Nutritional Supplements

The following vitamins and minerals are critical to reptile health. They are available as supplements from PSP.

Calcium
Most pet lizards, turtles and tortoises can benefit from extra calcium. Green iguanas, in particular, may develop calcium deficiencies, which can lead to metabolic bone disease. In addition to giving their pets calcium supplements, owners should expose herptiles to natural sunlight when outdoor temperatures are warm enough, or UV light from a full spectrum terrarium lamp. When exposed to UV light, the animal’s skin will produce vitamin D3, which allows reptiles to utilize calcium efficiently.

Phosphorus
Phosphorus must be present in the reptile’s diet. However the level of this mineral must be carefully balanced with calcium.

In iguanas, the calcium/phosphorus ratio should be between 1.2 to 1 and 2 to 1.

Vitamin A
This vitamin contributes to healthy eyes. Turtles are prone to eye swelling and other problems from vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin A should be added to a turtle’s diet, as a supplement. However, lizard owners should be careful not to give their pet too much vitamin A. Many lizards, including iguanas, can become ill if they receive vitamin A in excessive levels.

Vitamin D3
This essential vitamin helps control the action of calcium and phosphorus in a lizard's body. It is necessary to prevent calcium deficiencies and metabolic bone disease. In addition to being administered through vitamin supplements, the production of vitamin D3 can be stimulated in the animal's body through ultraviolet light.