I got this gel mix that you can cut into chunks sort of like the Naturezone Bearded dragon bites at the pet store (which my boys LOVE as an occasional meal replacement). Supposedly this mix is healthier..I was just wondering if any of you have tried it or heard anything? I just got it for mixing things up when the boys are sick of their bugs and greens.
Thoughts?
Here are the ingredients:
Pea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein Concentrate, Stabilized Rice Bran, Ground Flaxseed, Alfalfa Meal, Coconut Flour, Dried Potato, Hominy Feed, Dried Seaweed Meal, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Cane Molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Lecithin, Dried Kelp, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Citrate, Malic Acid, Guar Gum, RoseHips, Hibiscus Flower, Calendula Flower, Marigold Flower, Paprika, Algae Meal, Turmeric, Calcium Propionate and Potassium Sorbate (as preservatives), Natural Fruit Flavor, Rosemary Extract, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Potassium Iodide. Vitamins: (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Choline Chloride, Calcium L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Beta Carotene, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement).
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein min. 35%, Crude Fat min. 8%, Crude Fiber max. 9%, Moisture max. 8%, Ash max. 9%, Calcium min. 1.2%.
A similiar product killed my friend's Pac Man frog after one feeding. Too much grain flours might cause bloating and loss of calcium out of bones. Howevver I am not sure of the Repashy products.
I'd stay on a rotation of live feeders and a variety of greens in a salad rather than using a something like that. Mix it up with occasional fruit. Repashy supplements for vitamins and calcium on feeders is very good though.
I'm not sure if it's unhealthy, especially if it is used only occasionally. I don't have any first hand experience with it so I can't say for sure. I'm just saying I'd err on the side of rotating feeders (mix different worms in with the main feeders) and salad options. Not saying it's the right choice, just what I'd do.
Okay, thanks for your input. The lady at the reptile store says that the ingredients in the Repashy superfood gel is healthier for my beardies than the ingredients in these Naturezone bites. I personally don't really know the difference as to what ingredients are better for them when it comes to packaged food. I posted the ingredients of Repashy on my original post.
Now, here are the ingredients of the Naturezone Beardie bites that my boys love on occasion: What do you think is better?
I think repashy also makes a dragon gel food. I'd go with repashy over other commercial diets where I in the market (I've though about getting it but it's not sold locally).
Repashy has built their reputation on sourcing high quality ingredients and formulations and I've seen Allen discuss/defend his product on various forums. I've not heard peep from any other manufacturer, but that' might just be me falling victim to good PR. This thread has a lot of bluster but may be enlightening, whichever side of the debate you personally favor. http://www.tegutalk.com/threads/repashy-savory-stew.11787/
As for what's good for them just like with us, whatever is closest to natural while foods will be better. Especially things derived from things they would naturally eat. I'm less inclined to use things with soy, whey or grain derived components - but I'm also pretty ignorant about processed foods.
Great information, thank you so much for your input. I read the debate, and it was very interesting to see that he actually takes the time to explain his product and defend himself. Seems like he really cares about what goes into his product.
So overall, you think it's alright for me to feed these to my boys occasionally? I guess the one post above on how it killed the pet frog freaked me out quite a bit. I wouldn't ever want to put my boys' life in danger. I just thought it would be fun to try since I know they look forward to and enjoy their beardie bites.
I wouldn't see a problem with it, especially since you aren't relying on it as the only food - but I've never offered it and I'm not an expert so I can't guarantee anything ya know?
I'd be curious if the food directly killed the frog, or something else (over feeding, contaminated product, sensitivity etc) I don't know what frogs can or cannot have and they are quite different from lizards in many aspects.
Okay, thank you! I know Allen Repashy posted some links to youtube vids of beardies eating his gel mix, and the beardies literally attack it. So, that makes me feel a bit better. You're right about the frog thing, they are a lot different so that could have been a whole different issue within itself. Thank you for all your help and honesty, it's much appreciated! :notworthy:
Okay, thank you! I know Allen Repashy posted some links to youtube vids of beardies eating his gel mix, and the beardies literally attack it. So, that makes me feel a bit better. You're right about the frog thing, they are a lot different so that could have been a whole different issue within itself. Thank you for all your help and honesty, it's much appreciated! :notworthy:
Soo this stuff was put to the test! The boys both ate it no problem, they seemed to like it! So, when I put the Naturezone bearded dragon bites AND the Repashy bites together, they picked out the Naturezone pink bites instead. So, obviously those are still their favorite although they are more unhealthy supposedly. But, they still will eat the Repashy if I don't offer the Naturezone ones! Sheldon took a bite and licked his lips for a while, as he looked down at it like "What is this new stuff?" I think he had to contemplate if he liked them. But he finished his plate by the end of the day. Gizmo ate all of his as well.
Overall, they both liked the Repashy and eat it, but when given the choice they still prefer the Naturezone pink bearded dragon bites instead.