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Video credit: Reptiles & Beyond. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZvMOZZ2p2I. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
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Product breakdown
- Repashy Calcium Plus
- Rep-Cal calcium with vitamin D3
- Zoo Med Repti Calcium
- Zoo Med ReptiVite multivitamin
- reptile calcium dusting shaker
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
Dusting feeder insects is the quick shake and feed step that adds calcium and vitamins to crickets, dubia roaches and other live prey before you offer them to your bearded dragon. The video shows a setup in this class, not our exact shopping list, and it gives you a clear visual for how light and even that powder coating should look.
What This Video Covers
This video from Reptiles & Beyond focuses on dusting insects with calcium for bearded dragons, which is one of those small daily habits that matters a lot over time. You place live feeders in a container or shaker, add a small amount of supplement powder, shake gently to coat, then feed right away while the powder is still on the insects. Updated for November 2026, this breakdown looks at that same class of routine and maps it to products you can actually buy today.
This type of routine suits bearded dragons of all ages, from a growing baby that eats mostly insects to a juvenile shifting toward more greens to a full grown adult that still gets live prey a few times per week. If you keep a baby, you will be doing this step often because live feeders make up most meals. If you keep an adult in a full size adult scale enclosure, you will do it less often but you still want the process to be clean, fast and consistent.
Enclosure scale matters here mainly for workflow, not for the powder itself. In a smaller starter setup you may feed in a separate bin so loose powder does not build up on the floor. In a larger adult enclosure with more decor, hides and climbing branches, keepers commonly report that feeding dusted insects by tongs or in a smooth sided dish helps prevent powder coated crickets from hiding under decor before your dragon finds them. For ideas on keeping that adult space functional, see our Decor, Hides and Climbing category.
One tradeoff at this level is simplicity versus control. An all in one powder like Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR is simple because calcium, vitamin D3 and other vitamins are combined in one jar for dusting. A two part approach with a plain calcium plus a separate multivitamin gives you more control over how often vitamins are offered, but it also means you have to track your own rotation and follow each label carefully.
A second tradeoff is calcium with vitamin D3 versus calcium without vitamin D3. Products differ in calcium, vitamin D3 and vitamin content, so follow each manufacturer directions and ask a reptile veterinarian about a schedule for your individual dragon rather than copying a generic routine. Your choice also relates to your lighting setup in a qualitative way. Dragons need steady warmth and broad UVB coverage across the basking side, and your vet can help you match supplementation to your husbandry instead of guessing.
If you are still deciding between formulas, our comparison repashy calcium plus vs Rep-Cal calcium with D3 walks through the same decision in more detail. For background on the wider category, browse Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Supplements to see how calcium powders and multivitamins fit together. No verified temperature or UVB numbers are stated in this video, so we keep all heat and lighting references qualitative here.
Timestamp Breakdown
This timestamp breakdown is the core of the article. Think of the video as a setup in this class for calcium dusting, and think of the table below as our 2026 translation into currently sold gear. We never claim the creator used our specific picks, we only map what is common at this level to what you can buy now.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR
Prime Zoo Med Reptile Calcium Without Vitamin D3
Prime Rep-Cal Calcium with Vitamin D3 Reptile
Prime REPTI ZOO Cricket Calcium Powder Mixer Shaker
Prime Zoo Med ReptiVite with D3 Reptile Vitamins 8 oz
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Complete all-in-one nutrition eliminates the need to juggle separate calcium and multivitamin products
- High calcium content with Vitamin D helps prevent metabolic bone disease in insectivorous reptiles
- Versatile formula works across many popular species from geckos to bearded dragons and salamanders
- Easy to use powder form sticks well to feeder insects for quick daily supplementation
- Made by Repashy, a trusted specialist brand in reptile and amphibian nutrition
Cons
- Designed only for dusting insects, so it is not a solution for herbivorous species or pellet based diets
- 6 oz jar may run out quickly in multi animal collections that feed insects daily
- Vitamin potency depends on fresh product and proper storage, so it needs to be kept sealed, cool and dry
Repashy Calcium Plus is an all-in-one calcium supplement powder designed for dusting live feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians. It is made for keepers of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, fat-tail geckos, skinks, dwarf monitors and salamanders who feed insects regularly.
The standout benefit is complete coverage in one jar, combining calcium with Vitamins A, D and E plus trace minerals and carotenoids. In daily use, it coats crickets and roaches evenly and removes the guesswork of alternating between calcium and vitamins on different days.
The powder has a fine, consistent texture that adheres well to insects without clumping when kept dry. The 6 ounce jar is compact, easy to scoop or shake dust from, and stores neatly with other reptile supplies.
It is not a complete food on its own and only works if your pet eats dusted insects, so it will not suit strict herbivores. Large collections will go through the 6 ounce size fairly fast with everyday feedings, and freshness matters for vitamin strength.
For most insect eating reptile owners, this is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to cover calcium and vitamin needs. If you want a no fuss, single step dusting routine from a reputable reptile nutrition brand, this jar is an excellent choice.
Use Repashy Calcium Plus at every insect feeding by placing feeders in a bag or cup with a small amount of powder and shaking lightly to coat. Feed the dusted insects to your reptile right away for best nutrient uptake.
Use appropriately sized insects for your species and avoid over dusting, a light even coating is all you need. Keep the jar tightly closed in a cool, dry place to preserve vitamin potency.
This powder is intended for insectivorous reptiles and amphibians including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, skinks and salamanders. It is not meant to replace a balanced diet, proper UVB lighting and fresh water.
Product Type: All-in-one calcium supplement powder for dusting insects. Flavor: Calcium. Item Form: Fine powder. Unit Count: 6 ounce jar.
Key Nutrients: Calcium min. 20 percent, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E plus sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper with added carotenoids.
Target Species: Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, fat-tail geckos, skinks, dwarf monitors, salamanders and other insect eating reptiles and amphibians.
Pros
- Highly bioavailable ultra fine powder coats feeders evenly and adheres well
- Phosphorus-free and clean formula with no oyster shell impurities
- Perfect for UVB setups where extra D3 is not needed or wanted
- Easy dusting routine suitable for bearded dragons, geckos, turtles and amphibians
- Top ranked reptile health supplement from a trusted herp brand
Cons
- Contains no vitamin D3, so not ideal alone for reptiles without UVB lighting
- Very fine powder can be dusty and messy if over applied
- Requires consistent dusting schedule, no added multivitamins included
Zoo Med Reptile Calcium without Vitamin D3 is an 8 ounce precipitated calcium carbonate supplement for reptiles and amphibians. It is made for keepers whose animals get D3 from UVB lighting and need pure, phosphorus free calcium.
Its ultra fine texture provides high surface area per gram for increased bioavailability and even coating on crickets, roaches, and greens. In daily use, it dusts lightly, adheres well, and supports strong bones and healthy growth when used consistently.
The powder comes in a sturdy Zoo Med shaker container that makes dusting and dish filling simple. The ultra fine grind flows easily and avoids the gritty impurities sometimes found in oyster shell based products.
The D3 free formula is intentional, but it means it is not a complete solution for setups without UVB. The very fine powder can also be a little dusty, so light dusting works best to avoid waste.
For reptile owners seeking a clean, highly absorbable calcium without added D3, this is a reliable staple. It is simple, safe for routine use, and gives you precise control over your supplementation program.
Dust feeder insects or vegetables lightly before feeding, or follow species specific guidance from your vet. You can also place a small dish of powder in the enclosure for species that lick calcium as needed.
Use alongside proper UVB lighting since this formula contains no vitamin D3. Store sealed in a cool, dry place and pair with a separate vitamin supplement on schedule for complete nutrition.
Pros
- 100 percent natural oyster shell calcium carbonate, phosphorus free for safe daily use
- Includes vitamin D3 to support calcium uptake and help prevent metabolic bone disease
- Ultrafine, flavorless powder adheres well to live insects, veggies and fruit
- One product works for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, great for multi pet homes
Cons
- Small 3.3 ounce jar may run out quickly if you supplement multiple animals daily
- Contains vitamin D3, so it requires careful rotation if you also use other D3 supplements
- Fine powder format can be dusty and needs light, even shaking to avoid over coating
Rep-Cal SRP00200 is a phosphorus-free calcium powder with vitamin D3 made for reptiles and amphibians. It is built for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, turtles and frogs who need reliable daily calcium support.
Its standout formula uses 100 percent natural oyster shell calcium carbonate with added vitamin D3 to aid absorption. In real world use, the ultrafine texture sticks evenly to crickets, mealworms and chopped produce for consistent intake.
Design is simple and practical, with a flavorless fine powder in a compact, easy to shake jar. The powder covers feeders completely without clumping, which makes dusting fast and helps picky eaters accept supplemented food.
The main drawbacks are the small jar size for large collections and the need for careful D3 management. Since it contains vitamin D3, it should not be combined blindly with other D3 products, and heavy handed shaking can over dust feeders.
Overall, this is a trusted, easy to use staple for reptile calcium care. If you want a clean, phosphorus-free powder that coats well and supports bone health, this is an excellent choice.
Product: Rep-Cal SRP00200 Calcium Ultrafine Powder with Vitamin D3, Model Number 200. Form: Flavorless fine powder for dusting insects, vegetables, fruits and pastes.
Source: 100 percent natural oyster shell calcium carbonate, phosphorus free with added vitamin D3. Target species: Reptile and amphibian, suitable for dragons, geckos, iguanas, chameleons, turtles and frogs.
Size and build: 3.3 ounce jar, measures 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.3 inches. Nut free formula, made for regular supplementation as part of a balanced diet.
For insects, place feeders in a bag or container with a light dusting of powder and shake slowly until completely covered. Feed immediately so your reptile gets full calcium coverage before the insects clean themselves.
For vegetables, fruits and pastes, mix approximately 1/2 tablespoon Rep-Cal with 1/2 tablespoon multivitamin per pound of food as directed. Use as part of a regular feeding schedule and adjust frequency by species, age and UVB exposure.
Pros
- All-in-one dusting, shaking and dispensing saves time compared to manual bag methods
- Transparent acrylic construction offers clear visibility of insects and powder coverage
- Ventilated twist-lock lid improves airflow while preventing escapes
- Compact and portable with hiding tube, ideal for home use, pet stores and travel
Cons
- Best suited for small batches, not for large colonies or bulk feeding
- Acrylic can scratch or crack if dropped, requires gentle hand washing
- Takes a few uses to master the rotating dispenser and bottom switch
The REPTI ZOO GMB01 Cricket Calcium Powder Mixer is a dedicated dusting tool for insect eating reptiles and amphibians. It is made for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, chameleons, lizards and snakes that require calcium dusted live feeders.
Standout features include the shake to coat chamber, adjustable rotating opening and bottom powder storage. In daily use, it delivers more even supplement coverage than shaking in bags while keeping crickets, dubia roaches and mealworms contained.
The design uses clear acrylic for full visibility, with a tall body to prevent crawl outs and a ventilated twist lock lid for airflow. The included black hiding tube helps calm feeders, and the handheld size feels balanced and easy to shake and pour.
Drawbacks are modest. Capacity is geared toward single feedings rather than bulk dusting, and acrylic needs careful handling to avoid scratches. The top dial and bottom switch also take a little practice to operate smoothly.
Overall, this is a practical upgrade for reptile keepers who supplement frequently. If you want cleaner, faster and more consistent dusting with less waste, it is a smart addition to your feeding kit.
Place the mixer on a flat surface and set the top rotating opening to your desired size. Add crickets, dubia roaches or mealworms, then add a small amount of calcium or vitamin powder.
Close the opening and gently shake to coat the insects evenly through the clear chamber. Open the bottom switch to dispense dusted feeders directly into the enclosure.
Close the bottom switch after feeding to store leftover powder for next time. Rinse or wipe clean after use and allow all parts to dry fully before storage.
Model Name: Reptile Feeder, Model Number GMB01 by REPTI ZOO. Package dimensions are 6.54 x 3.66 x 3.62 inches with an item weight of 5.9 ounces.
Material is clear acrylic with twist lock ventilated lid, rotating top dispenser and bottom storage switch. Chamber height is designed around 6 inches to help prevent escapes.
Compatible feeders include crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and superworms. Suitable for all life stages of bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, lizards, snakes and other insect eating reptiles and amphibians.
Pros
- Zoo-developed formula trusted for turtles, lizards, snakes and amphibians
- Balanced calcium with D3 for bone growth and metabolic health
- Complete amino acid complex not found in basic calcium powders
- Clean recipe with no soy, yeast, sucrose or artificial fillers
Cons
- 10-pack bulk size is too large for owners with one reptile and needs dry storage
- Powder dusting requires careful measuring to avoid excess D3
- Not a replacement for proper UVB lighting and a varied diet
This 10-pack of Zoo Med ReptiVite with D3 8 oz jars is built for breeders, rescues, stores and multi-enclosure households. It delivers a complete calcium-based vitamin, mineral and amino acid complex formulated specifically for reptiles.
The 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio plus D3 supports strong bones and helps prevent metabolic bone disease and soft shell issues in turtles. As the first reptile supplement with a full amino acid complex, it also supports healthy protein digestion and daily vitality.
Each 8 oz container provides a fine powder that dusts insects and coats greens evenly without heavy clumping. The formula contains no soy, yeast, sucrose or artificial fillers, so you get clean nutrition rooted in San Diego Zoo research and trusted by parks worldwide.
Bulk buying means storage and freshness management, and this much powder is overkill for a single gecko or bearded dragon. Like all D3 supplements, it requires proper dosing and UVB balance to avoid over supplementation.
For keepers managing many reptiles, this pack offers consistent, zoo-level nutrition and long term convenience. If you want proven bone support and complete daily vitamins in one step, ReptiVite with D3 is a smart staple.
Brand: Zoo Med, Model: A36-8, Target Species: Reptile, Category: Health Supplies
Unit Size: 8 oz per jar, Pack Size: Pack of 10, Total Unit Count: 80 oz
Form: Powder with D3, Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1, Free From: Soy, Yeast, Sucrose, Artificial Additives
Item Weight: 6.1 pounds, Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches, Manufacturer: Zoo Med Laboratories
Use ReptiVite with D3 as a regular dusting supplement for insects, greens and prepared foods. Lightly coat feeders just before offering for best acceptance.
Follow a consistent schedule based on species, age and UVB exposure, alternating with plain calcium as recommended for your reptile. Always provide fresh water and proper UVB lighting alongside supplementation.
Store jars sealed in a cool, dry place to keep powder fresh, especially when buying in bulk. Measure carefully and consult species care guides to avoid overuse of D3.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covered in video | setup | a similar setup in this class | Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR | A grounded, currently sold option in the calcium vitamin supplements category. |
| Covered in video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Rep-Cal SRP00200 Phosphorous-Free Calcium | A grounded, currently sold option in the calcium vitamin supplements category. |
| Covered in video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Zoo Med Reptile Calcium without Vitamin D3 | A grounded, currently sold option in the calcium vitamin supplements category. |
| Covered in video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Zoo Med Reptivite Reptile Vitamins with D3 8 oz | A grounded, currently sold option in the calcium vitamin supplements category. |
| Covered in video | gear | a similar setup in this class | REPTI ZOO Reptile Cricket Calcium Powder Mixer | A grounded, currently sold option in the calcium vitamin supplements category. |
The most important choice is your base calcium powder. If you want one jar simplicity, an all in one formula is appealing because you do not juggle two schedules. If you already use a multivitamin on certain days, a dedicated calcium with vitamin D3 or a calcium without vitamin D3 may fit better, but you must follow the label for each product and get vet input for your dragon.
The second important choice is whether you add a separate multivitamin. Zoo Med Reptivite Reptile Vitamins with D3 8 oz is a calcium based vitamin, mineral and amino acid complex with a 2 to 1 calcium to phosphorus ratio as listed by the maker. That type of product is meant to complement plain calcium, not replace thoughtful rotation, so do not stack multiple D3 sources without guidance.
The third choice is your dusting tool. A bag or cup works, but a dedicated shaker like the REPTI ZOO Reptile Cricket Calcium Powder Mixer keeps crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and superworms contained while you shake. You get a more even coat with less powder on your hands and less waste around the feeding area, which matters when you dust often for a young dragon.
My Experience
I keep an adult dragon in a full adult scale enclosure with tile style flooring, a hide, a basking branch and a salad dish on the cool side. When she was a juvenile I dusted almost every insect feeding, and now as an adult I dust live prey on insect days and leave salads plain except for occasional bee pollen or finely chopped staples. My routine is always shake lightly, tap off the excess and feed immediately so the powder does not fall off in the tank.
I have used gear like the Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR because I like having calcium with added vitamins, trace minerals and carotenoids in one step for busy weeks. The powder is fine enough to stick to dubia roaches without clumping into a paste, and a light shake is enough, you do not need to bury the insects. If your dragon is a picky hunter or you use a shaker with a storage base, start with less powder than you think and add more only if the coating looks patchy.
Comparison and Alternatives
When keepers narrow this category to two jars, it is usually Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR versus Rep-Cal SRP00200 Phosphorous-Free Calcium. Repashy is positioned as an all in one dusting supplement with added vitamins, trace minerals and carotenoids, with Calcium min. 20 percent plus listed Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E levels on the label. Rep-Cal is positioned as an ultrafine phosphorous free calcium carbonate powder with vitamin D3 to aid calcium absorption, and the maker describes mixing and shaking until insects are completely covered.
In practice, choose Repashy style all in one if you want fewer jars and a simpler routine, provided your vet agrees it fits your lighting and diet. Choose Rep-Cal style calcium with D3 if you already rotate a separate herptivite or multivitamin and want your calcium step to stay focused on calcium plus D3. Neither approach is automatically better for every dragon, and you should not combine multiple D3 containing powders on the same day unless your vet tells you to.
For a tighter budget or a second jar strategy, Zoo Med Reptile Calcium without Vitamin D3 is worth a look. It is described as an ultra fine precipitated calcium carbonate supplement that is phosphorus free and not from oyster shells, with increased surface area per gram for bioavailability. That makes it a clean lower cost swap for keepers who get vitamin D3 from another part of the routine and want plain calcium on most feedings, with vet guidance.
Who should not buy this way. If you dislike tracking rotations, do not buy a three jar system with separate calcium, calcium with D3 and multivitamins, you will likely miss doses or double dose. If you only feed salads and pellets and rarely offer live insects, a large shaker kit may be overkill and a small cup for occasional dusting is enough. For more context on D3 choices, read nature made calcium 600 mg with vitamin D3 vs calcium without D3 and calcium with or without D3 for bearded dragons.
Three Ways to Set This Up
You can build this routine at three levels without changing the basic shake and feed motion. Pick the level that matches your dragon age, how often you feed insects and how much gear clutter you tolerate. All three assume you follow each label and check with a reptile vet about your individual schedule.
Beginner Budget Setup for a Baby Dragon
Start with Repashy Calcium Plus 6 oz JAR and a simple smooth sided cup you already own for shaking. Add insects, sprinkle a small amount of powder, swirl gently and feed right away with tongs. This suits a new keeper with a baby dragon starter setup who wants one jar, minimal steps and easy cleanup.
Balanced Juvenile Setup We Recommend
Use Rep-Cal SRP00200 Phosphorous-Free Calcium as your main calcium with vitamin D3 plus a separate multivitamin used on its own days per label and vet advice. Add the REPTI ZOO Reptile Cricket Calcium Powder Mixer to contain active crickets and get a more even coat with less mess. This suits a juvenile setup where you feed insects often and want balanced control without overcomplicating the week.
Higher End Adult Setup with Better Workflow
Use Zoo Med Reptile Calcium without Vitamin D3 for most insect feedings and keep Zoo Med Reptivite Reptile Vitamins with D3 8 oz for scheduled vitamin days as directed on the labels and by your vet. Keep the shaker station near the enclosure with a dedicated scoop so powder stays off decor and substrate. This suits an adult setup where insect days are fewer but you want a tidy, repeatable workflow and clear separation between calcium days and vitamin days.
FAQ
How often should I dust feeder insects with calcium for a bearded dragon?
Frequency depends on age, diet and lighting, so there is no single schedule that fits every dragon. Follow the supplement maker directions for your exact product and ask a reptile veterinarian to confirm a routine for your individual animal. Track calcium days and vitamin days on paper so you do not accidentally double dose.
Should I use calcium with D3 or calcium without D3 for my bearded dragon?
Both types exist because keepers manage vitamin D3 from different sources, including diet, supplements and UVB husbandry. Calcium with D3 includes added D3 to aid absorption, while calcium without D3 is plain calcium for use when D3 is addressed elsewhere in the routine. Bring your exact products and lighting description to your vet and follow their advice rather than copying a stranger schedule.
Do I need a separate multivitamin if I use an all in one calcium powder?
An all in one powder already contains added vitamins, so many keepers do not add another multivitamin on the same feeding. If you prefer separate control, use plain calcium most days and a multivitamin only on scheduled days per the labels. Never assume more vitamins are better, and check with your vet if you want to combine products.
Final Verdict
Calcium dusting works best when it is simple enough to do every time without making a mess or guessing at doses. A fine powder, a light coat, immediate feeding and a vet checked rotation will do more for your dragon than owning extra jars. Keep your shaker clean and dry, store powders sealed and always follow the manufacturer own directions.
Our pick: the Balanced Juvenile Setup with Rep-Cal calcium with vitamin D3 plus a separate multivitamin and a dedicated shaker, for keepers who want control and consistency from baby through adult without overbuying.
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