Supplements provide necessary components that reptiles and amphibians would normally get in the wild that aren't available in captivity as well as assist animals who are on medications, have a loss of appetite, and who otherwise not in top condition.
Calcium
Calcium supplementation is necessary for most reptiles because the captive diets are typically too high in phosphorus. Reptiles need to on average have two parts calcium to one part phosphorus in their diets, and with most feeders having nearly twice the phosphorus as calcium, dietary supplementation is the only way to prevent the calcium deficiency diseases such as metabolic bone disease and cardiac failure.
This article by John Taylor is excellent one about Calcium and reptiles. Recommended read. His website reptileapartment.com is a source of great information! |
multivitamins
Since it is impossible to precisely mimic an animal's wild diet in captivity, vitamin and mineral supplementation is necessary. Not every reptile has the same requirements, so please be sure to do your species specific research and learn what is recommended for your reptile.
Rep-Cal makes a reputable multivitamin supplement that is adequate for many species. There are some keepers who grind their own vitamin supplements. Melissa Kaplan's supplement article explains why. |
calcium glubionate (liquid calcium)
" In addition to helping you treat or prevent a calcium deficiency,
this supplement can be used to reduce your body's levels of another mineral,
called phosphate or phosphorus; it achieves this effect by lowering the body's ability
to absorb the phosphorus content of your food during digestion. If you have too
much phosphate in your body, you can develop a condition called
hyperphosphatemia."
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/455514-calcium-gluconate-vs-calcium-carbonate/#ixzz2Gh551UnU
* Any calcium supplement should always be given to your reptile with food. Calcium is
better absorbed with digestion.
Probiotic
Probiotic is an umbrella term that covers several strains of microorganisms able to survive thru the intestinal tract and provide benefit to the host body. Probiotics can help reestablish a bacterial balance. Though there are several species of these microorganisms the most well known is Lactobacillus acidophilus commonly called acidophilus.
Antibiotics are of great benefit when an infection occurs but are not selective. They kill the good bacteria along with the bad. When this occurs it can cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration. This imbalance allows fungal yeast the opportunity to bloom unchecked causing the fungal yeast infections so common when taking antibiotics. Probiotics have been shown to help improve or reestablish the intestinal bacteria balance. This helps alleviate the diarrhea, therefore reducing the chance for dehydration, helps keeps fungal yeast in check, improves the immune system function and aids in nutrition and medication absorption.
Although the above information can be written for and applies to humans, it also applies to the reptile. When reptiles are administered antibiotics their good bacteria is killed off with the bad. They can get diarrhea leading to dehydration and other problems. Yeast is left unchecked and can over bloom causing a fungal yeast infection. The diarrhea and fungal yeast infection can be dangerous to reptiles.
There is debate on the methods of delivery of probiotics but all must be refrigerated. There are tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, gels and paste to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons. Mention should be made about dry probiotics. They are freeze dried and live, they reconstitute when introduced into the digestive tract becoming as active as in the liquid preparations.
Antibiotics are of great benefit when an infection occurs but are not selective. They kill the good bacteria along with the bad. When this occurs it can cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration. This imbalance allows fungal yeast the opportunity to bloom unchecked causing the fungal yeast infections so common when taking antibiotics. Probiotics have been shown to help improve or reestablish the intestinal bacteria balance. This helps alleviate the diarrhea, therefore reducing the chance for dehydration, helps keeps fungal yeast in check, improves the immune system function and aids in nutrition and medication absorption.
Although the above information can be written for and applies to humans, it also applies to the reptile. When reptiles are administered antibiotics their good bacteria is killed off with the bad. They can get diarrhea leading to dehydration and other problems. Yeast is left unchecked and can over bloom causing a fungal yeast infection. The diarrhea and fungal yeast infection can be dangerous to reptiles.
There is debate on the methods of delivery of probiotics but all must be refrigerated. There are tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, gels and paste to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons. Mention should be made about dry probiotics. They are freeze dried and live, they reconstitute when introduced into the digestive tract becoming as active as in the liquid preparations.
bee pollen
***If you have pollen or bee sting allergies, Bee pollen may have the potential to cause a serious allergic reaction including shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Use caution until you find it is safe for you to be in contact with***
Disclaimer: Bee Pollen is considered a Holistic natural supplement and touted by multitudes to be an unequaled supplement with many benefits due to it's nutritional components. There are other components being investigated but not yet identified making it unable to be synthesized in a laboratory.
Bee Pollen is thought to be of great benefit for all living organisms due to its make up. It contains trace amounts of every nutrient the body needs. The fact is Bee Pollen contains at least 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids and 11 carbohydrates. It is about 25% protein, containing all the essential amino acids. It is high in B-complex vitamins and carotenoids, the precursors to vitamin A. It also is known to have nucleic acids, cysteine, lecithin, and hormones. It is thought by some to greatly improve and support the immune system. Bee pollen is alkaline and as such may help to balance body pH. It is considered one of nature's most completely nourishing foods by its proponents.
Disclaimer: Bee Pollen is considered a Holistic natural supplement and touted by multitudes to be an unequaled supplement with many benefits due to it's nutritional components. There are other components being investigated but not yet identified making it unable to be synthesized in a laboratory.
Bee Pollen is thought to be of great benefit for all living organisms due to its make up. It contains trace amounts of every nutrient the body needs. The fact is Bee Pollen contains at least 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids and 11 carbohydrates. It is about 25% protein, containing all the essential amino acids. It is high in B-complex vitamins and carotenoids, the precursors to vitamin A. It also is known to have nucleic acids, cysteine, lecithin, and hormones. It is thought by some to greatly improve and support the immune system. Bee pollen is alkaline and as such may help to balance body pH. It is considered one of nature's most completely nourishing foods by its proponents.
A tablespoon of bee pollen.
carnivore care
From BD.co - "Carnivore Care is a premium recovery food designed for carnivores that are unwilling to eat their normal diet. Formulated by animal nutritionists and veterinarians with exotic pet care expertise, Carnivore Care meets 100% of the needs of a sick or convalescing obligate carnivore. Carnivore Care is a 45% protein, 32% fat formulation with added vitamins and minerals. Mix 2 parts Carnivore Care to 1 part water adjusting amount as needed. Syringe feed through a soft tube or by dripping on nose."
Once an animal is ready for protein to be introduced, carnivore care can be provided to help slowly and safely start it in their system. As stated above, carnivore care can be mixed with water and given to your animal or like critical care the mixture can be put into baby food along with other supplements (calcium, probiotics, and electrolytes) as needed. |
critical care
From BD.co - "Critical Care is a premium recovery food which can be given to herbivores that are unwilling to eat their normal diet due to illness, surgery or poor nutritional status. This specially formulated product contains all the essential nutrients of a complete diet as well as high-fiber timothy hay to ensure proper gut physiology and digestion.
Manufacturers Directions: Shake well before using. Mix 1 part Critical Care with 2 parts warm water to the desired consistency. The volume of water may be adjusted depending on feeding method. Herbivorous mammals: Mix 3 Tbsp per kg of body weight daily. (1 Tbsp is equal to approximately 9 grams.) Herbivorous reptiles: Mix 1 Tbsp per kg of body weight daily. Amounts are general guidelines. Divide into 4 to 6 feedings unless specified by your veterinarian. Water should be available to the animal at all times. Prepare fresh at each feeding; discard after 24 hours. Store in a cool, dry place." For recovering reptiles, protein should be introduced slowly as to not shock their systems. Providing Critical Care can help provide them needed nutrients to help provide strength and energy and aid on the road to recovery. It can be mixed with water as the Manufacturers Directions detail or it can be mixed into baby food with other supplements if needed (calcium and probiotics for example). |
Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase is fast becoming an essential supplement for reptiles. It is an anti-inflammatory, an anti-fibrotic and thins the mucus secretions of reptiles with respiratory infections. It has been used in Germany to break up arterial plaque and has been shown to dissolve blood clots. For patients with asthma and COPD, it helps to break up mucus and aids people in breathing better. Used in human medicine for over 25 years in Europe, Serrapeptase is only recently being considered for use in the USA. Luckily it is available for use in reptiles in two forms, powder and liquid.
Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is secreted by silkworms to dissolve their cocoon. It breaks down proteins into amino acids and peptides, which is a big feat considering how strong silk is. Scientists discovered serrapeptase can break down inflammation, block pain receptors, ease swelling from gout and other uses are still being discovered.
We have found two sources for serrapeptase that has been formulated for use in reptiles. One is a liquid that you can mix in a slurry or give alone with a needless syringe, the other is a powder that you can dust feeders with.
Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is secreted by silkworms to dissolve their cocoon. It breaks down proteins into amino acids and peptides, which is a big feat considering how strong silk is. Scientists discovered serrapeptase can break down inflammation, block pain receptors, ease swelling from gout and other uses are still being discovered.
We have found two sources for serrapeptase that has been formulated for use in reptiles. One is a liquid that you can mix in a slurry or give alone with a needless syringe, the other is a powder that you can dust feeders with.
The Importance of Electrolytes
The main electrolytes in the body are Calcium, Phosphate, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium and Chloride.
If you suspect dehydration and electrolyte imbalance you should seek advice from your veterinarian.
Simply put, electrolytes are essential electrically charged mineral molecules called ions that act as a catalyst to conduct electrical pulses between and thru the cells in the body. These electrical pulses are responsible for all bodily functions, such as muscle contractions and nerve impulses which regulate every organ and metabolic function in the body. They are carried in the blood and are present in all body fluids. When electrolytes are at the correct concentration or balance, the body is able to function at optimum.
Poor diet, inadequate hydration, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive heat, and diseases can cause dehydration which leads to electrolyte imbalance. When the electrolytes are not maintained at the correct concentration or balance, the body functions break down. This leads to poor or no appetite, inadequate metabolic functions, lethargy, illness, disease, seizures, organ failure and ultimately death if not corrected.
It is important to provide daily fresh water, proper diet, correct temperatures and all other requirements for your reptile. Providing proper husbandry for the specific species of reptile in your care is essential for their health.
Powdered Electrolytes are available at:
If you suspect dehydration and electrolyte imbalance you should seek advice from your veterinarian.
Simply put, electrolytes are essential electrically charged mineral molecules called ions that act as a catalyst to conduct electrical pulses between and thru the cells in the body. These electrical pulses are responsible for all bodily functions, such as muscle contractions and nerve impulses which regulate every organ and metabolic function in the body. They are carried in the blood and are present in all body fluids. When electrolytes are at the correct concentration or balance, the body is able to function at optimum.
Poor diet, inadequate hydration, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive heat, and diseases can cause dehydration which leads to electrolyte imbalance. When the electrolytes are not maintained at the correct concentration or balance, the body functions break down. This leads to poor or no appetite, inadequate metabolic functions, lethargy, illness, disease, seizures, organ failure and ultimately death if not corrected.
It is important to provide daily fresh water, proper diet, correct temperatures and all other requirements for your reptile. Providing proper husbandry for the specific species of reptile in your care is essential for their health.
Powdered Electrolytes are available at:
Powdered Electrolytes formulated for reptiles
BeardedDragon.co's electrolyte powder, formulated for reptiles
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Bug-De-Lite's Electrolyte Powder formulated for reptiles and product page
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B Vitamins
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B vitamins are necessary for nerve health and immune support. The actual vitamin is absorbed in the gut with the help of good gut flora. Antibiotics can destroy the beneficial or 'good' flora, so a probiotic should be given, after which a few days of liquid B vitamins can be given as a boost. Since low B vitamin levels are associated with a low immune system, a reptile that has had parasites might be lethargic both from the parasites and the low B levels. Liquid B vitamins can be purchased from beardeddragon.co.
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Article explaining the loss of vitamin B1 that happens when freezing greens and vegetables and how to prevent this through supplementation.
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Additional links explaining proper supplementation:
In-dept informational page about vitamins and supplementation in the Green Iguana. Helpful for general reptile health and understanding, as well as assistance with treating the rescued iguana.
Veterinary Practice News article explains how to avoid nutritional disorders by giving proper diet and supplementation.
Interesting Jackson's Chameleon care sheet suggesting bee pollen supplementation.
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Detailed article with pictures discussing Vitamin A deficiency in chameleons.
Focuses on the need for calcium and D3 for proper bone development in tortoises.
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Arcadia is a UVB light manufacturer and the above diagram shows the process of light and heat converting D3 in the skin and bloodstream. The diagram links to their in-depth article on their site explaining the importance of D3.