Pacman Care! Help!!!!!!!!

[Douglas]

Iron overdose is common because iron is only needed in low levels compared to other vitamins. Therefore, the most frequent overdose is iron -- it is not the only thing that is possible to overdose on.

Back to frogs. Vitamins and minerals are only needed in small levels. If more is supplied to the body than can be used, these will be processed and sent out of the body. By giving more than is needed, organs like the liver will have to do extra work to get them out of the body. Extremely high levels can cause serious problems and even death.

If you stick earthworms into a pile of powder every time you feed, your frog may appear just fine. Your frog may even live a happy life. But if you were look at the internal processes that were going on, you would see that this is not good for your frog. By only providing the amount of supplements necessary, your frog will surely live longer and healthier life than if feeding supplements in excess.

[Tom Highum]

Ooh ok i'll keep that in mind.

[John]

Douglas, I think you'll find it's hard to get a frog to absorb that much iron through it's stomach. Do you have any real world examples where that's been proven to be the case?

[Douglas]

The iron was an example related to humans and their vitamin/mineral needs.

[John]

Ah I see. I am not sure the comparison is very relevant (sorry). Humans don't ingest large quantities of soil though, much of which contains significant amounts of iron. I prefer to hear solid examples of this kind of thing rather than just hypotheses. I wonder if Kurt's vet would have any insight?

[Kurt]

I guess we will to talk to Greg soon then.

[Douglas]

The iron issue was brought up by tom. I was simply replying to that. I then said "back to frogs" as I continued my post.

As for dusting, I believe this is a highly debated topic and we really do not have all of the questions answered. After looking through some of my posts, I believe a few of my points were unclear so I will restate what I am trying to say.

Supplements can be given in excess and lead to an overdose. Many vitamins and minerals have lethal levels.

Calcium should not be used too often (about twice a week is what many suggest). Although less dangerous for a chance of overdose, extra calcium that your frog can't use will just require more work for the frogs internal systems.

Overall, it is better to just gut-load. If done properly then the insects will carry with them all of the nutrition required by the frog for healthy growth and metabolism.