Bearded Dragon Supplements: What Your Pet Really Needs

Bearded dragons will get a lot of what they need from their diet, but there are some vitamins and minerals that they require in higher concentrations.

These are normally provided in the form of powdered supplements that can be added to the vegetation and live food before they are presented to your dragon. 

There are many different bearded dragon supplements that will include or exclude certain vitamins and minerals, and it can be difficult to know why. Please read on for our top recommendations.

What Are the Different Types of Bearded Dragon Supplements?

There are many different types of supplements, all containing nutrients, vitamins and minerals in varying proportions. When buying supplements for a bearded dragon, we normally just look for pure calcium supplements and multivitamin and mineral supplements. 

The main decision is whether to choose a supplement that contains synthetic vitamin D3.

Pure Calcium Supplements

Calcium is the single most important mineral for bearded dragons. It’s essential for building and maintaining strong bones, supporting muscle function, and preventing serious health conditions like metabolic bone disease (MBD).

You can find calcium supplements in several forms:

• Without D3: Best for dragons with access to high-quality UVB lighting
• With D3: Ideal for those without a UVB meter or when lighting may be unreliable

A high-quality calcium supplement should be part of every bearded dragon’s diet.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

These supplements provide a broader nutritional boost, including:

• Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune function
• Vitamin E: Essential for reproduction and cell protection
• B-complex vitamins: Important for energy metabolism
• Trace minerals: Like zinc, selenium, and magnesium

Multivitamin powders are typically used less frequently than calcium, often once or twice per week, to prevent overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins like A and D3.

Why Is Vitamin D3 Important?

Vitamin D3 is required by your dragon to utilise the calcium and phosphorous in their diet to reinforce their bones. Healthy dragons will naturally make their own D3 when exposed to the correct range of ultraviolet light, so it’s not always necessary.

The Role of UVB Lighting

Before T5 UVB lamps were available and lighting wasn’t as good or reliable, every reptile keeper would have supplements that included a little synthetic D3 for their dragons. A small amount of D3 is a good way to make sure that the dragon remains healthy even if the lighting isn’t perfect.

Please note: synthetic D3 IS NOT a suitable replacement for correct lighting!

Now that hobbyists are much more aware of the UVB requirements of their exotic pets and UV products are much better and more reliable, some people prefer to use supplements without any vitamin D3.

It’s a more natural approach to keeping the dragon, but it does require frequent checks to ensure the lights are working properly and constant vigilance to make sure the dragon doesn’t become deficient in calcium. Consequences of calcium deficiency can include metabolic bone disease and impaction (when the dragon tries to eat its bedding).

Which Option Is Best?

So which is better?! In short, it depends on your setup and experience level.

Choose a supplement without D3 if:

• You own a radiometer and check UVB levels several times a week
• You have a strong understanding of the species
• Your lighting system is reliable and appropriate

However, this method requires constant attention. It's important to remember that without proper lighting, your dragon risks becoming calcium deficient.

Choose a supplement with D3 if:

If you don’t have a device to measure the output of your lamps or you're a bit unsure, then a pre-balanced supplement with some D3 would be a better option just to be safe.

The main downside to synthetic D3 is that overdosing could cause a deficiency in vitamin A, but as long as you have a good pre-balance multivitamin, it’s unlikely to be an issue.

Which Calcium Supplements Do We Recommend?

When choosing a calcium supplement for your bearded dragon, it's important to decide whether you want one with or without synthetic vitamin D3, depending on your setup and monitoring practices.

Calcium Supplement with D3

If you are looking for a calcium supplement with some D3, then the Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3 would be great. It's a high-quality calcium supplement ideal for bearded dragons kept under lighting that may occasionally underperform or can’t be regularly monitored. It provides a reliable backup source of D3 to support bone health.

Calcium Supplement without D3

If your lighting is well set up and monitored using a UVB meter, you might prefer a more natural approach. In that case, we suggest ProRep Calci Dust. It's a pure calcium supplement with no synthetic D3, perfect for experienced keepers using modern T5 lighting systems. This is an excellent option if you're confident your dragon is producing enough D3 naturally.

Which Vitamin Supplements Do We Recommend?

Just like with calcium, vitamin and mineral supplements are available with or without synthetic D3. Your choice should be based on your lighting quality, monitoring habits, and experience level.

Vitamin/Mineral Supplement with D3

For those who prefer a vitamin supplement that includes D3, a trusted choice is Nutrobal. It's a well-balanced supplement containing essential vitamins and minerals, including a small amount of D3 - ideal for keepers who want to ensure their bearded dragon’s nutritional needs are covered.

Vitamin/Mineral Supplement without D3

If you're maintaining a natural setup and want a supplement free from synthetic D3, we recommend the Zoo Med Reptivite Without D3. This formula provides a comprehensive mix of vitamins and minerals without synthetic D3, designed for use alongside a high-performance UVB lighting system.

Give Your Bearded Dragon the Best Start with the Right Supplements

By combining a pure calcium supplement with a broad-spectrum multivitamin, you’ll give your bearded dragon the nutritional foundation it needs to thrive in captivity.

The key is to choose reputable brands, follow a consistent supplementation schedule, and adjust based on your lighting setup and the age or health of your dragon.

Browse our range of bearded dragon supplements at Reptile Centre. If you have any questions about the items recommended or need any advice on how best to care for your dragon, please contact us at sales@reptilecentre.com or call us on 01604753823