Choosing the right bedding for your guinea pigs is crucial for their health, comfort, and overall well-being. The right bedding absorbs moisture, controls odours, and provides a soft, safe surface for your pets to rest and play. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is best?

In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of bedding for guinea pigs, discuss their pros and cons, and help you find the perfect option for your furry friends.

Why Bedding Matters for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs spend most of their time in their enclosure, so their bedding needs to be safe, absorbent, and comfortable. Poor-quality bedding can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues, foot sores, and infections.

Key Features of Good Guinea Pig Bedding

When choosing bedding, look for these essential qualities:

• Absorbency – Helps keep the cage dry and controls urine odours.

• Softness – Protects your guinea pig’s delicate feet.

• Dust-free – Prevents respiratory issues.

• Safe and Non-toxic – Avoid materials that contain harmful chemicals or sharp edges.

• Odour control – Helps maintain a fresh-smelling environment.

Now, let’s explore the best bedding options for guinea pigs.

1. Fleece Bedding: The Best Reusable Option

Fleece bedding is a popular choice among guinea pig owners. It’s soft, absorbent, and reusable, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

Pros of Fleece Bedding

✔ Super soft and comfortable – Provides a cosy surface for guinea pigs to rest.

✔ Highly absorbent (when used with an absorbent layer in the middle) – Keeps the cage dry.

✔ Dust-free – Reduces the risk of respiratory issues.

✔ Reusable and cost-effective – Saves money in the long run.

✔ Odour control – When cleaned regularly, fleece keeps the cage smelling fresh.

Cons of Fleece Bedding

✘ Requires regular washing – Needs to be washed at least once a week.

✘ Initial cost – Good-quality fleece liners can be expensive.

✘ Needs proper absorbency – Must have a thick absorbent layer in the middle.

How to Use Fleece Bedding

Choose a thick fleece to ensure it’s absorbent. To use fleece properly, wash it several times before the first use to remove any waterproof coating. Spot clean daily to remove waste and wash thoroughly every week. Shake or brush clean, before washing inside an old duvet cover, tied at the end to protect the washing machine.

2. Paper Bedding: A Soft and Absorbent Choice

Paper bedding is another excellent option for guinea pigs. It’s soft, absorbent, and widely available in pet stores.

Pros of Paper Bedding

✔ Highly absorbent – Controls moisture and keeps the cage dry.

✔ Soft and gentle – Safe for guinea pigs’ feet.

✔ Odour control – Helps minimise smells.

✔ Dust-free (if high quality) – Reduces respiratory risks.

✔ Easy to use – Simple to spread and replace.

Cons of Paper Bedding

✘ Needs frequent changes – Can become soggy quickly.

✘ Some brands are dusty – Choose a premium, dust-free option.

✘ Expensive over time – Costs can add up with frequent replacements.

Best Paper Bedding for Guinea Pigs

Look for unbleached, chemical-free paper bedding. Brands like Carefresh and Kaytee are popular choices. Avoid scented or coloured paper, as these can contain harmful chemicals.

3. Aspen Shavings: A Safe Wood-Based Bedding

Aspen is one of the few wood shavings safe for guinea pigs. It provides natural odour control and is relatively affordable.

Pros of Aspen Bedding

✔ Natural and safe – Contains no harmful oils or chemicals.

✔ Good odour control – Helps absorb smells naturally.

✔ Absorbent – Keeps moisture levels low.

✔ More affordable than fleece or paper bedding – A budget-friendly option.

Cons of Aspen Bedding

✘ Can be slightly rough – Not as soft as fleece or paper.

✘ Some brands are dusty – Choose kiln-dried, dust-extracted aspen.

✘ Needs frequent changes – Can get messy quickly.

Best Aspen Bedding for Guinea Pigs

Ensure you buy high-quality, dust-free aspen shavings. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, as these contain harmful oils that can cause respiratory issues.

 

4. Hemp Bedding: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

 

Hemp bedding is becoming more popular due to its excellent absorbency and eco-friendly nature.

 

Pros of Hemp Bedding

✔ Highly absorbent – Helps control moisture effectively.

✔ Low dust – Reduces respiratory risks.

✔ Eco-friendly and biodegradable – A sustainable option.

✔ Odour control – Naturally helps reduce smells.

 

Cons of Hemp Bedding

✘ Less widely available – Not as easy to find in pet shops.

✘ Can be expensive – Costs more than traditional bedding.

 

Hemp bedding is an excellent choice for guinea pigs, especially if you prefer a natural and sustainable option.

 

5. Hay as Bedding: Should You Use It?

Hay is essential in a guinea pig’s diet, but can it be used as bedding?

Pros of Using Hay as Bedding

✔ Natural and edible – Guinea pigs can eat it safely.

✔ Soft and comfortable – Provides a cosy resting area.

✔ Readily available – Easy to buy.

 

Cons of Using Hay as Bedding

✘ Not very absorbent – Urine can make it soggy quickly.

✘ Needs frequent changing – Requires daily replacement.

✘ Can become mouldy – Damp hay can lead to respiratory problems.

 

While hay works as temporary bedding, it’s better suited as a food source rather than a primary bedding option.

What Bedding Should You Avoid?

Not all bedding types are safe for guinea pigs. Avoid the following:

• Cedar and Pine Shavings (Unless Kiln-Dried) – Contain harmful oils that can cause respiratory issues.

• Cat Litter – Too dusty and can cause digestive problems if ingested.

• Straw – Too rough and can cause injuries.

• Newspaper – The ink can be harmful, and it doesn’t absorb moisture well.

Final Verdict: The Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs

The best bedding depends on your needs and budget.

Here’s a comparison of bedding costs for a 2×4 grid C&C cage, based on using 10L per week for a complete bedding change and purchasing bedding in bulk 40-50L bags.

Bedding Type	Cost Per Week(£)	Cost Per Year(£)	Notes
Fleece Bedding	£1.54	£80	Assumes initial purchase of 2 fleeces lasting 3 years and washed weekly
Budget Paper (Kaytee)	£3.89	£202	Most affordable disposable option but still needs frequent changes.
Hemp Bedding	£6.00	£312	Highly absorbent, eco-friendly
Aspen Bedding	£6.25	£325	Natural wood bedding, low dust
Premium Paper (Carefresh)	£8.80	£457	Sort, absorbent, but expensive.

 

• Best Overall: Fleece Bedding (soft, reusable, and odour-controlling)

• Best Disposable Option: Budget Paper Bedding (absorbent and dust-free)

• Best Natural Choice: Hemp Bedding (eco-friendly and effective)

• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Fleece Bedding ( eco-friendly and affordable)

Whatever bedding you choose, keep your guinea pigs’ cage clean, dry, and comfortable. Regular spot cleaning and full cage changes are essential for a healthy, happy pet.

What bedding do you use for your guinea pigs? Let us know in the comments below!