Unlike their wild counterparts roaming the arid deserts of Australia, it isn’t uncommon for domestic bearded dragons to be deficient in crucial vitamins. Fortunately, by simply knowing the best vitamins bearded dragon experts swear by, you can quickly get your pet back into tip top shape!
In this article, we will be focusing specifically on the following 4 vitamins/minerals:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin A
- Multi-Vitamins
Now, while this list may seem overwhelming, please do NOT be intimidated! It is highly unlikely you will need to supplement your beardie’s diet with 5 unique products.
For instance, most bearded dragons can make enough Vitamin A simply by eating foods rich in beta-carotene like bell peppers and squash. And when it comes to Vitamin D3? Well, there are certain husbandry setups which provide enough of this that no further supplementing is required.
So, with that being said, let’s dive deep into discussing all things vitamins for bearded dragons!
In This Article
If you’re curious (or in a hurry):
✅ These specific bearded dragon multi-vitamins are the most popular with our readers and should be given to all bearded dragons regardless of their diet.
Best Bearded Dragon Supplements
Now that you have an idea of what vitamins play a crucial role in your beardie’s health, let’s discuss what bearded dragon supplements you can give them.
Obviously, the main bearded dragon supplementis going to be calcium. However, you’re going to want to be wary of WHAT calcium you buy as not all calciums are created equal.
Aside from calcium, Multi-Vitamins are also going to be 100% critical to your beardie’s diet. From here, you can be a little more choosy with what you supplement with.
Calcium Powder
The best calcium powders for bearded dragons are going to 100% be those offered by by Rep-Cal. (See next section for help on which one to purchase!)
Not only are these powders super finely milled, allowing them to stick to feeders effortlessly, but they also are phosphorous free! This is SO important because too much phosphorous in a beardie’s diet can lead to the depletion of calcium stores and weak bones.
✅PRO TIP: You want to avoid calcium powders with phosphorous in them because your dragon needs a strict 5:1 calcium to phosphorous ratio. Most dragons already consume plenty of phosphorous from their diet, so no need to double dip by introducing more in the form of a bearded dragon supplement.
Bearded Dragon Calcium With or Without D3?
Now, in regard to whether you get the powder with or without D3, consider your bearded dragon’s lighting setup.
Do you use a strong MVB (mercury vapor bulb) that helps your beardie get an adequate amount of D3 already? Or are you using a more conventional UVB light?
✅If you’re using an MVB use this powder
OR…
✅If you’re using a REGULAR UVB light use this powder
Can My Bearded Dragon Overdose on Calcium?
Although not particularly common, bearded dragons can in fact overdose on calcium. Too much calcium can damage your dragon’s organs and calcify their bones. Not good.
To avoid your bearded dragon overdosing on calcium, please refer to bearded dragon supplement schedule below to get an idea of how much calcium is too much.
Did You Know?: Bearded dragons who consume too much calcium in their diet can suffer from Hypercalcemia. This condition causes bones and muscles to weaken which can lead to issues with mobility and even lead to death if left untreated. As such, it is very important to maintain a 5:1 calcium to phosphorous ratio.
Bearded Dragon Supplement Schedule
Unsure of how old your bearded dragon is exactly? No worries! Consult the graphic above to get a rough idea of what age group they might fall under.
When it comes to a bearded dragon supplement schedule? Well, in terms of how often you should be giving your dragon supplements, it really just depends what you’re giving them and how old they are.
How often you dust feeders with calcium powder will 100% depend on the age of your dragon. Also, when it comes to the dusting? You don’t need to coat feeders in calcium like they’re sugared donuts! Just a light, even dusting is sufficient.
Please consider the bearded dragon supplement schedule below to get a good idea of what your bearded dragon calcium powder feeding schedule should look like…
Bearded Dragon Hatchlings Calcium Schedule
- Babies should have their feeders dusted 5 times a week, but never more than once in a single day.
Juvenile Bearded Dragons Calcium Schedule
- Juveniles should have their feeders dusted 4-5 times a week, but never more than once in a single day.
Sub Adult & Adult Bearded Dragon Calcium Schedule
- Adults should have their feeders dusted 3 times a week, but never more than once in a single day. At sexual maturity (18 months) you can go down to dusting 2 times a week if you like.
Bearded Dragon Multi-Vitamin Feeding Schedule (+ Recommendations)
Multi-vitamins are great because they make an easy way to ensure your bearded dragon is getting all of their essentials from one single powder.
Bearded dragons of all ages should be given a multi-vitamin to ensure overall optimal health. Similar to calcium above, age will affect how often you need to provide a multi-vitamin.
Best Bearded Dragon Multi-Vitamins
- Zilla Vitamin Supplement with Beta Carotene
- HERPTIVITE Multivitamin for reptiles and amphibians ( ✅Readers’ Choice)
- Nature Zone Bearded Dragon Vitamins & Probiotics
Bearded Dragon Hatchlings Vitamin Schedule
- Babies should be given a multi-vitamin twice a week on days when they are not given calcium and never more than once in a single day.
Juvenile Bearded Dragons Vitamin Schedule
- Juveniles should be given a multi-vitamin twice a week on days when they are not given calcium and never more than once in a single day.
Sub Adult & Adult Bearded Dragon Vitamin Schedule
- Adults should be given a multi-vitamin just once a week and ideally on a day when they aren’t given calcium.
Bearded Dragon Vitamin A Feeding Schedule
Unlike the bearded dragon supplement recommendations above, Vitamin A is one you’re going to need to watch out for…
Because Vitamin A can actually be quite toxic for bearded dragons in high doses, you’re going to want to try and avoid any supplement with Vitamin A in it. If you provide your bearded dragon with too much Vitamin A in their diet, their bones can actually begin to weaken through osteoporosis.
✅ PRO TIP: Instead of supplemented with Vitamin A, opt for supplements that state they have beta-carotene in them. Beta-carotene enables the bearded dragon’s body to convert just what they need into Vitamin A, ensuring they never consume too much.
And because they can’t consume too much Vitamin A from beta-carotene, feel free to provide as many approved fruits and veggies rich in beta-carotene as you like! From bell peppers to butternut squash, give your beardie a beta-carotene rich salad as often as you like!
Please Note: Only give carrot in moderation and as an occasional treat. Despite being rich in beta carotene, carrots are one of many potentially dangerous foods since they also happen to be rich in oxalates, which deplete the body’s calcium stores.
Wrapping Up Best Vitamins Bearded Dragon Owners Need
As I’m sure you can tell by now, you’re primarily going to be concerned with Calcium and Multi-Vitamins for your beardie. If fed a properly nutritious diet, they should be able to get all the other nutrients they need from their food.
Now, if your beardie is sick, malnourished, recovering from surgery, or in a growth spurt, you can always further fuel them with a great slurry recipe. But, otherwise? Just stick to their regular veggie filled diet (or feeders for babies)!