Why is relying solely on gut-loaded insects considered insufficient for long-term water dragon health?
Answer
Feeder insects often lack the necessary calcium and Vitamin D3 required for bone health.
Even when feeder insects are meticulously gut-loaded with a nutritious diet, they frequently remain deficient in crucial minerals vital for reptile health, specifically calcium and Vitamin D3. These two components are non-negotiable because Vitamin D3 is necessary for the reptile's body to properly process and utilize the ingested calcium, which is the fundamental building block for strong, healthy bones. Therefore, dusting the food items with powdered supplements containing these elements must be a routine part of the feeding process to supplement the nutrition provided by the insects themselves.
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