Knowing what not to feed sugar gliders is one of the simplest ways to keep them safe. The short list: chocolate, candy and sugary snacks, caffeine, alcohol, raw meat and raw eggs, fruit pits and seeds, canned fruit in syrup, foods treated with pesticides, and wild-caught insects. When you're unsure about a food, leave it out and ask your exotics vet.
SunCoast Sugar Gliders has been sharing glider care education since 1999, and "what can't my gliders have?" is one of the most common questions we hear. Here's a clear, conservative guide.
Foods Sugar Gliders Should Never Eat
Chocolate and caffeine
Chocolate contains compounds that are toxic to many animals, and caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda) can overstimulate a small body. Keep both well away from gliders.
Candy, sweets and sugary snacks
Gliders love sweet tastes, which is exactly why sweets are a problem. Sugary foods can crowd out real nutrition and are linked to dental disease and weight problems. Skip candy, frosting, cookies and sweetened cereals.
Alcohol
Even small amounts are dangerous for a tiny animal.
Raw meat and raw eggs
Raw animal products can carry bacteria such as Salmonella. If you offer cooked egg or plain cooked chicken, cook it thoroughly and serve it plain.
Fruit pits, seeds and cores
Remove pits and seeds from fruits such as apples, cherries, peaches, plums and apricots. Some contain compounds that can be harmful, and they can also be a choking hazard.
Canned fruit in syrup and sweetened dried fruit
Added sugar is the issue. Choose fresh fruit, washed and cut small, and keep fruit a small part of the diet.
Wild-caught insects
Bugs from your yard or home may carry pesticides, parasites or bacteria. Feed only commercially raised insects. Our guide on why insects belong in a sugar glider diet explains safe options.
Foods treated with pesticides
Wash all produce well. Residue that seems trivial for a person can matter more for a very small animal.
Foods to Limit
Some foods aren't toxic but should be offered in moderation:
- Fruit: a favorite, but keep it small so it doesn't replace protein and calcium
- High-fat insects such as mealworms
- Corn and starchy foods, which add calories without much calcium
- Salty or seasoned human foods, which aren't designed for small animals
Read more in can sugar gliders eat corn, and mealworm moderation.
Household Hazards That Act Like Food
Gliders explore with their mouths. Watch for:
- Houseplants, some of which are toxic; see our guide to safe plants for sugar gliders
- Cleaning products, air fresheners and scented sprays
- Medications and vitamins left on counters
- Human drinks left open, which also present a drowning risk
What Sugar Gliders Should Eat Instead
A healthy glider diet is built on:
- A quality staple food with animal protein first
- A small amount of washed, fresh fruits and vegetables
- Commercially raised, gut-loaded insects
- Fresh water every day
- Vet-recommended supplements, if needed
SunCoast's Wholesome Balance chicken & brown rice and Happy Glider Fruity are premium nutrition staples, Soy & Filler Free and Made in USA. Our sugar glider diet guide walks through the full plan.
Smart Swaps for Common Temptations
When your glider begs for what's on your plate, offer a safer swap:
- Instead of candy or cookies: a tiny piece of fresh, washed fruit
- Instead of chips or crackers: a few pieces of their staple food from your hand
- Instead of deli meat: a small bite of plain, thoroughly cooked chicken
- Instead of bugs from the porch light: a commercially raised mealworm or cricket
- Instead of juice or soda: fresh water in a clean bottle or bowl
Hand-feeding a safe treat still gives you the bonding moment without the risk.
What to Do If Your Glider Eats Something Harmful
- Remove the food and keep the packaging or a sample
- Call your exotics vet right away, or an emergency exotics clinic after hours
- Watch for symptoms such as lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or trouble breathing
- Don't try home remedies unless your vet tells you to
Gliders are small, so even a little of a harmful food can matter. Having your vet's number saved ahead of time saves precious minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sugar gliders eat human food?
Some plain, fresh human foods (washed fruits and vegetables, plain cooked egg) can be part of the diet in small amounts. Processed, sugary, salty or seasoned foods should be avoided.
Are treats okay for sugar gliders?
Yes, in moderation. Small pieces of fresh fruit or a commercially raised insect make good bonding treats. Avoid candy and sugary human snacks.
Are grapes safe for sugar gliders?
Opinions differ. Read our article on whether sugar gliders can eat grapes for a careful look.
Conclusion: When in Doubt, Leave It Out
Keeping sugar gliders safe at mealtime is simple: avoid chocolate, sweets, caffeine, alcohol, raw meat and eggs, pits and seeds, pesticide residue and wild insects, and keep fruit small. Build meals around a quality staple and ask your vet whenever you're unsure.
Feed with confidence with SunCoast's premium nutrition, Made in USA since 1999, with free shipping on orders $30+. Shop sugar glider food.