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Supplementation (Vitamin/ Calcium "Dusting")

Supplementation: Aside from food/ feeder insects themselves, something very important to dart frog health is supplementing the food with calcium and other minerals and vitamins. Frogs eating fruit flies alone and or in conjunction with the few available commercial insects will not provide adequate nutritional needs. Thus "dusting" prey with a commercially prepared supplement/powder is required. You'll provide supplements to you dart frogs in what's referred to as "dusting". Fruit flies are low in calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Calcium (with D3) is essential to prevent ailments such things as metabolic bone disorder. Other vitamins and minerals are also essential to prevent any developmental issues and vitamin deficiencies that impact health and longevity.

Calcium with D3
For proper absorption of calcium, Vitamin D3 is required in the calcium supplement. Do not use Calcium without vitamin D3. Note, an "all in one" vitamin is essential over just a Ca/D3 vitamin.

Vitamins & Minerals
Aside from Calcium and Vitamin D3, frogs will also need supplementation of additional vitamins and minerals. Repashy Calcium plus is a calcium and multi vitamin "all in one" vitamin. (DendroCare is another "all in one" however we have seen issues and no longer use as a result.)

Carotenoids
Some frog keepers also provide carotenoids which is thought to help increase the pigmentation and coloration of their dart Red and Orange frogs. The antioxidants may also be beneficial for health and aid in healing.

What "we do": As a reference, please also do your research as to your needs with your veterinarian and other experienced poison frog breeders. This routine is based on years of experience and consultation with other breeders and leading researchers.
Daily: Repashy Calcium Plus for daily feedings:
Weekly: Repashy Superpig mixed with Repashy Calcium Plus.
Twice a month:
Repashy Vitamin A Plus mixed with Repashy Calcium Plus


"Too much of a good thing":
As in people and other animals, it is possible to provide "too much" vitamins and can poison your frogs. Follow vitamin labeling and do not exceed recommended supplementation and frequency. Vitamin A is one notable especially dangerous if provided too much too often.


Beta Carotene converts to vitamin A as needed in reptiles and water soluble, however research shows that amphibians cannot metabolize needed vitamin A from beta carotene and should not be used. Thus avoid "reptile" vitamins. Amphibian vitamins use Retinol as their form of vitamin A. This is fat soluble and will accumulate in the body and thus limiting additional vitamin A supplementation is recommended.
Multi vitamins: Multi-vitamin stand alone supplements are typically a large dose/ concentration of vitamins and minerals intended for periodic use and thus should not be used daily.


Expiration:
Note, vitamins interact with air and moisture and degrade at higher temperatures. Prolonged exposure to air and moisture will degrade vitamins and their potency. Thus it is recommended to refrigerate supplements and to replace supplements every 6 months. Older vitamins can be added to enrich your fruit fly culture media versus simply throwing away. Note as well the expiration date of your vitamins. Discard old supplements.

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