Best Small Animal Beddings of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Small animal beddings are an essential item for any pet owner. They provide a comfortable and safe place for small pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, to sleep and play. There are various types of small animal beddings available, including wood shavings, paper-based products, and natural materials, such as hay and straw. Each type of bedding has its benefits, and pet owners should choose the one that is suitable for their pet's needs. Small animal beddings are easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kaytee Clean & Cozy Pet Bedding Cover #TOP 1
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Pet Bedding
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Carefresh Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control Cover #TOP 2
Carefresh Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding Cover #TOP 3
Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Small Animal Beddings

#TOP 1

Kaytee Clean & Cozy Pet Bedding

100037607
White
49.2 Liters
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Pet Bedding Cover
Kaytee Clean & Cozy White Paper Bedding, Made for Small Animals, 49.2 Liters

Kaytee Clean & Cozy Pet Bedding is a safe and comfortable bedding option for small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, and gerbils. It can absorb up to 6x its weight in liquid, is 99.9% dust-free, and guarantees odor control. It is made of FDA-approved material, ensuring the safety of your pet.

What We Like
Soft and absorbent material
Effective odor control
Low dust content
Environmentally friendly option
Reasonably priced
What We Don't Like
Can be a bit lumpy
Tends to spread around
#TOP 2

Carefresh Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control

L0401
natural
Carefresh Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control Cover
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Natural Paper Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control, 60 L

Carefresh Pet Bedding is an ideal choice for small pets. It is made of natural paper fiber and provides a soft, dry, and comfortable home for your pets. Its texture is perfect for burrowing, tunneling, nesting, or creating a hamster hideout. The pet-safe, proven odor-control formula suppresses ammonia odors for up to 10 days, making it ideal for use as hamster bedding, guinea pig habitat lining, or bunny bedding. It is also 2X more absorbent than shavings, which keeps small pets and their homes warm and dry with no more soggy messes to clean up. Additionally, it is 99% dust-free, which means it is free of harmful chemicals and synthetic dyes, making it better for the planet too.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Highly absorbent
Dust-free bedding
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to alternatives
Inconsistent quality reported
#TOP 3

Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding

448028
White
36 Liter
Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding Cover
Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding - Odor & Moisture Absorbent, Dust-Free Bedding for Small Animals, White, 36 Liter Bag, 15.0" L x 8.7" W x 3.5" Th

Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding is an odor and moisture absorbent product that is dust-free and pure, creating a safe environment for your pet. It is 30% more absorbent than leading brands, making cleanup easy, and can absorb up to 800% of its weight in moisture. It is recommended to replace all bedding at least once a week or more frequently as needed.

What We Like
Soft and comfortable bedding
Excellent odor control
Highly absorbent
Safe for small animals
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Less soft than some brands
Compactness may vary
#TOP 4

carefresh Confetti Small Pet Bedding, 10L

L0408
confetti
10 L
carefresh Confetti Small Pet Bedding, 10L Cover
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Confetti Natural Paper Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control, 10 L

Carefresh Confetti Bedding is a colorful and comfortable small pet bedding that provides exceptional odor control. It is made from scratch to be pillowy soft and gentle on sensitive feet, making it ideal for burrowing, tunneling, nesting, or creating a hideout. This pet-safe bedding is 2X more absorbent than shavings, keeping small pets and their homes warm and dry with no more soggy messes to clean up. The high-performance bedding is virtually dust-free, making it a cleaner and healthier option for your pets. It is also biodegradable and compostable, making it better for the planet too.

What We Like
Great absorbency
Soft and cozy material
Visually appealing colors
Reduces odor effectively
Safe for pets
What We Don't Like
Small bag for the price
Considered pricey by some
#TOP 5

Vitakraft Fresh World Small Animal Bedding - Ultra Strength

34753
Gray
975 cu in
Vitakraft Fresh World Small Animal Bedding - Ultra Strength Cover
Vitakraft Fresh World Small Animal Bedding - Ultra Strength - Pet Bedding for Litter Boxes and Cages (16 L),Gray, 975 cu in

Vitakraft Fresh World Small Animal Bedding - Ultra Strength is a paper bedding suitable for small animals' litter boxes and cages, with features such as superior odor control, extra absorbency, safety and comfort, eco-friendliness, and low maintenance. With up to 14 days of odor control, this bedding keeps your home and small pet's home clean and fresh, while being extra soft for easy comfort and dust-free for your pet's health. The Ultra Strength formula is also environmentally friendly, being made from 100% recycled paper that is biodegradable and compostable.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Long-lasting performance
Highly absorbent material
No notable dust
Generous bag size
What We Don't Like
Slight perfume scent
Not ideal for all pets
#TOP 6

Carefresh Confetti Small Pet Bedding

L0409
confetti
23 L
Carefresh Confetti Small Pet Bedding Cover
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Confetti Natural Paper Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control, 23 L

Carefresh Small Pet Bedding is designed to provide a cozy and safe environment for your small pets. Its soft and fluffy texture is perfect for burrowing and nesting, making it ideal for hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. With excellent odor control, this bedding helps keep ammonia smells at bay for up to ten days, ensuring a fresher habitat. Additionally, it is twice as absorbent as traditional shavings, keeping your pet's space dry and comfortable. Plus, it's 99% dust-free, promoting a healthier living area for your furry friends.

What We Like
Colorful and fun
Good odor control
Highly absorbent
Soft and not dusty
Affordable bulk sizes
What We Don't Like
Odor control could improve
Inconsistent scent quality
#TOP 7

Kaytee Aspen Bedding for Small Animals

100501232
52.4 Liter
Kaytee Aspen Bedding for Small Animals Cover
Kaytee Aspen Small Animal Pet Bedding For Pet Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Hamsters, Gerbils, and Chinchillas, 52.4 Liters

Kaytee Aspen Bedding for Small Animals is a natural, hardwood bedding that is perfect for pet guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas. This bedding is made from all-natural materials, and it contains no aromatic oils or inks that could be harmful to your pet. It can be used in all types of cages, aquariums, and Crittertrails, making it a versatile choice for pet owners. The hardwood material is absorbent and helps to control odors, keeping your pet's living space clean and fresh. Plus, the bedding is easy to clean up and dispose of, making it a convenient option for busy pet owners.

What We Like
Excellent absorbency
Odor control
Safe for pets
Lightweight and easy to clean
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Can be a bit pricey
Dusty for some animals
#TOP 8

Small Pet Select Premium Small Animal Bedding

BDING-178L
Beige
178 L
Small Pet Select Premium Small Animal Bedding Cover
Small Pet Select Premium Small Animal Bedding, Natural Soft Paper Bedding for Small Indoor and Outdoor Pets, Made in USA, Jumbo Size 178 L Pack

Small Pet Select Bedding is the ideal bedding for small indoor and outdoor pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, rats, and mice. It is made in the USA with 100% unbleached virgin fiber, which breaks down easily and organically for safe disposal. The bedding is super cozy, soft, and absorbent, which aids in odor control without any added artificial scents. It is recommended to remove and replace the paper bedding every one to two days to prevent damp areas where your animal stands. Small Pet Select Bedding is a high quality product at an affordable cost that will last.

What We Like
Soft and comfortable bedding
Good odor control
Low dust levels
Large quantity for price
Safe for small animals
What We Don't Like
May have a slight smell
Some dustiness reported
#TOP 9

Kaytee Pine Bedding for Small Animals

100213754
52.4 Liter
Kaytee Pine Bedding for Small Animals Cover
Kaytee Small Animal Pine Bedding For Pet Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Hamsters, Gerbils, and Chinchillas, 52.4 Liter

Kaytee Pine Bedding is a soft wood bedding made of all-natural and biodegradable materials, recommended for open and well-ventilated cages and aquariums. It is 99.9% dust-free, which helps to keep your pet's habitat clean and healthy. The bedding is perfect for pet guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas, providing them with a comfortable and cozy environment to rest and play. The all-natural materials are safe for your pet and the environment, ensuring that you are providing the best for your furry friend. With Kaytee Pine Bedding, you can be confident that your pet will be comfortable and happy in their home.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
High absorbency
Affordable price
Soft and comfortable
Versatile for different pets
What We Don't Like
Creates some mess
Not ideal for all animals
#TOP 10

Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Small Pet Bedding

L0400
natural
Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Small Pet Bedding Cover
carefresh 99% Dust-Free Natural Paper Small Pet Bedding with Odor Control, 30 L

Carefresh Small Pet Bedding offers a cozy and dry environment for your small pets. Made from natural paper fibers, it provides a soft surface that is gentle on their sensitive feet, perfect for burrowing and nesting. The bedding excels in odor control, effectively reducing ammonia smells for up to ten days, ensuring your pet's space remains fresh. With its ultra-absorbent properties, it keeps your pet's habitat warm and dry, eliminating soggy messes. This bedding is also 99% dust-free, promoting a cleaner home for both you and your furry friends.

What We Like
Highly absorbent
Odor control
Safe for pets
Dust-free option
Reasonably priced
What We Don't Like
Slight odor after use
Some color variation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I use for animal bedding?

There are several options for animal bedding, including straw, wood shavings (such as cedar, pine, and aspen), wood pellets, sawdust, sand, wood chips, and even newspaper. These materials provide a soft, comfortable, and absorbent bedding for small animals.

2. What bedding to use for rodent cages?

When it comes to rodent cages, suitable bedding materials include wood chips (non-aspen), cellulose-based chips, or shredded filter paper. These bedding materials provide a comfortable and suitable environment for rodents, allowing them to dig and create a cozy home. Additionally, mice also enjoy hammocks made from fleece blankets or towel material.

3. How do you make small pet bedding?

To make small pet bedding, you can use dry toilet paper or tissue paper. Tear the toilet paper or tissue paper into strips or shred facial tissues by hand. These soft materials make suitable bedding for small pets like hamsters, providing them with a comfortable and cozy environment.

Editor's Notes

During our small animal bedding research, we found 24 small animal bedding products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 387,463 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small animal beddings list. We found that most customers choose small animal beddings with an average price of $12.70.

The small animal beddings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small animal beddings, including Kaytee, Carefresh, Oxbow, Vitakraft, Small Pet Select. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Small Animal Beddings Comparison Table

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Brand Kaytee Carefresh Oxbow Carefresh Vitakraft Carefresh Kaytee Small Pet Select Kaytee Carefresh
Item Weight 6 pounds 8.5 pounds 2.37 pounds - 5.37 pounds 0.01 ounces 6.5 pounds 16 pounds 5.72 pounds 0.01 ounces
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 16.3 x 12.69 x 5.28 inches 19.7 x 14.8 x 5.5 inches 14.06 x 8.7 x 3.82 inches - 15.16 x 13.54 x 5.75 inches 14.09 x 10.55 x 4.65 inches 17 x 13 x 8 inches 23.86 x 15.98 x 10.47 inches 18.78 x 14.57 x 7.95 inches 14.57 x 10.91 x 4.69 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH 5.5 x 12 x 16 inches 19 x 15.75 x 5 inches 8.66 x 3.54 x 14.96 inches - 10 x 3 x 17.5 inches 13 x 7 x 4 inches 7.25 x 12 x 16.5 inches 25 x 16.5 x 8.5 inches 7.25 x 12 x 16.5 inches 15.75 x 9.25 x 5 inches
Brand Name Kaytee Carefresh Oxbow - Vitakraft Carefresh Kaytee Small Pet Select Kaytee Carefresh
Target Audience Keyword hamsters, guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets, pot-bellied-pigs, ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, rats, gerbils, mice, rodents guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets, gerbils small-animal-pets, dogs - small-animal-pets, dogs, Other guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets small-animal-pets, dogs, chinchillas^ferrets^gerbils^guinea-pigs^hamsters^mice^pot-bellied-pigs^rabbits^rats^rodents^small animals house-cats, house-cats; dogs; rats, small-animal-pets, dogs, rats small-animal-pets guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets, gerbils
Color White natural White - Gray confetti Tan Beige Tan natural
Size 49.2 Liters 60L 36 Liter - 975 cu in 23 L 52.4 Liter 178 L 52.4 Liter 30L
Material Paper Paper Other - Paper paper Wood Paper Wood paper
Age Range Description All Life Stages All Stages All Life Stages - All Life Stages All Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Stages
Breed Recommendation Small All Breed Sizes Small - All Breed Sizes All Breed Sizes Small - Small All Breed Sizes
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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