Supplementation

Supplements & dusting

Feeder insects alone are nutritionally incomplete. Calcium supplementation is non-negotiable — Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is among the most common and preventable health issues in captive leopard geckos.

MBD is preventable. Metabolic Bone Disease causes soft, rubbery bones, tremors, and deformity. It results from calcium deficiency or an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Consistent dusting of feeder insects is the single most important thing you can do to prevent it.

The core supplements

Calcium powder with D3
Every feeding (juveniles) / every other feeding (adults)

Primary defence against Metabolic Bone Disease. Dust feeders lightly immediately before offering — D3 content should not exceed 45,000–50,000 IU/kg or overdose becomes a risk. Repashy Calcium Plus and Zoo Med Reptivite with D3 are both well-regarded all-in-one options with a correct 2:1 Ca:P ratio.

Essential
Plain calcium (no D3)
Always available in a small open dish

Many geckos self-regulate calcium intake by licking a small dish voluntarily. Keep one in the enclosure at all times. This reduces the risk of over-supplementing D3 through dusting while ensuring calcium is always accessible.

Essential
Multivitamin powder
Once per week maximum

Provides vitamins A, B complex, and E that are not present in sufficient quantities in feeder insects even with gut-loading. Vitamin A toxicity is well documented in reptiles — do not exceed weekly use and do not stack multiple supplement products without checking for D3 and vitamin A overlap.

Weekly
D3 adjustment if using UVB
Reduce D3 supplementation accordingly

Leopard geckos are crepuscular and get limited UV exposure naturally, but captive geckos with proper UVB lighting (5–7% UVB, 10–12 hours/day) will synthesise D3 through their skin. If running UVB, cut back on D3 in dusting powder to avoid overdose. Consult your vet for exact reduction amounts based on UVB output.

Conditional

How to dust correctly

01
Prepare a dusting container

A small zip-lock bag or plastic container works well. Add a pinch of calcium powder — far less than you think.

02
Add the feeders

Drop the feeders in and give a quick, gentle shake. The powder should lightly coat them — not cake on thickly.

03
Feed immediately

Calcium dust rubs off quickly once insects are mobile. Feed within a few minutes of dusting for best absorption.

04
Leave a plain calcium dish

Always keep a small dish of plain calcium (no D3) in the enclosure. Many geckos self-regulate and lick it when they need more.

Do not over-supplement: Vitamin A toxicity from over-use of multivitamins is well documented in reptiles. Stick to the recommended frequency — weekly for multivitamins is sufficient. More is not better.