If you’ve ever watched a sugar glider pounce on a wriggling mealworm, you know these little marsupials have a serious appetite for protein.

In the wild, sugar gliders are opportunistic omnivores. They absolutely love sweet tree sap and nectar, but they also hunt moths, beetles, caterpillars, and other insects after dark.

And bringing some of that natural variety into their diet at home plays an important role in supporting their long term health.

The tricky part is that not every bug is a good choice. Some feeder insects are packed with nutrients, others are better saved as occasional treats, and a few can cause problems.

This article covers the best feeder insects for sugar gliders, how to prepare them, how much to offer, and which common mistakes to avoid.

Sugar gliders need a balanced mix of protein, fruit, vegetables, and nectar-like foods.

Insects are an important protein source in many captive diets, providing amino acids, fats, and minerals that fruit alone can’t provide. They also encourage natural foraging behaviors, giving captive gliders both physical activity and mental stimulation.

But protein is only part of the picture—and many feeder insects are naturally low in calcium and relatively high in phosphorus. Since sugar gliders need a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, feeding insects without properly balancing the overall diet can contribute to serious nutritional problems (including metabolic bone disease).

That’s why choosing the right feeder insects and preparing them properly is so important. With the right variety, portion sizes, and supplementation, insects can be a healthy and enriching part of your pet glider’s diet.

Not all feeder insects are created equal, and the best choices offer a good balance of nutrition, variety, and easy preparation. From protein rich dubia roaches to hydrating hornworms, each option has its own benefits.

These are some of the best feeder insects to consider for your pet sugar glider’s diet:

✔️ Dubia Roaches: The Gold Standard

If you ask experienced sugar glider owners to name one go-to feeder insect, dubia roaches will probably come up often. They’re high in protein, relatively low in fat, and their softer bodies make them easy for gliders to eat and digest.

They also have some practical advantages for owners—dubia roaches don’t climb smooth surfaces, they can’t fly, they’re quiet, and they’re less smelly than crickets.

If you’re looking to save money over time, keeping a small dubia colony at home can also be an option. Just check your local laws first, since some areas restrict or prohibit keeping dubia roaches (Florida, for example, has specific restrictions).

✔️ Crickets: Classic and Convenient

Crickets are easy to find at most pet stores, and most sugar gliders love chasing them around. They provide a decent amount of protein and can be a useful part of a varied insect rotation.

The downside is that crickets can be noisy, smelly, messy, and surprisingly good at escaping. They also tend to have a shorter shelf life than some other feeder insects.

If you choose crickets, buy smaller quantities, keep them in clean conditions, and always gut load them before feeding them to your glider.

✔️ Black Soldier Fly Larvae: The Calcium Standout

Black soldier fly larvae (sometimes sold as calci-worms or Phoenix worms) are a particularly useful feeder because they naturally contain more calcium than phosphorus. That gives them an advantage over many other insects and makes them a great addition to a balanced insect rotation.

They’re also easy to serve and tend to be a favorite with many sugar gliders.

✔️ Silkworms: Soft, Nutritious, and Hydrating

Silkworms are another excellent choice. They’re high in protein, naturally moist, soft bodied, and generally easy for gliders to eat. They can also add some extra hydration to your glider’s diet.

The main drawback is cost. If you raise them yourself, they also need an appropriate mulberry based food source. For those reasons, many owners use silkworms as part of a rotation rather than relying on them as an everyday staple.

✔️ Hornworms: A Hydrating Treat

Those bright green hornworms are mostly water and relatively low in fat, making them a fun way to add moisture and variety to your glider’s diet (they can be especially appealing during hot weather).

But because they aren’t particularly protein dense, hornworms shouldn’t be your primary feeder insect. Think of them more as a healthy supplement or occasional enrichment option.

✔️ Discoid Roaches: A Dubia Alternative

Discoid roaches have a nutritional profile similar to dubia roaches and can be a good alternative in areas where dubias aren’t available or allowed.

Just keep in mind that they are faster and can climb, which makes them a little more challenging to keep at home. Still, if you’re looking for another nutritious roach option, discoids are worth considering.

Some feeder insects are a big hit with sugar gliders but aren’t ideal for regular feeding. They tend to be higher in fat, harder to digest, or less balanced nutritionally, so they’re better kept as occasional treats.

1. Mealworms

Mealworms are one of the most common feeder insects, and most gliders absolutely love them. The problem is that they’re relatively high in fat and have a poor calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Feeding them too often can contribute to excess weight and nutritional imbalances. They’re best used as an occasional treat or a little training reward.

2. Waxworms

Waxworms are basically the equivalent of candy for sugar gliders. They’re very high in fat and extremely tempting, so feeding a couple every now and then is fine, but they shouldn’t become a regular part of the diet.

3. Superworms

Superworms are larger than mealworms and have a tougher outer shell. They’re also high in fat, and their harder exoskeleton can be more difficult to digest.

Many sugar glider owners choose to avoid them or offer them very sparingly. If you do feed superworms, handle them carefully and follow safe preparation practices.

Some insects should never be offered to your sugar glider (even if they seem harmless). When it comes to feeder insects, it’s always better to play it safe.

❌ Wild Caught Insects

Wild caught insects can carry pesticides, parasites, or harmful bacteria. Even insects from your own backyard aren’t worth the risk, so stick with feeders from a trusted source.

❌ Fireflies and Lightning Bugs

Fireflies and lightning bugs are especially dangerous because they contain toxic compounds that can be fatal to many animals.

❌ Stinging or Biting Insects

Stinging or biting insects such as wasps, bees, ants, and centipedes should also be avoided. They can injure your glider or cause a dangerous reaction.

❌ Brightly Colored or Unfamiliar Insects

Brightly colored or unfamiliar insects are another no no. If you can’t positively identify an insect as a safe feeder species, don’t offer it.

❌ Dead or Spoiled Feeders

Dead or spoiled feeders should never be fed either. Bacteria can build up quickly, so always offer healthy fresh insects and discard anything that looks or smells questionable.

You can buy the highest quality feeder insects around, but what’s inside those insects is ultimately what your glider is eating. Two simple steps can make a big difference in their nutritional value.

⭐ Gut Loading

Gut loading means feeding your insects a nutritious diet for about 24 to 48 hours before offering them to your glider. Good options include leafy greens, carrots, sweet potato, and oats.

The better you feed the bug, the more nutritious it can be as a meal for your glider.

⭐ Dusting

Dusting means lightly coating the insects with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your glider. This helps balance the mineral levels naturally found in many feeder insects.

Depending on your glider’s overall diet, your exotic animal veterinarian may recommend calcium alone or a calcium supplement that also contains vitamin D3. Because too much vitamin D3 can cause health problems, it’s important to follow a trusted diet plan and supplement recommendations rather than guessing at the amount.

Live insects are usually the best choice for sugar gliders. They’re fresher, naturally higher in moisture, and give your glider the chance to chase and catch their food, which taps into their natural hunting instincts.

Dried and freeze dried insects can still come in handy as a backup, while traveling, or in an emergency. They’re lower in moisture and may not be as exciting to your glider, but they can be a convenient option when live feeders aren’t available. If you do use dried insects, make sure your glider always has access to plenty of fresh water.

How much insect protein your sugar glider needs depends on their size, age, activity level, and the overall diet you’re following.

As a general rule, most adult gliders only need a small portion of insects each night. That might be a handful of small insects or just a few larger ones, along with their fruit, vegetables, and other sources of protein.

You may need to adjust portions for younger, pregnant, or nursing gliders. Since every glider is different, an exotic animal veterinarian can help you figure out the right amount for your pet.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your glider’s weight and body condition. Unwanted weight gain can be a sign that they’re getting too many high fat treats. On the other hand, if your glider seems unusually tired or develops weakness in their back legs, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Keep an eye out for changes in your sugar glider’s health and behavior. It’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• Weakness or dragging of the hind legs (can be a sign of calcium deficiency)
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Dull, thinning, or noticeably changing fur
• Unusual lethargy or less activity at night
• Loss of appetite or refusing food
• Stool changes that continue for more than a day

When something seems off, it’s always better to check with your vet sooner rather than later.

A few simple habits can make feeding insects safer, healthier, and more fun for your sugar glider.

• Rotate different insect species: Offering a variety of feeders can provide more balanced nutrition and keep your glider interested in mealtime.

• Feed insects at night: Sugar gliders are nocturnal, so evening is when they’re naturally most active and ready to eat.

• Turn mealtime into enrichment: Hide insects in foraging toys or scatter them safely around the cage to encourage your glider to search and hunt for their food.

• Store feeder insects properly: Keep them in clean well ventilated containers with appropriate food, and remove any dead insects promptly.

• Buy from a reputable supplier: Starting with healthy properly raised feeder insects is an important part of keeping your glider’s food safe.

• Wash your hands: Wash your hands before and after handling feeder insects or interacting with your glider to help keep things clean and hygienic.

When it comes to feeding bugs to your pet sugar glider, focus on options that provide good nutrition without going overboard on fat.

• Dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms, and properly prepared crickets are all great choices. Hornworms can also be a nice option when you want to add extra moisture to their diet.

• Keep mealworms, waxworms, and superworms as occasional treats, and avoid feeding anything you’ve caught outside.

• Most importantly, make sure feeder insects are properly gut loaded and calcium dusted before serving.

Getting the basics right can go a long way toward supporting your glider’s health, energy, and overall well-being. If you’re ever unsure about what or how much to feed, an exotic animal veterinarian can help you create a plan that’s right for your individual glider.

Our content is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Consult an exotic animal veterinarian about your glider’s individual dietary needs.