Can Sugar Gliders Eat Broccoli?
Since broccoli is super healthy for us humans, it seems like it would be excellent for our furry friends as well. This is a thought that has probably been in the head of many sugar glider parents. After all, we want them to live long and healthy lives, so why not feed them what we know is healthy for us?
Unfortunately, there are some foods that are healthy for humans that aren’t very healthy for sugar gliders. So, before giving your sugar glider broccoli or any other food, it is always best to double check that it’s okay for your furry friends to have.
So, what about broccoli? Can sugar gliders eat broccoli? The quick and easy answer is: Yes, sugar gliders can eat broccoli. Rinse the broccoli very well before feeding it to your tiny buddy. And, like most treats, make sure you feed your sugar glider broccoli in moderation.
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How Do I Prepare Broccoli for My Sugar Gliders to Eat?
The first thing to keep in mind when getting broccoli to feed to your sugar gliders, is that fresh and frozen are the best. Most canned produce, including broccoli, should not be fed to sugar gliders. The additives used in the process of canning most produce should don’t belong in their diets.
It’s a fact of life that pesticides are used on almost every type of produce we buy. If you can’t buy organic broccoli, take the time to rinse it very well. The florets of broccoli can provide hiding spots for the pesticides, so make sure the running water hits them as well.
You don’t have to cook broccoli before serving it to your sugar gliders, but it won’t hurt anything if you do. In fact, some sugar gliders seem to enjoy broccoli slightly steamed more than they do raw!
If you do decide to cook broccoli for your furry friends, be sure to avoid adding salt, oils or other spices you might use to enhance broccoli for yourself.
Finally, cut some little pieces of broccoli to offer your furry friend. You don’t want to put a whole piece in with your glider. Sugar gliders need a variety of nutrients and broccoli alone won’t give them everything they need to stay healthy.
As a sugar glider owner, you are probably aware of the calcium to phosphorus ratio in your babies’ diets. Most sugar glider owners strive for a ratio of 2:1.
Broccoli has a ratio at 0.7:1 (cooking can change this), so if your sugar gliders do decide they like broccoli, you’ll still to get some more calcium in their diet. Be sure to include higher calcium to phosphorus foods such as bok choy in your sugar glider’s diet.
What if My Sugar Gliders Don’t Like Broccoli?
If your sugar gliders don’t like broccoli, don’t worry. This alone isn’t a sign that they are sick. Sugar gliders can be picky eaters just like some humans.
Often, it will take offering your suggies a new food a few times before they decide to eat it. So don’t give up after your first try. And be sure to try to serve frozen broccoli, fresh broccoli, and steamed broccoli. You never know which type with be most appealing to your pets.
Summary: Can Sugar Gliders Have Broccoli?
Can sugar gliders eat broccoli? In a word: Yes! Sugar gliders can eat broccoli in small quantities and as part of a rotation of vegetables. You can even steam it for them if you want.
If you keep track of your sugar glider’s calcium to phosphorus ratio, be sure to note how much broccoli you are feeding them, and how that changes their over all ratio.
Remember, not every human likes broccoli (ask any kid!), so don’t worry if your sugar glider doesn’t either.