dr. Brust, here's the method he suggest you use to change your Sugar Glider's diet.
- Week 1 = 75% Old Food - 25% New Food
- Weeks 2 & 3 = 50% Old Food - 50% New Food
- Week 4 = 25% Old Food - 75% New Food
- Week 5 -> = 100% New Food
FINAL THOUGHTS
- When it comes to Sugar Glider food - Keep it simple,
- pay attention to where you're getting your advice from
- & don't confuse what your gliders like from what is good from them!
Here you'll find an abundance of resources dedicated to helping you raise happy & healthy sugar gliders.
DAILY TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NEW PARENTS
Over the years and 50,000+ adoptions, we've come to learn a thing or two about being good parents to baby sugar gliders. We understand that there is a TON to know and that you probably already feel overwhelmed! Don't worry, that's what this "how-to" guide is for! We've taken all the lessons that we've learned over the last 10 years and created a step by step approach to raising happy & healthy sugar gliders.
This guide is designed to be used as a daily tool, during your first month, or so, of parenthood.... But it's also great to refer back to whenever you have a specific question. Each "day" is broken down by a specific topic. Each topic will have a daily tip and some of the more important ones will even have additional videos, and "Ask the Vet" videos!. As always, we're here to help & can be reached by clicking here.
Save You Money While Keeping Your Sugar Glider Happy & Healthy!
Here at Pocket Pets, we understand that every dollar counts. As you know, all of us here have these little guys as personal pets and we know that there's nothing more important than providing the best for them. That being said we continually do our best to make sure that we come up with helpful resources with tips & tricks to help stretch your dollar the furthest it can possibly go.
Now, we're firm believers that the parents are the very best part of Pocket Pets. If you have any incredible ideas or suggestions, we're always looking for additional ways to be of service to this incredible community! If you'd like to share some tips or tricks of your own, be sure to make a video and then send us an email with a link to it. There's a very good chance that we'll promote your video to our entire community and feature you on our website!