Diet & Nutrition: Calcium

Calcium is used by the body primarily to build bones and teeth. It is also used in the regulation of muscles, clotting of blood and transmission of nerve impulses. When not supplied with enough dietary calcium, the body starts to use what is present in the bones. This will lead to a progressively weakened skeletal structure.

Because sugar gliders and flying squirrels have thin bones, they're particularly at risk for developing a calcium deficiency. Also, most fruits and vegetables have little or no calcium and high levels of phosphorus. Phosphorus inhibits the body's ability to effectively utilize calcium, potentially speeding the development of a problem.

Calcium deficiencies in sugar gliders appear to clearly be the result of poor diet. In all the cases reviewed in the course of our research, at least some of the following conditions existed:

A diet excessively high in fruit
An inadequate amount of animal protein and calcium-rich foods
Use of cat food as the primary or only source of animal protein
Little or no opportunities for exercise

Some other notable findings regarding sugar gliders and calcium deficiencies:

In one case, the glider was being fed a diet composed of a limited variety of frozen vegetables, supplemented with small, occasional amounts of fruit, dry cat food, and parrot seed mix
In one case, the glider wasn't being fed any animal protein
In one case, a breeding female was deprived sufficient calcium sources during pregnancy and nursing - leading to deficiencies in both the adult and babies
In several cases, the gliders were being fed large amounts of parrot or rodent seed mixes or large quantities of sunflower seeds, millet and peanuts

Calcium deficiencies in other small mammals appears to be rare. However, we've heard of a few cases of what sounds like a calcium deficiency in hedgehogs. In each of these cases, the hedgehogs were being fed a diet of only dry cat food. We've also heard of two case of what sounds like a calcium deficiency in short tailed opossums. In both cases, the short tails were being fed cat food and an extremely limited variety of fruits. In all these cases, the animal may have had a problem other than a calcium deficiency.

Ten Steps

The most important steps in preventing a deficiency are to provide an adequate amount of calcium and to avoid excessive phosphorus in your pet's diet. Ten recommendations to help achieve this:

Provide at least as much calcium as phosphorus. Some fruits and vegetables which help achieve this goal include most melons, broccoli, grapefruits, mangos, oranges, papayas, pineapples and tangerines.
Broccoli, collard greens, kale and most other leafy greens are good calcium sources, but may not be readily eaten by your pet.

Tofu is an excellent source of calcium and protein which is readily eaten by most sugar gliders, short tailed opossums and hedgehogs. However, we recommend tofu be a limited part of your pet's diet.

A Tip From Toby

The information presented here is meant primarily for owners of sugar gliders and pygmy flying squirrels, as well as other pets with similar diets.

Small herbivores, such as rabbits and chinchillas, have specific calcium requirements which can generally be met with an appropriate diet of pellets and hay.

If concerned about the level of calcium in your pet's diet, consult a knowledgeable veterinarian.

Non-fat yogurt is rich in calcium and contains virtually no phosphorus. However, we recommend yogurt be a limited part of your pet's diet.
Nuts, seeds, beef, and cottage cheese are all extremely high in phosphorus, not to mention fat. We suggest eliminating them - and all other high fat foods - from the diet of your pet. Fat absorbs calcium, which then can't be used by the body. So, even if being fed a high-calcium diet, an overweight pet could develop a calcium deficiency, not to metion other possible heath concerns.
When feeding nuts or seeds to flying squirrels, be sure to compensate for the high phosphorus/low calcium ratio in these foods.
Provide your pet a quality vitamin/mineral supplement such as Vionate. For sugar gliders, we recommend Gliderade as part of the diet.
We do not recommend a separate calcium supplement for sugar gliders or most other small mammals. When provided a good general supplement and a well-balanced diet, this should be unnecessary and may even be dangerous. Many breeders of flying squirrels recommend the use of a calcium block, which the critters can gnaw on as desired.
Your pet should be fed a diet which accurately replicates the nutritional and chemical values found in his natural food sources, including the amounts of calcium and phosphorus.
Your pet needs regular, daily exercise. This helps bones absorb calcium and stimulates thickening. A generously sized cage, running wheel and other toys are important in providing your pet adequate exercise, but nothing can replace daily out-of-cage playtime.

Symptoms

Like most nutritional imbalances, symptoms of a calcium deficiency can take an extended period of time to become obvious. They may include a decreased activity level, difficulty moving around, stiffness in the hindquarters, or loss of appetite.

These symptoms are the results of an already advanced stage of muscle decay and a weakened skeletal structure which causes your pet's mobility to be limited. By the time these symptoms are obvious, your pet is in critical condition.

If left untreated, further muscle atrophy will occur, eventually leading to the paralysis of the animal's hindquarters and the death of the animal. With early intervention and a change in diet, a calcium deficiency can be effectively treated. These symptoms could all also be a sign of other health concerns. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to a knowledgeable veterinarian immediately.