Can Sugar Gliders Eat Peanuts?
Peanuts, those ever so popular and tasty snacks. We love to eat them in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways people eat peanuts is boiled in the shell. Since you love peanuts so much, you can’t help but wonder if your adorable sugar gliders will love them just as much as you.
Before giving your sugar gliders any new food, always look into whether or not that new food is something they can safely have. Unfortunately, some of our favorite foods aren’t healthy for our furry friends.
So, what about peanuts? Can sugar gliders eat peanuts? The quick and easy answer is: Yes, sugar gliders can eat peanuts. However, there is the risk of aflatoxicosis, so many owners opt to avoid peanuts. Also, it is best to avoid salted peanuts and only give your sugar gliders peanuts in moderation.
Why Should Sugar Gliders Have Peanuts in Moderation?
Peanuts offer a good variety of vitamins, fat and protein to humans and suggies alike. One important aspect of peanuts to keep in mind regarding the nutritional value of peanuts is that they are very high in fat content.
As you can see, 1 ounce of boiled, unsalted peanuts accounts for 8% of the recommended daily value for humans. Imagine how much fat that is for your furry pal!
When not in captivity, sugar gliders have eat a wide selection of different foods. This is hard for us humans to replicate for them. In general, the majority of a sugar glider’s diet should be fruits and vegetables when in captivity. So, peanuts as a special treat for your cute buddies is not big deal, just remember to keep it as a treat.
Most sugar glider owners try to maintain a calcium to phosphorous ratio of 2:1. So, you’ll need to look up the ratio of whatever type of peanut you plan to treat your suggies to and balance it out with their regular meal.
What Else Should I Know About Feeding Peanuts to My Sugar Gliders?
Fungi that are present in some agricultural process can create aflatoxins. Unfortunately, peanuts are one of the foods that can have them. According to the National Cancer Institute, the chance of exposure can be reduced by following a few simple rules.
As you can see, most of them are common sense such as sticking with known brands and avoiding peanuts that don’t look or smell right.
Generally, you should also avoid adding extra salt to your big-eyed friend’s diet. Just like with humans, too much salt can cause health issues for sugar gliders.
In the wild, sugar gliders are able to get the salt the need from foods that have it naturally. So, it is best to try to keep added salt out of their diets.
Peanuts can be a great additional treat to feed your sugar baby once in a while. You can make sure you are safely feeding peanuts to your furry friends by taking a few simple precautions.
Summary: Can Sugar Gliders Have Peanuts?
Can sugar gliders eat peanuts? In a word: Yes! Sugar gliders can eat peanuts, but be aware of the risks of aflatoxicosis, and learn how to spot bad peanuts. Finally, don’t feed your sugar gliders salted peanuts, or unnaturally add any salt to their diet.
Peanuts can be a great treat for your sugar glider. Be sure that they remain a treat and are only offered occasionally. Peanuts contain a high amount of fat, so you don’t want to overdo it.
Also, you need to keep in mind the overall calcium to phosphorus ratio in your little buddies’ diet.