Here is an essay written at WSGN by the creater of Darcy's Diet, SaharanFox:
saharanfox
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Joined: 04 Feb 2003
Posts: 790
Vegetables: love 'em or hate 'em, everyone needs 'em--even the true carnivores eat small prey whole, including the stomach contents. A peregrine falcon actually became malnourished when the falconer gutted out everything he fed her. So, Mom was right, veggies are important. But vegetables are all different, varying wildly in nutritional advantages and disadvantages.
While highly important, Ca:P ratios are not the only consideration; there are myriad nutrients which have been proven beneficial, such as soluble fiber, potassium, lycopene and carotenoids like lutein--to name only a few.
Corn has a terrible Ca:P ratio, but it's high in sugar, starch, and protein. Many vets suggest adding corn to the diet of thin animals--in moderation, and assuming you account for the low Ca in other areas.
Spinach has a deceptively high calcium content, but can actually lower bioavailable calcium because it is also high in oxalic acids. Consumed in large amounts over a long period of time, high-oxalate vegetables such as spinach, chard, beet greens and parsley can lead to kidney problems and calcium deficiency.
Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious vegetables, loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain carotenoids, vitamin C, folate, and fiber--also phytochemicals like sulphoraphane or indoles, which may help prevent cancer.
Beans are low in fat, and rich in protein, iron, folic acid, and fiber. I know of an older glider who even loves Lima beans and garbanzo beans.
Asparagus and peas are good sources of carotenoids, vitamin C, folate, and fiber.
As most of you are already all too aware, each sugar glider has highly individualized personal preferences, subject to change without notice. The most nutritious food in the world is of little value if you have to starve them into eating it. The key is moderate amounts of a wide variety.