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ASK AN EXPERT
Got a query? Ask our resident panel of nerds for advice.
Q: To D or not to D?
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Answered by Aimee Jones, Content Specialist at Peregrine Livefoods.
There is often confusion over the use of D3 supplementation with reptiles and amphibians, especially where UVB lighting is in use. So, do you still need a D3 supplement?
Technically, no, you don’t need a D3 supplement if you are using the correct UVB lighting for your animal. Correct is the key word here. The output needs to be appropriate, with careful consideration to the lamp’s position and the available basking opportunities.
However, there is definitely a use for D3 supplements, especially in blends that include other beneficial vitamins.
A good calcium and multivitamin powder makes a great addition to your reptile’s diet to bolster their overall health. Small additional amounts of D3 are also useful as a ‘top up’.
Bill has extensive field-herping experience, with a particular specialism leading expeditions to Madagascar and North America.
Recommending doses is where things become tricky, as there is limited data on the matter. However, we can take advice on how to proceed from successful keepers in the hobby who use these products. A general plan that appears to work well is using a multivitamin with D3 once a week. Making a supplement and feeding schedule can be helpful with this.
A renowned exotics specialist with decades of experience keeping birds, mammals and reptiles. He is also an advisor to the UK and EU governments.
Alternatively, there are often non-D3 versions of reptile multivitamins, eliminating the problem entirely, so it’s up to you which products you’d like to use and how. Be sure to monitor your animal’s health to catch any issues early.
