Best Bedding For Guinea Pigs In 2022: Top 13 Picks & A Complete Guide

What is the best bedding for guinea pigs?

Both easy cleanup and disposal require that it be biodegradable.

Guinea pigs can nest in a variety of bedding materials, including hay, paper-based, fleece, and wood. A paper- or fleece-based bedding is the best type for your guinea pig.

Please read on for more information about the best guinea pig bedding, which I will illustrate in more detail in this post.

Best Bedding For Guinea Pigs

In order to help you choose the best bedding for you and your cavies, let’s look at some of the best bedding for guinea pigs, along with all of their benefits and drawbacks.

Aspen Bedding

As previously mentioned, aspen bedding is dust-free, odor-free, and devoid of aromatic oils or phenols. In terms of aspen bedding, there are two options: regular shavings or kiln-dried shavings, both of which are suitable for use.

Pros:

• Non-toxic
• No chemicals
• Eco-friendly
• Dust-free
• Scent-free

Cons:

• Not as absorbent as paper based bedding and fleece
• Can be more expensive than other types of bedding

Kaytee Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control

Kaytee’s Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control checks all the right boxes when it comes to the best bedding for controlling guinea pig odor. It’s made to keep your guinea pig’s cage fresh and clean and offers a 14-day guarantee of odor control.

It is also soft enough to accommodate your guinea pig’s burrowing and nesting habits and 99.9% dust-free to help protect your pet’s health. It is slightly more expensive than standard bedding and is offered in 40L and 65L bags.

However, the extra cost might be well justified if you want to keep your cavy’s cage odor-free.

Pros

• Controls odors for 14 days
• 99% dust-free
• Absorbent

Cons

• More expensive than other options

Fladorepet Guinea Pig Bed

Some guinea pigs prefer to year-round live in luxury and appreciate the finer things in life. One of these fleece beds for his cage would be a thoughtful gift for your pet if you wanted to spoil him.

On chilly winter nights, your pet can retreat to this bed because it is soft and cozy. Additionally, it is lightweight and machine washable, making it simple to maintain and reuse time and time again.

There are three sizes available to fit your guinea pig, but they won’t completely cover the floor of the enclosure like a cage liner will. But the FLAdorepet Guinea Pig Bed is a good option to take into account if you’re looking for a cozy and warm pet bed.

Pros

• Soft and warm
• Machine-washable
• Affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t cover the whole cage
• Can deteriorate after repeated washing

Natural Paper Bedding

Your guinea pigs and any other small caged animals will benefit greatly from bedding made of natural paper. Although it is a bit pricey, you do get a lot of bedding for your money, and the bedding is extremely comfortable. You’ll probably grin when you open the bag because there is so much of it inside considering how tightly it is packed.

Pros:

• 100% safe for your guinea pigs
• Soft and comfortable
• Really expandable
• Great odor control
• All-natural paper
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Breaks down into mushy substance if not changed every 5-7 days, though depends on number of pets in cage
• Inferior brands tend to be dusty

White, Unbleached Paper Bedding

In addition to being a great, comfortable bedding for your pets, this bedding is also excellent for the environment because it is made from natural paper and is 100% biodegradable. The bedding is very reasonably priced and of high quality for your guinea pigs. As soon as you take it out of the packaging, it really expands. It’s simple to understand why it’s such a highly recommended purchase after reading through just a few product reviews.

Pros:

• Great odor control
• Super absorbent
• 99% dust free
• Sludge free
• Easy to clean up
• Expands 3X in volume
• White color makes messes easy to spot
• Eco-friendly
• Soft and comfortable

Cons:

• Strong paper odor, depending on the brand
• White color can make the cage look messy if not regularly spot-cleaned
• Level of absorption depends on quality of brand

Living World Aspen Shavings

Another reasonably priced option for guinea pig bedding is these Living World kiln-dried aspen shavings. They are made to be gentle and safe for your cuddly companion and are hypoallergenic, fragrance- and dust-free.

Living World Aspen Shavings come in packages with a volume ranging from 600 cubic inches to 4 cubic feet and have the capacity to absorb up to four times their weight in moisture. This product is definitely worth a closer look if you’re concerned about your pet developing respiratory issues or having sensitive skin.

Pros

• Affordable
• Hypoallergenic
• No aromatic oils

Cons

• Doesn’t control odors as well as some other options

Crumbled Paper Bedding

The pet parents who own guinea pigs will find this paper-based bedding to be a great choice. It is reputed to be surprisingly cozy and soft, making it the ideal place for your pets to snooze peacefully. A major plus is that it is also one of the less expensive options. In all honesty, if you stick with a premium brand, you’ll find that it’s a great investment for your furry friends.

Pros:

• Super soft crumbles absorb 3x their weight in liquid
• Phenomenal odor blocker
• Made from 100% recycled paper
• Non-toxic – safe for pets
• 99.5% dust-free
• No chemicals or by-products
• Eco-friendly
• Super expandable

Cons:

• Absorbs very well but ends up expanding a lot and becoming quite heavy
• Slightly more frequent changes necessary to avoid heavy loads

Confetti Paper Bedding

Another excellent pet bedding option is paper. These are completely biodegradable and make wonderful, cozy beds for your guinea pigs. Don’t be fooled; just because it’s one of the more affordable bedding options on this list doesn’t mean it’s a subpar item. In actuality, your guinea pigs will love and enjoy the incredible comfort of this “confetti” style bedding. Well worth a look!

Pros:

• Natural
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Absorbent
• Excellent odor control
• Easy clean-up
• Low dust
• Eye-catching colors

Cons:

• Color combinations can vary – may not look as pictured

Hemp Bedding

Although I have no experience with hemp bedding, I chose to include it on the list because many guinea parents are looking for alternatives that are nontoxic, pet-safe, and compostable. Consider hemp bedding for your furry friends if you place a high value on environmental responsibility.

Pros:

• Hemp bedding comes in mega sizes – makes it less pricey overall
• Great smell
• Very absorbent
• Organic
• Residual product is an excellent compost – suitable for organic-waste container
• Grown without use of pesticides or insecticides

Cons:

• Soft, but not as cozy as paper granules or fleece
• Heavy end product – may result in higher shipping costs

Guineadad Fleece Liner 2.0

The GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 is a great option for guinea pig bedding if you’re looking for something durable and healthy. This cage liner is made to keep liquid and mess out of your pet’s living space and has a cozy fleece layer on top of absorbent bamboo fiber.

Due to the anti-bacterial and odor-resistant qualities of bamboo, these liners help keep your guinea pig’s cage clean and hygienic. Additionally, they have a cushy pocket on top that offers your guinea pig a cozy place to hide out.

This fleece bedding’s primary drawback is its higher price tag when compared to other bedding options. However, it will likely prove to be more economical in the long run because it can be cleaned and used again.

Pros

• Reusable
• Anti-bacterial and odor resistant
• Five sizes available
• Also features a waterproof backing

Cons

• More expensive upfront than other bedding options
• Requires ongoing maintenance to keep it clean

Small Pet Select Aspen Bedding

This aspen bedding from Small Pet Select is among the best options available and is a secure and hygienic option for guinea pig bedding.

This bedding is entirely made from kiln-dried aspen logs. It is produced entirely sludge-free and is compostable and recyclable, making it a great option for customers who care about the environment.

The best part is that it offers a cozy place for your guinea pig to call home.

Pros

• All-natural with no additives
• Recyclable and compostable
• Made from kiln-dried logs

Cons

• Not the cheapest option available

Kaytee Aspen Small Pet Bedding

One of the most well-liked guinea pig bedding options on Amazon is this all-natural hardwood bedding from Kaytee, and it’s easy to see why. It was processed to remove dust and other impurities despite being made without artificial coloring or additives.

It is made to get rid of odors from your pet’s cage and is safe for your furry friend because it doesn’t contain any ink or aromatic oils. Additionally, it’s a wise choice for the environment because it degrades naturally.

Kaytee Aspen Small Pet Bedding is offered in bulk quantities of up to 8 cubic feet, which can help you save money.

Pros

• All-natural
• No ink or aromatic oils
• Available in bulk

Cons

• Some customers complain about the smell of this bedding

Carefresh Small Pet Bedding

If you’re looking for natural bedding for your guinea pig, Carefresh Small Pet Bedding, which is made from reclaimed natural fiber, is a product to take a look at.

The comfort of your guinea pig is the primary concern of Carefresh bedding, and each bag is created to provide a cozy environment for them. Additionally, it offers up to 10 days of odor control and is twice as absorbent as shavings. Additionally, it’s easy on your guinea pig’s respiratory system because it’s 99 percent dust-free.

In bags ranging in size from 10 to 50 liters, Carefresh Small Pet Bedding is offered.

Pros

• Reclaimed natural fiber
• 10-days odor control
• 99% dust-free

Cons

• Some customers have complained about inconsistency between batches

Read about: Best Bedding For Chickens

The Need For Bedding For Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs require bedding because it offers a clean and cozy living space.

First, they require a substrate layer in the bottom of their enclosure that can soak up urine. Without it, a guinea pig’s coat will get wet, smelly, and dirty, which will cause sores and other unpleasant conditions that will make them sick.

Second, they require a layer that is comfortable for both moving around in and for lying down on. Although they are very active pets, guinea pigs have particularly delicate feet. Their enclosure’s bottom should be flat, smooth, and free of any mesh or gridwork. A smooth base needs to be added to any enclosure that is grid-based before the bedding is put inside.

How Often Should The Bedding Be Changed?

Depending on the type of bedding you use, the size of your guinea pig enclosure, and the number of guinea pigs you have, you should change your guinea pigs’ bedding on a regular basis.

It may also be influenced by the climate, as warm weather has a tendency to cause bedding to smell much more quickly.

Every three to seven days, if your guinea pigs are in a good-sized enclosure that we recommend for the number of guinea pigs you have, they may require a thorough cleaning. Disposable bedding lasts a little bit longer than washable bedding, which typically requires more frequent replacement.

Currently, we shred the cards, and every four days, we perform a thorough cleaning and change the bedding. On a daily basis, we also remove and replace any bedding that has become particularly soggy or has poop piles.

Which Bedding Is Most Affordable For Guinea Pigs?

This largely depends on your location and the place where you purchase it. The least expensive option, however, is typically kiln-dried pine shavings. If you can purchase enough bedding to last for a few months in a larger quantity, you can save a significant amount of money. This is another benefit of buying in bulk.

Despite being more expensive when purchased initially, fleece liners can end up being significantly less expensive over time. You do, however, need to consider how much electricity it will cost to wash them. Additionally, the cost will increase if you use a tumble dryer rather than hanging the clothes outside to dry.

Read about: Best Camping Mattress

What To Use For Guinea Pig Bedding

When designing your pet’s enclosure, you have a variety of guinea pig bedding options to pick from:

• Fleece bedding. The main benefit of fleece bedding, a relatively recent option that is gaining popularity, is that it can be machine-washed and reused. Even though it costs more up front than other options, it is effective at absorbing moisture.
• Aspen bedding. While many types of wood are dangerous for your guinea pig, aspen shavings are a safe and affordable bedding option. Although aspen shavings are non-toxic and dust-free, they are less effective at reducing odors than bedding made of paper.
• Paper bedding. Guinea pig owners all over the world have long preferred paper bedding. In addition to being plush and cozy for your fluffy friend, it is also incredibly absorbent and works wonders at reducing odors. Paper bedding can be a little more expensive than some other options, but there are all-natural options and products made from recycled paper available.
• Combination bedding. Additionally, there are some bedding items on the market that combine aspen shavings and paper bedding. These items are made to be more absorbent than just shavings and to give your pet a clean, cozy environment.
• Hemp bedding. Another material to think about for bedding is hemp. Although it’s not very common, it’s non-toxic and very good at absorbing moisture and reducing odors. It’s not quite as soft as some other types of bedding, though.

Guinea Pig Bedding & Allergies

It is important to take into account the possibility that you have allergies to specific types of bedding. After using hemp bedding for a while, I discovered that it caused symptoms that were reminiscent of hay fever. There are many different types of allergies, and what is safe for one person may make them feel sick.

It may be wise to test out new bedding styles in small quantities before making a large purchase if you are prone to allergies like hay fever, just in case.

If the disposable beddings don’t work for you, fleece liners are a good alternative because they won’t aggravate any allergies.

Bedding That Should Not Be Used For Guinea Pigs

Some types of bedding, which might be acceptable for other pets but are unsuitable for guinea pigs, include:

• Disposable puppy pads
• Sawdust
• Cat litter
• Pine shavings that are not kiln dried
• Cedar shavings
• Newspaper (on its own)

Choose The Best Bedding: What To Look For

Three main factors should be taken into account when looking for the best bedding for your guinea pig: Cost, security, and durability

Safety

The three product choices examined in this review—reclaimed paper fibers, aspen wood shavings, and fleece—are all regarded as being secure.

Please note that none of these options are safe for consumption. Remove your piggie from its cage right away if it consumes a specific kind of bedding. Please contact your veterinarian right away if you believe they have consumed a sizable amount.

Price

Price and durability are closely related factors when it comes to small animal bedding. For instance, reclaimed paper fiber bedding may appear pricey up front. However, because it is more absorbent, lessens odor, and doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as Aspen wood bedding, you might need to replace it less frequently.

Durability

Bedding made of Aspen wood and paper fiber is intended to be thrown away. After thoroughly cleaning the tray and cage, you can spot clean soiled and wet areas every day, and replace the bedding once a week. Fleece bedding is made to be washed and used repeatedly until it becomes worn out.

FAQs: The Best Bedding For Guinea Pigs 

What Could Be Utilized As Guinea Pig Bedding?

The fleece bedding for guinea pigs is one of our top choices. The fact that fleece is reusable is its main benefit. You can buy fleece throws or more complex fleece bedding sets like the GuineaDad Liner. At least once every day, vacuum or shake out the poop from your pig. After that, put your fleece in the washer and dryer once a week as directed by the manufacturer.

What Causes My Guinea Pig To Eat His Bedding?

Guinea pigs typically consume bedding for one of two reasons. One: They’re bored. Two: They are attempting to wear down their teeth, which are constantly growing throughout their lives.

Whatever the reason, bedding should not be consumed because it can lead to serious health problems like impaction. Immediately call your veterinarian if you suspect that your pig has been consuming their bedding.

Can Guinea Pigs Be Housed In Cat Litter?

Because of the chemicals in cat litter and the fact that it is unsafe to ingest, it is not recommended to use cat litter as guinea pig bedding.

Can I Use Newspaper As Guinea Pig Bedding?

When covered in another type of absorbent, odor-controlling bedding, newspaper works well as a cage liner. It doesn’t absorb moisture particularly well, so it’s not recommended for use as your guinea pig’s only bedding.

How Much Bedding Does My Guinea Pig Require?

A good rule of thumb is to cover your guinea pig’s enclosure with at least three inches of bedding material after you’ve lined it. This should help to absorb moisture and odors, create a comfortable environment, and avoid foot issues.

Final Thoughts

The best bedding for guinea pigs was the main topic of the post.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the ideal guinea pig bedding. Insofar as I can see it, I will respond right away.

I’m grateful that you read. Thank you!