D3 Dilemma

[ChristianH26]

I’ve seen plenty of things on the internet suggesting that there’s a spectrum with lizards with regards to D3 requirements. I run an Arcadia 10% UV bulb. Should I also supplement Stevie’s food with a multi-vitamin containing D3 or should I buy one without D3? Thanks

[rixusaku]

I would buy one without D3. Nothing wrong with supplying some D3 maybe once or twice a month, but I don't think it should be every meal.

I told my vet that I have a UVB light but he recommended that it wouldn't hurt to give them D3 once or twice a month just to make sure they're getting it, but he told me to definitely give mine a vitamin and calcium mix without D3 every meal outside of that once or twice a month.

[ChristianH26]

Oh brill. Glad to hear you’ve consulted a vet. Thank you

[rixusaku]

Oh yeah, I took mine in for a wellness checkup when I first got him and asked the vet a lot of questions haha.

[ChristianH26]

Oh that’s a great idea thanks for passing over the info

[mb606587]

If you feed dog food, check the ingredients. Many come already with d3 supplement. If that's the case, you'd want to supplement less frequently.

[rixusaku]

I had no idea dog food had D3 in it! I'll have to keep that in mind.

[ChristianH26]

Oh I didn’t know that either thank you

[mb606587]

The same thing goes with calcium. Calcium supplement is a great addition for most captive reptiles. Many are on a diet consisting of mainly invertebrates and vegetables, lacking in any real calcium. Whole prey options with bones tend to be rarely offered. Blue Tongue Skinks are the rare reptile that will thrive eating canned dog food. They are the exceptions to the reptile world in this regard. Canned dog food has plenty of calcium. The diet is fortified with many of these supplements. Think about it, when was the last time you saw somebody sprinkling powders for a dog? Just be wary not to overdo it only if you are already feeding this diet.

[ChristianH26]

Thanks for the help

[ThatOneReptileNoob]

If you feed dog food, check the ingredients. Many come already with d3 supplement. If that's the case, you'd want to supplement less frequently.

That explains how some dogs can spend almost all day, every day inside and not look like those sad little leopard geckos.