5 Best Pet Bedding - May 2026

A soft, reclaimed pulp bedding that is safe for a variety of pets from a trusted brand.

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PROS

This paper-based bedding uses recycled paper materials to ensure that your pet's home is cozy and safe.
Far more absorbent than shavings and splinter-free to protect animals.
This bedding does a decent job of suppressing odors.

CONS

A few customers reported wood chips mixed into the bedding.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Kaytee

Clean & Cozy White Small Animal Bedding

Simple yet Solid

An affordable bedding option with minimal dust at an affordable price point.

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PROS

This bedding expands up to 3 times its size for soft and fluffy bedding that works well for smaller pets.
For the volume of bedding you get, this is among the best values available.
Easy to change out.

CONS

Quality is inconsistent, ranging from fluffy white bedding to shredded paper-like strips.

Full Cheeks

Odor Control Small Pet Paper Litter & Bedding

Best for Small Pets

This bedding keeps pets dry and maintains their habitat fresh and odor-free.

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PROS

It's suitable for rabbits, hamsters and ferrets.
It's soft, and it helps control ammonia odors.
It's 99% dust-free, and your pet will find it cozy thanks to the absorbent qualities that keep its paws and feet dry.

CONS

Some customers report finding small random recycled items in some packages.

Vitakraft

Fresh World Bedding

Most Eco-friendly

Made from 100% recycled paper for a soft bedding that pets will enjoy laying in.

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PROS

This is a straightforward, fluffy bedding that is chemical-free and unbleached to keep your pets safe.
Light in weight and moderately absorbent.
For the price, a large volume of bedding is included.

CONS

Not entirely dust-free, though it is less dusty than most of the competition.

Oxbow

Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding

Soft & Absorbent

This expandable bedding is made of soft paper material and is comfortable for most animals.

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PROS

This bedding stands out for being soft and expandable, making it a cozy option for small pets.
Made of paper that doesn't contain printing or additives.
Some small pets enjoy burrowing in it.
Highly absorbent with minimal dust.

CONS

A few reports of small plastic pieces in the bedding.
Doesn't control all odors.

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First Reviewed

October 29, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated November 2024

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

Best of the Best: Carefresh 99% Dust-Free Natural Paper Small Pet Bedding
Best Bang for the Buck: Kaytee Clean & Cozy White Paper Bedding
Best for Small Pets: Full Cheeks Odor Control Small Pet Paper Litter & Bedding
Most Eco-Friendly: Vitakraft Fresh World Small Animal Bedding
Soft and Absorbent: Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding

Finding the right bedding for your pet is crucial not only to their comfort, but also to keep their home clean, dry, and odor-free. Different sizes and types of animals will need different types of bedding. For horses or dogs, wood chips (often aspen or cedar) are the best choice. Wood chips can give smaller animals splinters, however, so paper-based products tend to work best. To reduce frequent changing, bedding should be fairly absorbent and should mask odors well. Carefully check the ingredients in bedding to ensure that the product you select is safe for your pet. Always look for bedding with minimal dust to keep your pet safe and happy.

Best Pet Bedding

Pros and Cons

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Pros and Cons

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