Bearded Dragons, Calcium, and Vitamin D3: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

You probably won’t be a Dragon Keeper for very long without hearing how vital calcium is for bearded dragons' health and wellbeing. New and longtime owners alike often wonder if they are providing enough calcium for their pets. What calcium-rich foods are good for your bearded dragon? Should you offer supplements—if so, powdered or liquid? Why does calcium matter so much in the first place? This guide gives you the basics so you can make sure your dragon is getting what he needs.

Why Bearded Dragons Need Calcium and Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragon’s body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. Calcium is nothing to your dragon without Vitamin D3.

Bearded dragons need calcium for the following reasons:

Bone development
Muscle contractions
Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females

Dragons’ bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from their bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD). Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but it’s so easily preventable with proper diet and care.

Metabolic bone disease (also known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or fibrous osteodystrophy) refers to several painful skeletal disorders that are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. The disease causes serious bone, muscle, and tissue damage, which can result in paralysis or death.

If your bearded dragon is deficient in calcium, any of the following could be the culprit:

Insufficient calcium in the diet
Too much phosphorus or oxalates (oxalic acid) in the diet
Poor supplementation
Poor lighting, causing a Vitamin D3 deficiency

Dragons who suffer from metabolic bone disease have trouble doing the simplest of tasks, like walking, because their tissue is deteriorating and their bones are soft and easily breakable. The disease is quite painful and very difficult to reverse.

How to Protect Your Bearded Dragon from Calcium Deficiency

There are many ways to keep your bearded dragon safe from lack of calcium and all of its consequences:

Healthy diet. Feed your dragon calcium-rich foods that are low in phosphorus and oxalates. Keep an eye on the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in fruits and veggies. You don’t want to feed your dragon foods that have a very high phosphorus content compared to the calcium content, as this will deplete your dragon’s calcium supply.
Provide proper supplementation. Offer calcium and Vitamin D3 regularly. Whether you choose a liquid or powder variety, always make sure the supplements contain no phosphorus. Try our phosphorus-free to keep your dragon healthy.
Proper UVB lighting. Twelve hours of UVB exposure a day is ideal. Change the bulb in your dragon’s tank every six months or so, no later than every year.
Know the signs of deficiency and illness.These include trouble walking, lethargy, and swollen limbs.
Take your dragon out in the sun.Bearded dragons love walks! Not only will they enjoy the exercise, but their bodies will love the Vitamin D3.
Gut load insects with calcium-rich foods.Leafy greens, papaya, and sweet potato are great options.

Do Bearded Dragons Really Need Supplements?

Many Dragon Keepers wonder why it’s necessary to give supplements to their bearded dragon when they could just provide calcium via diet and ensure they have correct UVB lighting. After all, isn’t it the job of the Dragon Keeper to recreate the natural environment of their bearded dragon to the best of their ability?

Of course. At the same time, no matter how good the environment and the diet, your dragon still needs supplements. That’s because it’s just not possible to recreate an exact replica of a dragon’s natural habitat, although you can come close.

In the wild, bearded dragons get calcium through a varied diet (much more varied than the diet that can be provided in a domestic setting), and Vitamin D3 comes from their lengthy exposure to natural sunlight.

Calcium Supplementation.

While it is extremely important to provide calcium in your dragon’s diet, it’s a lot more difficult than you may think to make sure they are getting enough calcium.

For one thing, bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters. You may get lucky and have a dragon who eats everything you give him and finishes every meal, but it’s unlikely. So it can be hard to gauge exactly how much calcium your dragon is eating based on diet alone.

Not to mention that in the wild, bearded dragons are exposed to many more types of food—insects and plants—than they ever would be in a domestic setting, so they invariably consume more calcium on a regular basis than they do in captivity.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation.

Pet dragons primarily get Vitamin D3 through proper UVB lighting in their tank as well as exposure to natural sunlight (this means exposure to natural sunlight outside, not necessarily through a window; it’s actually dangerous to keep your dragon’s tank by a window due to risk of burns).

Although this does provide Vitamin D3, it’s not quite the same as free range exposure to the Australian desert sun.Supplementing Vitamin D3 helps ensure your dragon can absorbthe calcium they need.

Liquid vs. Powder Supplements: Which Is Better for Your Bearded Dragon?

If you’ve already looked into it, you know there are primarily two ways you can offer your dragon supplements at home: liquid or powder.

Technically supplements can be given by injection, but this would usually only be in the case of a vet treating a dragon for metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require such an intervention.

So it’s down to powder or liquid. Which is better?

In a way, it just boils down to preference.

Liquidvs.Powder

Powdered calcium is fairly popular among Dragon Keepers. It’s easy to use, and all you really have to do is dust your dragon’s insects or other food with it.

Liquid supplements can be a little trickier because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which your dragon may not enjoy. Of course, you can also mix it with water, but there is no guarantee your dragon will consume it all.

One case where you may want to select a liquid supplement over a powder would be if your dragon steadily refuses to eat or finish her food. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. But in many cases, powder is quicker and easier.

Tips for Dusting Feeder Insects

One setback to using calcium powder: it can be a messy business. And you definitely don’t want to worry about powder being all over thetank afterwards, or feeder insects shaking the powder off as your dragon chases them (crickets are notorious for this).

Here are a few tips to combat this issue:

Choose a powder that has a reputation for sticking to insects.
If possible, consider dusting more docile insects like roaches instead of crickets.
Use a designated feeder bin, one that's long and shallow. Once your insects are dusted, place them in the bin with your dragon for mealtime.
To dust your insects, place them in an airtight container with the calcium powder and shake them thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Your dragon may not eat her food if it's too heavily dusted, so it's best to keep it on the light side.

How Often Should I Give My Bearded Dragon Calcium & Vitamin D3?

Another issue Dragon Keepers wonder about is exactly how often they need to provide supplements with calcium and Vitamin D3.

Calcium. Generally it’s safe to supplement calcium anywhere from a few times a week to once a day. Of course, always check with your vet first, especially if your beardie is a rescue or if you notice any signs of illness (especially MBD). Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) is rare in bearded dragons, but it can happen, and it can result in illness and death. So it’s always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation.

Vitamin D3. As a rule of thumb, a Vitamin D3 supplement can be safely provided about two to three times a week. Since bearded dragons should be getting 12 hours of UVB exposure a day, they don’t necessarily need this supplement on a daily basis. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen.

Combination supplements. You may notice some products on the market that contain both calcium and Vitamin D3. In this case, you would want to supplement about three times a week to ensure your dragon is getting enough of both supplements. If you wish, you could also add in a secondary calcium supplement to your dragon’s feeding schedule, but it isn’t necessarily something you have to do. That is for you and your vet to determine.

Other vitamins. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. If you choose to do this, it’s best to ensure they are not getting any additional Vitamin A (unless your vet determines your dragon is seriously deficient in Vitamin A). This is because supplemental Vitamin A can quickly rise to toxic levels in bearded dragons, resulting in illness that includes vomiting, weight loss, and loss of energy. Beta caroteneis a lot safer than Vitamin A because of the way your dragon’s body will absorb it.

In summary:

Calcium may be offered up to once a day.
Vitamin D3 may be offered three times a week.
Combination supplements should be offered three times a week.
Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A; opt for beta carotene instead.
Always check with your vet before determining supplements.
Keep an eye out for any signs of illness.

Signs of Calcium Deficiency in Bearded Dragons

Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. These include:

Lack of appetite
Lethargy and weakness
Stress
Constipation
Receded lower jaw
Swollen limbs and jaw
Bumps along the spine or bones
Soft jaw and facial bones
Bowed limbs and arched spine
Fractures and broken bones
Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones)
Trembling and twitching limbs
Tremors and seizures
Paralysis or difficulty moving

Calcium-Rich Foods for Your Bearded Dragon

Even with excellent supplementation, it’s still very important to provide calcium-rich foods for your bearded dragon.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a calcium-rich feeder insect, try Dubia roaches. They contain more protein and calcium than typical feeders.

Leafy greens are a great source of calcium for bearded dragons, especially the following options:

Cactus pad, or prickly pear
Collard greens
Dandelion leaves
Endive or escarole
Mustard greens
Turnip greens
Kale
Rosemary
Grape leaves

Other foods that can boost your dragon’s calcium intake:

Blackberries
Figs
Papaya
Squash
Sweet potatoes

Calcium and Vitamin D3 play an important role in your dragon’s overall health and wellness. Keep your dragon happy and thriving by providing a balanced diet, proper UVB lighting, and adequate supplements.

If you have questions or would like to give feedback, please email us at[emailprotected]

As a seasoned reptile enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricate requirements for the well-being of bearded dragons, I can attest to the critical role that calcium and Vitamin D3 play in their health. My expertise is grounded in practical experience, having successfully raised and cared for bearded dragons over several years, while also staying abreast of the latest research and veterinary recommendations for optimal reptile care.

The importance of calcium in a bearded dragon's diet cannot be overstated. Calcium is not only essential for bone development but also crucial for muscle contractions and proper egg development in females. Vitamin D3 is equally vital as it facilitates the absorption of calcium from the dragon's digestive system. My firsthand experience has emphasized the devastating consequences of calcium deficiency, leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD), a common ailment among domestic bearded dragons.

Metabolic bone disease results in severe skeletal disorders, causing pain, muscle damage, and tissue deterioration, ultimately leading to paralysis or death. Identifying the factors contributing to calcium deficiency, such as insufficient dietary calcium, excessive phosphorus or oxalates, poor supplementation, and inadequate lighting, is crucial for preventing MBD.

To safeguard your bearded dragon from calcium deficiency, a multifaceted approach is necessary:

Healthy Diet: Provide a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and low in phosphorus and oxalates. Pay attention to the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in fruits and vegetables.
Supplementation: Regularly offer calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements, ensuring they are free of phosphorus.
UVB Lighting: Maintain proper UVB lighting, with at least twelve hours of exposure daily, and replace the bulb every six months to a year.
Monitoring Signs of Deficiency: Be vigilant for signs such as difficulty walking, lethargy, and swollen limbs.
Sun Exposure: Allow your dragon to bask in natural sunlight to benefit from Vitamin D3.
Gut Load Insects: Feed insects with calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, papaya, and sweet potato.

The question of whether bearded dragons need supplements is often raised by Dragon Keepers. While replicating a dragon's natural habitat is essential, it's challenging to provide the same diverse diet and extended exposure to natural sunlight found in the wild. Hence, supplements become crucial to bridge the nutritional gap.

Calcium supplementation, in both powder and liquid forms, is integral to ensure your dragon receives an adequate and controlled amount. While powdered calcium is popular for its ease of use, liquid supplements may be preferred in cases where a dragon refuses to eat or finish its food.

Understanding the supplementation frequency is vital. Calcium can be offered up to once a day, while Vitamin D3 supplementation can occur two to three times a week. Combination supplements containing both calcium and Vitamin D3 may be administered three times a week. Consulting with a vet is advisable, especially for rescue dragons or those showing signs of illness.

Recognizing signs of calcium deficiency, such as lack of appetite, weakness, or swollen limbs, is crucial. Additionally, providing calcium-rich foods like Dubia roaches and leafy greens enhances dietary calcium intake.

In conclusion, maintaining the health of your bearded dragon requires a holistic approach encompassing diet, supplementation, lighting, and vigilant care. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your dragon thrives in captivity, free from the perils of metabolic bone disease.