Bearded dragons are wonderful pets, but they do have some specific needs that as a new pet owner you need to pay attention to. Like any pet, they will have nutritional specifications in order to optimize their health and wellness. For bearded dragons, since their natural habitat provides certain nutrients, you need to replicate those things in their terrarium at home.
One of those things is providing the right ratio of calcium to phosphorous in their diet. This usually comes in the form of a calcium dusting powder that coats bearded dragon food, to ensure they ingest enough of it. Because they aren’t getting natural sunlight, calcium and vitamin D3 ensure healthy bones and immune systems for your little buddies.
But what is the right supplement for your pet? That depends on a few different things, but we will break it down for you to make the whole process a little bit easier. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Contents
How Much Calcium?
Your pet will need different levels of calcium depending on a couple of different factors. Their size, age, and the amount of UVB light in their terrarium will make the type, frequency, and amount of calcium they’ll need to be dusted on their food. Beardies who lack proper calcium in their diet are at risk of developing Metabolic Bone Disease which can severely affect their growth and development and even cause disfigurement or death.
For a baby, you’ll want to dust their food about four to five times a week whereas an adult can survive with just a dusting every other day. Adults shouldn’t exceed three dustings a week. If you give them too much and they end up absorbing too much vitamin d3 they can develop issues with their bones from an excess of calcium build up.
So what are the best supplements and why?
Best Calcium Powder
Calcium is such a vital element to a bearded dragon’s health that there is a wide array of products on the market to choose from. Some of them include other elements, but it is recommended to do your research and talk to your vet to see what exactly is right for your pet. If you give your bearded dragon a calcium powder enriched with vitamin d3 when they are already getting enough, it can actually cause problems for your beardie.
If your dragon already has UVB lighting, they can absorb too much d3 if they are getting it through their light and their food. While it isn’t too common for beardies to get hypercalcemia, be sure to monitor what kind of calcium powder you’re giving them so you don’t throw their levels off.
So what are the best calcium powders you can give your bearded dragon?
Fluker’s Repta Calcium
Flukers is a trusted beardie brand when it comes to several different products. Their supplement has great value, being inexpensive and easy to get. It is recommended with this product to get something you can use to sprinkle it with, as there isn’t a shaker top. Just be careful to seal it up properly when you’re done as it is vital for maintaining the calcium’s freshness.
This supplement does contain d3 as well so just be sure you’re monitoring how much your beardie is getting. This product is phosphorous free and extremely cheap. A great deal that will keep your beardie healthy and strong.
Rep-Cal Phosphorous Free Calcium
Rep-Cal is one of the only reptile calcium supplements on the market that is made 100% from all-natural oyster shells. This product is phosphorous free and enriched with d3 to ensure absorption and healthy bones. The powder is also incredibly fine, making it perfect for dusting your beardie’s food.
Because the powder is fine it can last on live feeder insects without killing them for about a day, ensuring your buddy’s food is fresh as can be. While it also doesn’t come with a top to sprinkle with, scooping a portion into another container and shaking the food in with it helps a lot with coverage and you can just put the leftover powder back.
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To Wrap Up
Your beardie needs the proper amount of calcium to stay strong and healthy, so as long as you do your research on the supplement beforehand most products will do the trick. Always make sure to monitor how much your pet is getting and the frequency of supplementation as like humans, too much can be harmful. With the right kind of calcium, your little buddy will grow big and strong and will be able to enjoy a long and happy life.
All of these products and more can be found at your local pet store or at online retailers for easy purchase. Happy hunting and best of luck!
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