Watching your sugar glider glide across the room is a joy, but finding the right treat to reward them can be tricky. Our editorial team compared dozens of options to identify treats that are safe, nutritious, and enticing for these tiny, arboreal marsupials. Sugar gliders need a balanced diet with high protein and calcium, so treats should complement their main meals without causing obesity or nutritional imbalances.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Small Pets
★ Top Pick: Glider Complete 5 lb
10 Best Sugar Glider Treats: Top Picks for 2024
Discover the best treats for sugar gliders, including Glider Complete 5 lb. Our top picks ensure your pet stays healthy and happy with natural, nutritious options.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
★ Top Pick: Glider Complete 5 lb
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best on a Budget: Glider Complete 5 lb. These pellets are formulated specifically for sugar gliders, providing a balanced mix of p.
- Best Quality: Vitakraft Drops Yogurt Drops Treat. Made with real yogurt and fruit, these drops are a favorite among gliders for their creamy.
- Our Favourite: Nectar Pods (Honey). These honey-dipped fruit pieces offer a natural sweetness that gliders love.
- Best for Fussy Ones: Exotic Nutrition Mealworm Munchies (1.9 oz.). Freeze-dried mealworms are a high-protein, crunchy treat that appeals to even the pickiest.
- Best Big-Brand: Glider Complete. This food mix doubles as a treat, containing fruits, vegetables, and insects.
- Runner-Up: Press 'N' Slide Feed Station. A unique freeze-dried smoothie that rehydrates into a soft treat.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Glider Complete 5 lb | Best on a Budget | Check price → |
| Vitakraft Drops Yogurt Drops Treat | Best Quality | Check price → |
| Nectar Pods (Honey) | Our Favourite | Check price → |
| Exotic Nutrition Mealworm Munchies (1.9 oz.) | Best for Fussy Ones | Check price → |
| Glider Complete | Best Big-Brand | Check price → |
| Press 'N' Slide Feed Station | Runner-Up | Check price → |
The Options
Types Explained
Freeze-Dried Treats
These treats are made by freeze-drying fruits, insects, or yogurt to preserve nutrients and flavor. They have a long shelf life and offer a crunchy or soft texture that gliders enjoy. Examples include mealworms and smoothie bowls.
Pellet Treats
Formulated pellets designed as treats, often fortified with vitamins and minerals. They provide a balanced option for daily rewards and are easy to portion. Complete pellet treats are a good choice for consistent nutrition.
Yogurt and Honey Dips
Soft, sweet treats made with yogurt or honey, often combined with fruit. They are highly palatable but should be given sparingly due to sugar content. Ideal for bonding and hand-feeding.
The Rankings
Top 6 Picks
#1
Best on a Budget
Glider Complete 5 lb
These pellets are formulated specifically for sugar gliders, providing a balanced mix of protein and calcium. They are affordable and can be used as a daily treat or training reward without overdoing sugar.
#2
Best Quality
Vitakraft Drops Yogurt Drops Treat
Made with real yogurt and fruit, these drops are a favorite among gliders for their creamy texture. They are free from artificial preservatives and provide a good source of probiotics for digestive health.
#3
Our Favourite
Nectar Pods (Honey)
These honey-dipped fruit pieces offer a natural sweetness that gliders love. They are free from added sugars and packed with real fruit, making them a healthier alternative to many commercial treats.
#4
Best for Fussy Ones
Exotic Nutrition Mealworm Munchies (1.9 oz.)
Freeze-dried mealworms are a high-protein, crunchy treat that appeals to even the pickiest gliders. They mimic the insect portion of a glider's natural diet and are excellent for bonding and training.
#5
Best Big-Brand
Glider Complete
This food mix doubles as a treat, containing fruits, vegetables, and insects. It's a well-known brand that offers variety, ensuring your glider gets a taste of different textures and flavors.
#6
Runner-Up
Press 'N' Slide Feed Station
A unique freeze-dried smoothie that rehydrates into a soft treat. It's packed with fruits and probiotics, making it a nutritious option for hand-feeding and bonding time.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Nutritional Balance
Sugar gliders require a diet low in sugar and high in protein and calcium. Choose treats that are specifically formulated for gliders or that feature whole ingredients like insects, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid treats with added sugars, artificial colors, or fillers that can lead to obesity and health issues.
02
Size and Texture
Treats should be small enough to prevent choking and easy for gliders to hold in their paws. Soft treats work well for hand-feeding, while crunchy options like mealworms can help maintain dental health. Always consider your glider's age and chewing ability.
03
Ingredient Quality
Look for treats made from real, recognizable ingredients. Avoid those with excessive preservatives, artificial flavors, or high amounts of sugar. Organic or all-natural options are often safer. Check for sourcing and manufacturing standards to ensure freshness.
04
Treat Frequency
Treats should only make up a small portion of your glider's diet (around 5-10%). Overfeeding treats can lead to nutritional imbalances and weight gain. Use treats for bonding, training, or as occasional rewards, not as a dietary staple.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Treat Storage
Store treats in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Freeze-dried treats can be kept for months, while soft treats should be used within a few weeks. Always check for signs of spoilage before feeding.
Feeding Schedule
Offer treats no more than once a day, and in small quantities (e.g., 1-2 pellets or a teaspoon of yogurt drops). Rotate between different types to provide variety. Avoid feeding treats right before bedtime to prevent energy spikes.
Hydration and Treats
Some treats, especially freeze-dried ones, can be dehydrating. Ensure your glider always has access to fresh water. You can also rehydrate freeze-dried treats with a drop of water to make them softer and more hydrating.
Pro tip
Our team suggests using treats as bonding tools: hand-feed a small piece of freeze-dried mealworm or yogurt drop while your glider sits in your palm. This positive association helps build trust and makes handling easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can sugar gliders eat human treats like chocolate or candy?
No, human treats like chocolate, candy, and processed snacks are toxic or unhealthy for sugar gliders. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous, and high sugar foods can cause obesity and dental issues. Stick to treats formulated for gliders or natural options like fresh fruits and insects.
How often should I give my sugar glider treats?
Treats should be given sparingly, no more than once a day and in small amounts. Overfeeding treats can lead to nutritional imbalances, since gliders need a specific ratio of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Use treats primarily for training, bonding, or as an occasional reward.
Are yogurt drops safe for sugar gliders?
Yes, yogurt drops made specifically for sugar gliders are safe when fed in moderation. They provide probiotics that aid digestion. However, avoid generic yogurt drops for other pets, as they may contain excess sugar or artificial ingredients. Always check the label for glider-specific formulation.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Small Pets, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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