Why is dusting adult *A. semanni* prey with vitamin powders often discouraged?

Answer

It is often unnecessary if the feeder insects are well-gut-loaded

While dietary variety is beneficial for ensuring a broad spectrum of nutrients, artificial supplementation via dusting prey with calcium or vitamin powders is generally advised against for fully grown adult tarantulas. The reasoning behind this recommendation is rooted in the practice of effective gut-loading. If the feeder insects—like crickets or Dubia roaches—have themselves been fed a nutritious, high-quality diet for 24 to 48 hours beforehand, they already serve as highly effective delivery vehicles for essential nutrients. Attempting to dust prey risks coating the spider's fangs or carapace with excess powder if applied incorrectly, offering little nutritional gain over properly gut-loaded food.

Why is dusting adult *A. semanni* prey with vitamin powders often discouraged?

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