Of course, sugar gliders (SG) will not be able to go out and supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals, as these animals are kept as pets. So as pet owners, we need to provide additional vitamins and minerals. This can be achieved by giving your sugar gliders supplements.
A peculiar thing about suggies is that these animals have to maintain balanced levels of the following trace
nutrients:
– Calcium
– Match
– Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Unlike humans and other larger mammals, sugar bears cannot tolerate prolonged periods of nutrient imbalance and deficiency.
This being the case, calcium-based supplements should be given in adequate amounts to both young and adult sugar gliders to keep their nutrient ratio at an optimal level.
Otherwise, an SG can suffer from serious nerve-related problems and may even suffer from bone problems. Once these problems occur, it is very difficult to reverse the health conditions. If nothing is done, the sugar glider will die.
There are hundreds of multivitamin supplements on the market today, and some are advertised as suitable for multiple species of animals. Avoid these brands at all costs. There is no such thing as a universal vitamin-mineral ratio that can be used for multiple species.
Each species requires a unique ratio of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
A cat supplement would be a horrible substitute for supplements intended for dogs. In contrast, you cannot give supplements intended for cats or dogs to glider bears. Doing so can cause more problems in the long run.
How are vitamin and mineral supplements introduced? It is really very easy. Remember the ratio we talked about earlier?
Use this food ratio to your advantage. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not prohibited on the sugar glider diet. I’m simply emphasizing that you must strictly control portions to avoid overfeeding your suggie.
A calcium-based supplement can be given to your honey glider at night, just before bedtime. Get a few pieces of fresh vegetables (no dicing or chopping necessary) and simply sprinkle the calcium-based supplement over the fresh vegetables.
Giving fruits or vegetables whole preserves moisture, which is good for glider bears in general. Just make sure to clean the cage in the morning. Remove any leftovers immediately to prevent infection and disease.
Another delicacy that you can safely give to your suggestion is whole wheat bread. A small piece is enough: simply place the bread inside your glider’s cage at night, just before you go to bed.
Be sure to add a calcium-based supplement on top of the bread before placing it in the honey glider’s cage. Don’t give your sugar bear bread every day. Remember, whole grain bread is a treat, not the glider’s staple diet.