A sugar glider’s diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. They also should receive some treats such as mealworms (dried or live), yoggies, and fresh eucalytus.

Generally, a sugar glider’s diet should be high in calcium and low in phosphorus. Vegetables with high phosphorus levels should be avoided because they can cause brittle bones. https://sugarglider.website/

Broccoli

Broccoli is a leafy green vegetable grown as a spring and winter crop. It is part of the cabbage family, and can be eaten raw, steamed, sauteed, stir-fried, roasted, grilled, or fried.

This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, K1, folate, potassium, chromium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and phytonutrients that may help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It is also a good source of choline, which is important for brain health and memory.

During production and handling, broccoli can become contaminated with various microbial pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses. These include Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli, Shigella, Hepatitis A virus, and norovirus.

Between 2000 and 2020, at least 24 broccoli-associated outbreaks were reported to CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS), resulting in 346 illnesses, 8 hospitalizations, and no deaths. To prevent microbial contamination, farmers, packers, and shippers must follow appropriate procedures to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene throughout production and processing.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, known as the Brassicaceae. It looks very similar to cabbage until the large leaves open up and it begins to grow its characteristic head (curd).

It can be eaten in a wide variety of dishes, including roasted, steamed, baked, sauteed or boiled. The edible white flesh is called curd and it has a high content of vitamins C, K and folates as well as moderate amounts of B-vitamins and potassium.

In addition, cauliflower is rich in dietary fiber and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce chronic disease risk. It also contains choline, which is an important “vitamin-like factor” that supports muscle movement, learning and memory.

Cauliflower is also a good source of calcium, with 100 grams providing 85 percent of your daily recommended value. It can be a healthy treat, but should not be a staple part of your glider’s diet.

Cooked or Raw?

Broccoli is a great vegetable to include in your glider’s diet. It is high in fiber, Vitamin C, and a variety of other nutrients that gliders need.

It is very low in calories, but it can make your glider gassy so you should only feed it to them on occasion. You should always wash broccoli thoroughly before feeding it to your glider to prevent them from ingesting pesticides and other chemicals.

The best way to prepare broccoli for your glider is to steam it. This will help retain much of the nutrient content in the vegetable, including vitamin C and calcium.

Raw broccoli is also fine for your glider, but you should be careful to wash it carefully to avoid pesticides. A healthy, fresh, firm stalk with tightly-closed buds and no wilted florets should be your broccoli of choice.

Gliders can be very picky eaters so it is important to make sure they have a variety of healthy foods in their diet. A good mixture of fruits, vegetables, and pellets should make up the bulk of their diet.

How Much?

Broccoli and cauliflower can be given to a sugar glider in small quantities, up to two tablespoons of broccoli per day. It is a good source of vitamin C and K1, both important nutrients for your sugar glider's health.

It is also a very low-calorie, high-fiber food for your glider. It can help to balance their diet and maintain a healthy weight.

In addition to a diet of pellets, a sugar glider needs a variety of fruits and vegetables to get their nutritional requirements met. They also need water to stay hydrated, so it is recommended that they have a drinking bottle attached to their cage for easy access.

If you want to add a new vegetable to your glider’s diet, make sure you introduce it slowly. If you give them too much in one sitting, they may not be able to digest it. If you are unsure about adding new foods to their diet, speak with your veterinarian for more information.