What Fruits Can Sugar Gliders Eat? Detailed nutrition guide
What fruits can sugar gliders eat? These small marsupials thrive on a balanced diet, with fruits playing a crucial role in their nutrition. However, not all fruits are suitable or safe for sugar gliders, making it vital for pet owners to know which options offer beneficial nutrients and which ones to avoid.
Join Funny Glide to discover safe fruits for Sugar Gliders as well as things you need to keep in mind when feeding them fruit!
1. What Fruits Can Sugar Gliders Eat?
Here is a list of fruits that are safe for Sugar Gliders and the benefits they provide:
|
Fruits |
Benefits |
| Apples | A good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Helps with digestion and boosts the immune system. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Asian Pear | Rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin K.
Supports gut health and bone health. |
| Avocados | High in healthy fats, vitamins (K, C, E, B6), and potassium.
Provides energy and supports healthy skin and coat. Offer very sparingly as high-fat content can cause issues. |
| Apricots | A good source of vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Blackberries | Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
Boosts the immune system and aids digestion. |
| Blueberries | Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
Supports brain health, immune function, and gut health. |
| Bananas | A good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Supports heart health and digestion. Offer in very small amounts due to high sugar content. |
| Cantaloupe | High in vitamins A and C, and potassium.
Supports immune function, vision, and hydration. |
| Cherries (seed removed) | A good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
May help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Coconut | Provides healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like manganese and copper.
Supports energy levels and may have antibacterial properties. Offer coconut meat in small amounts; avoid coconut water due to high potassium levels |
| Currants | Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
Supports immune function and gut health. |
| Cranberries | Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
May help prevent urinary tract infections. Offer in small amounts due to tartness. |
| Dates | A good source of fiber, potassium, and natural sugars.
Provides energy and supports digestion. Offer in very small amounts due to high sugar content. |
| Dragon Fruit | High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Supports immune function and gut health. |
| Figs | A good source of fiber, calcium, and potassium.
Supports bone health and digestion. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Guava | Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Boosts the immune system and aids digestion. |
| Grapefruit | High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Supports immune function and may aid in weight management. Offer in very small amounts as it can be acidic. |
| Honeydew | A good source of vitamin C, potassium, and water content.
Supports hydration and immune function. |
| Jujube | Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Supports immune function and digestion. |
| Java Plum | A good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Supports immune function and may have anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Kumquat | High in vitamin C and fiber.
Supports immune function and digestion. Can be offered in small amounts, including the peel. |
| Kiwi | An excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
Supports immune function, bone health, and digestion. |
| Mandarin oranges | A good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Supports immune function. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Mango | Rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Nectarine | A good source of vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content. |
| Oranges | A good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Supports immune function. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content and acidity. |
| Papaya | Rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. |
| Passion Fruit | High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Supports immune function and gut health. Offer in small amounts due to acidity. |
| Peaches | A good source of vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. |
| Pears | A good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Supports digestion and immune function. |
| Plantain | A good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Supports heart health and digestion. Offer in very small amounts due to high starch content. Note: Plantains are less sweet than bananas but still contain significant carbohydrates. |
| Persimmon | Rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.
Supports vision, immune function, and digestion. |
| Pineapple | A good source of vitamin C and bromelain (an enzyme that aids digestion).
Supports immune function and digestion. Offer in very small amounts due to acidity and sugar content. |
| Prickly Pear | High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Supports gut health and immune function. |
| Plums | A good source of vitamins C and K, and fiber.
Supports immune function, bone health, and digestion. |
| Prunes | High in fiber and sorbitol (a natural laxative).
Supports digestion and gut health. Offer in very small amounts due to high sugar content and potential laxative effect. |
| Quince | A good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Supports digestion and immune function. Offer in small amounts due to tartness. |
| Raspberries | Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
Supports immune function and gut health. |
| Raisins | High in fiber, iron, and potassium.
Supports digestion and energy levels. Offer in very small amounts due to high sugar content. |
| Watermelon | High in vitamin C, potassium, and water content.
Supports hydration and immune function. |
A Sugar Glider is Eating Fruit
2. What Fruits Should be Avoided for Sugar Gliders?
The fruits listed above are fruits that Sugar Gliders can eat, however, there are some that we recommend you avoid feeding to ensure the safety of your pet.
- Grapes: Grapes (and raisins) are known to cause kidney failure in Sugar Gliders.
- Avocado: While a small amount of avocado flesh might be okay occasionally, it’s generally best to avoid it due to the high-fat content and a potentially toxic substance called persin.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit,…): These fruits are acidic and can cause digestive upset. Offer them sparingly, if at all.
>>> Same topic:
– What vegetables can sugar gliders eat? Important notes when feeding Sugar Gliders vegetables
– What Insects Do Sugar Gliders Eat? A Complete Feeding Guide
3. Advice on Feeding Fruits to Sugar Gliders
– Individual sensitivities: Some Sugar Gliders may have sensitivities to certain fruits that others tolerate well. Always monitor your glider closely when introducing new foods.
– Pesticide residue: Wash all fruits thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue before offering them to your Sugar Glider.
– Variety and moderation: Offer a variety of safe fruits in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
>>> Read more: What Do Sugar Gliders Eat? A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Diet for Sugar Gliders
4. FAQ
4.1. What fruits can sugar gliders eat every day?
While fruits can be a healthy part of their diet, they should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content. That being said, some fruits are generally considered safe to offer in small amounts more frequently than others. These include:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Pears
- Kiwi
Even with these “safer” fruits, it’s crucial to offer variety. Don’t give the same fruit every day. Rotate through different options to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
4.2. Can Sugar Gliders eat dried fruit?
Dried fruits or dehydrated fruits are fine for Sugar Gliders as long as it is organic and no added sugars. However, you should not use dried fruit to completely replace fresh fruit.
4.3. How do you know if your sugar glider is having a negative reaction to fruits?
If your sugar glider is having problems, you may notice some of the following signs:
- Digestive Issues: Diarrhea or soft stools, constipation, bloating or gas,
- Changes in Behavior: Lethargy or decreased activity, loss of appetite, increased thirst, irritability or aggression.
- Other signs: Changes in urine or urination, skin irritation or allergies.
What you should do if you suspect a reaction:
- Stop offering the fruit: If you suspect a particular fruit is causing a reaction, stop offering it immediately.
- Monitor your glider closely: Observe their behavior and droppings carefully for any further signs of a problem.
- Contact your vet: If the symptoms are severe or persist, contact a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals for advice.
Choosing the right fruits for sugar gliders to consume can significantly impact their overall health and happiness. By offering the right fruits and avoiding harmful ones, you help maintain their health, happiness, and energy levels. Hopefully, with the information provided in this article, you know how to properly care for your flying squirrel.
