The 5 Best Vitamin Supplements for Geckos

Most geckos are insectivores. (Some adults will eat an occasional pinkie.) That means they feed on insects and don’t eat vegetables or fruit, though some geckos do enjoy it. As a gecko parent, this could make you wonder if your gecko needs vitamins. The answer is yes. Vitamins are vital for your gecko’s health.

In the wild, geckos eat a wider range of insects and other arthropods. These are loaded with the vitamins and minerals that your gecko needs. Wild geckos can also find and lick mineral deposits to get whatever minerals that its body needs.

In captivity, however, the insects you feed your gecko don’t provide all the nutrients it needs. This makes it important for owners to provide their geckos with those nutrients. Vitamin supplements are the most efficient way to ensure that your gecko gets the vitamins that its body requires.

Which vitamin supplements are right for your pet? How do you supplement your gecko’s food with vitamins? We answer these questions and share the top vitamin supplements that you can buy for your gecko below. But first, let’s take a more in-depth look at the vitamins your gecko needs.

What Vitamins Do Geckos Need?

There are two main classes of supplements to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your gecko. The firsts are the general multivitamins and mineral supplements. Then we have either pure calcium or calcium with vitamin D3.

In general, there are two classes of vitamins that your gecko’s body requires: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins protect your gecko’s cells and also facilitate healing. They do this by providing structure to the skin, muscles, and bones. Examples of water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and many B vitamins. Your gecko especially needs water-soluble vitamins because they cannot store them in their body. So, you need to provide these with their food.

Fat-soluble vitamins support your gecko’s immune function, vision, healing, and bone health. Some examples of fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins D, A, E, and K.

Geckos and Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, as you’ve already read, is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s vital for your gecko’s immune health. Your gecko also can’t absorb nutrients like calcium and phosphorus without vitamin D3. In addition, this vitamin is also important to their overall metabolic process.

Vitamin D mostly comes from the sun’s rays. This means that keeping your gecko inside, as is the case with most pet reptiles, could easily lead to a lack of vitamin D3. This makes this vitamin one of the important ones you must supply to your gecko.

Since UVB lights are a great source of vitamin D3, many people use them in their gecko tank to supplement. The truth, however, is that, unlike lizards, geckos do not bask. Plus, the UVB Lights could even be harmful to your geckos’ sensitive skin and eyes.

Another thing to note is that most geckos are nocturnal. This means that turning off the UVB light at night is critical.

If you insist on using these lights, be sure to research the right intensity for your gecko. In lieu of UVB lights, regular vitamin D3 supplements will work just fine. Below are some wonderful vitamin supplements for your gecko.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Vitamin Supplements for Geckos

1.  Best Overall: Zilla Reptile Vitamin Supplement

Your gecko will benefit from Zilla Reptile Vitamin Supplement, which contains folic acid, niacin, and vitamin A from beta carotene. It also has vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, calcium, and vitamin D3. These nutrients are important for your gecko’s immune system and other bodily functions.

Vitamin D3, in particular, helps with calcium metabolism in your gecko’s body. Calcium is necessary for strong bones. Vitamin A is important for your gecko’s vision. This spray is a direct alternative to gut loading as a way of getting vitamins into your gecko. All you need to do is spray it on the food and let it dry for 15 minutes before feeding.

Buyers appreciate that this spray is so easy to use and that it does not change the taste of their gecko’s food. Some geckos won’t touch food that has powder on it. Since this is a mist, your gecko will get just what they need without even knowing. This supplement comes at a great price, too.

Several reviewers said that they weren’t sure whether this supplement “did anything” for their pets. A sole reviewer said that it didn’t contain enough calcium, though they didn’t specify what type of reptile they had or what the optimal amount was for that species.

Pros and Cons of Zilla Reptile Vitamin Supplement

Best Overall

Zilla Reptile Health Supplies Vitamin Supplement Food Spray

• Easy-to-use spray
• Contains folic acid, niacin, and vitamin A from beta carotene
• It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, calcium, and vitamin D3
• This spray is an alternative to gut-loading
• It is also an alternative to powder supplements, since some geckos won't eat insects that have powder on them

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2. Best for Affordability: Exo Terra Multi Vitamin Powder Supplement for Reptiles and Amphibians 

Exo Terra Multi Vitamin Powder Supplement for Reptiles and Amphibians contains vitamins A from beta carotene, which is important for your gecko’s immune system. Vitamin A is also essential for good eyesight and supports bone health.

Exo Terra Multivitamins also contain calcium which is necessary for your gecko’s bone health. There is also vitamin D3, which helps your gecko with metabolizing calcium.

This multi also contains vitamin E. This vitamin is an antioxidant that also helps build a strong immune system. It is also responsible for healthy skin and eyes. You’ll also find key nutrients like iodine and biotin in this multivitamin.

One reviewer said, ” The powder just floats off the food. Clouds the water.”

Pros and Cons of Exo Terra Multivitamin for Reptiles 

Best for Affordability

Exo Terra Multi Vitamin Reptile & Amphibian Supplement

• Contains vitamin A from beta carotene, which is essential for your gecko's immune system, eyesight, and bone health
• Also contains calcium for bone health and vitamin D3, which helps geckos metabolize calcium
• Vitamin E is also included. This antioxidant supports a strong immune system, healthy skin, and eyes.
• Essential minerals, such as iodine and biotin, are also a part of this formula.
• Powder formula

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3. Best Premium: Fluker’s Repta Vitamin Reptile Supplement

Fluker’s Repta Vitamin Reptile Supplement comes at a higher price than most, but its ingredients make it well worth it. First is beta carotene and vitamin A acetate. Vitamin A is good for your gecko’s eyesight and also helps maintain healthy bones.

Fluker’s also contains vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps with healthy nerve cells and DNA. It is also good for the blood. Fluker’s multivitamin also contains calcium, which is good for strong bones. Then vitamin D3, which helps to metabolize the calcium.

Finally, Fluker’s contains niacin which is awesome for the digestive system, nervous system, and healthy skin. Simply sprinkle this powder on food before feeding. Verified buyers say that this multivitamin helps to keep their geckos healthy and strong.

One reviewer reported that there were “shell shards” in their jar of this supplement. “I know that one ingredient in this powder is “oyster shell flour” but having this much shell fragments in the powder has to be dangerous!??! Look at the amount I sifted out! I will use the remaining powder but will not be purchasing this product again.”

Pros and Cons of Fluker’s Repta Vitamin Reptile Supplement

Best Premium

Fluker's Reptile Vitamin with Beta Carotene Reptile Supplement

• This product is higher priced than some, but the ingredients make it well worth it
• Contains beta carotene and vitamin A acetate. Vitamin A is essential for your gecko's eyesight and healthy bones
• Also contains vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D3, which helps to metabolize the calcium
• Finally, this formula contains niacin for your pet's digestive system, nervous system, and healthy skin.
• Simply sprinkle this powdered formula on your pet's food before feeding

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4. Best Vitamin Supplement with Vitamin D3: Zoo Med Reptivite With D3

If you need a good vitamin supplement with D3 for your gecko, most gecko owners suggest Zoo Med Reptivite With D3. It has many vitamins and minerals to support your pet’s diet. It contains vitamin A, which is fantastic for your gecko’s eyesight and immune system.

This product also has vitamin E, which is great for the skin and immune system. There is vitamin K, which helps build strong bones, and vitamin C, which supports tissue growth and repairs. And that’s not all.

This multivitamin also contains vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, and lots of calcium. There is also vitamin D3, which helps your gecko metabolize the calcium. Simply dust lightly over your gecko’s food.

A few reviewers reported that their geckos didn’t like this supplement.

Pros and Cons of Zoo Med Reptivite With D3

Best Vitamin Supplement with Vitamin D3

Zoo Med Reptivite with D3 Reptile Vitamin

• Contains the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals your gecko needs
• Contains vitamin D3 and calcium, which are essential for your gecko's health.
• Also contains vitamin E for skin and immune health, vitamin K for strong bones, and vitamin C for tissue growth and repairs
• This multivitamin also contains Vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6, B12.
• Instructions: dust lightly over your gecko's food

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5. Best Vitamin Supplement Without Vitamin D3: Zoo Med Reptivite Without D3

If you already have a UVB light or are supplementing your gecko’s diet with vitamin D3, this is the multivitamin for you. It does not contain vitamin D3, so you can you avoid overdosing your gecko on this vitamin.

This multivitamin, however, contains other important supplements like vitamin A, which is excellent for your gecko’s eyesight. It also has vitamin C, which is good for tissue growth and repairs. The vitamin E in this multivitamin will help your gecko maintain healthy skin.

This multivitamin, which is in powder form, also contains vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, and B12. Vitamin B2 ensures that your gecko’s cells properly convert food to energy. You’ll also find other important minerals like calcium in this product.

Some reviewers said that their geckos didn’t like this supplement.

Pros and Cons of Zoo Med Reptivite Without D3

Best Vitamin Supplement Without Vitamin D3

Zoo Med Reptivite, without Vitamin D3

• If you have a UVB light or are providing vitamin D3 in another supplement, this is the multivitamin for you.
• This supplement does not contain vitamin D3, so you won't overdose your pet on this vitamin.
• This formula does contain a wide variety of other important vitamins that are essential to your gecko's good health.
• Contains vitamin A for good eyesight, vitamin C for tissue growth and repairs, and vitamin E for healthy skin
• This formula, which is in powder form, also contains vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, and B12, and important minerals like calcium

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How to Choose the Best Vitamin Supplement for Your Gecko

Are you planning to purchase vitamin supplements for your gecko? Some important factors to consider include:

• Life stage
• Species
• Habitat
• Price

Let’s review these in detail:

Life Stage

How old is your gecko? This will help determine how often they need vitamin supplements and, ultimately, which they require. Breeding geckos could also have a greater need for calcium, among other nutrients, so you’ll have to keep this in mind.

Species

There are many different species of geckos. Some include the leopard gecko, African fat-tailed gecko, crested gecko, tokay gecko, etc. You should keep this in mind when choosing a supplement. For example, leopard geckos cannot get vitamin A by consuming beta carotene. This means the supplement you choose should list vitamin A specifically.

Habitat

Do you have a UVB light in your gecko’s habitat? If yes, then your gecko is getting some vitamin D3 from the light. But, as we mentioned above, geckos don’t bask in light like lizards do, so they won’t get sufficient vitamin D3 from their UVB light. Speak with your vet to determine how much vitamin D3 you should give your pet in supplement form to augment what they’re getting from their UVB light.

Price

Vitamin supplements are an important part of your gecko’s diet. While some might be a bit pricey, our list has a couple that are pocket friendly. The key is to choose the one that keeps your gecko healthy. 

Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency in Geckos

Geckos with a vitamin deficiency tend to suffer from metabolic bone disease (MBD). Symptoms of MBD include bowed legs, difficulty raising their body off the ground, limping, and decreased appetite. If you suspect that your gecko has MBD, you should take your pet to the vet for proper treatment immediately.

Geckos also tend to lack vitamin A since insects are not a good source of that vitamin. As a result, vitamin A deficiency is common in geckos. Vitamin A deficiency in geckos manifests as lethargy, improper shedding, and swollen eyes. If your gecko has any of these symptoms, take it to your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Tips on Adding Supplements to Your Geckos Food

There are two main ways to add supplements to your gecko’s food. The first is known as gut loading, and the second is dusting. Remember to be careful when supplementing your gecko’s food to avoid overdosing. You can check out a good frequency to use much later in this article.

Gut loading involves feeding the insects you’ll give to your gecko with high nutrient supplements 24-48 hours before feeding your gecko. That way, your gecko can ingest these important supplements directly from their prey.

Food used for gut loading includes multivitamin supplements, fruits, and dark green vegetables. Some owners also use dehydrated cat or dog food for gut loading. There are also some premade gut-loading foods in the market. Insects to gut load include cockroaches, locusts, mealworms, crickets, and super worms.

Dusting is when you dip the insects in powder just before feeding your gecko. The powder here is a multivitamin-rich supplement that your gecko then ingests while feeding on the insect. Ensure the insect is covered in the multivitamin powder for the best effect.

To get the insects well covered with powder:

1. Spray them lightly with water first
2. Pour the appropriate amount of vitamin powder into a plastic jar with a lid and put the insects into the jar
3. Close the jar and shake vigorously. When the insects are thoroughly covered with powder, place the insects inside your gecko’s tank.

Do not try to provide supplements through your gecko’s water. This is because, like many other reptiles, geckos do not drink much water. Some supplements could also clump up and cause impaction.

Other Supplements Geckos Need

One supplement we mentioned above is calcium. Calcium is important for bone density in your gecko and also helps with many metabolic processes. Geckos that need calcium get it by licking mineral deposits in the wild.

Calcium supplements for your gecko can either come as pure calcium or a vitamin D3 and calcium combo. To avoid a vitamin or mineral buildup, you could alternate which your gecko gets on different days. Please make sure the combo supplements do not have an excessive amount of vitamin D3.

Lack of calcium in your gecko’s body will manifest as a lack of appetite, low energy, and twitching toes. This is because your gecko’s body will start absorbing calcium from their bones. If not treated immediately, this could lead to metabolic bone disease. So, if you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.   

How Often Should You Supplement Your Geckos Diet With Vitamins and Other Nutrients?

It is possible for your gecko to overdose on vitamins. That’s why knowing how frequently you should add vitamins to your gecko’s diet is important. The right frequency will mainly depend on the age of your gecko.

For hatchlings and baby geckos, you can supplement with vitamin D3 and calcium three times a week. They need these supplements to grow healthy and strong. You also need to supplement with a general multivitamin once a week.

For juvenile geckos aged five to 18 months, a calcium supplement is needed once a week. They also need a calcium and vitamin D3 combo twice a week. You should give general multivitamins once a week. This is the same regime to follow for gravid (pregnant) geckos.

The best feeding frequency for adult geckos is two or three times a week. You can give pure calcium with the first feeding for the week. During the second feeding, you then need to include the vitamin D3 and calcium combo. Adult geckos only need multivitamins once a month.