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The Best Guinea Pig Bedding
If you are in a hurry and just want a quick list of the best guinea pig bedding, then here is what you should look for:
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I would strongly advise you to follow through and determine which one is the most appropriate for your guinea pig and you as their caregiver.
As a bonus, if you plan on purchasing fleece liners for your guinea pigs, you should also consider purchasing this incredible laundry bag, which will make cleaning these liners extremely simple.
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What is the best bedding type for guinea pigs?
There is no such thing as the perfect bedding for guinea pigs because every bedding type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following best bedding type recommendations made by experts, followed by my top picks for each of these categories.
Table of Contents
Fleece Bedding
Fleece liners are one of the most dependable, long-lasting, cost-effective, and comfortable bedding options for your guinea pigs, and they are also very affordable. It’s almost exactly the same as the bed linen that we use.
With thick padding sewn between the fleece cloth, it almost feels like our guinea pigs are sleeping on a comfortable, soft mattress for the first time.
Despite the fact that it is initially more expensive and time-consuming, it will prove to be one of the most cost-effective bedding options in the long run.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Years of re-use and durability are ensured.
- In the long run, it is more cost-effective.
- This is completely safe for our guinea pigs because it is made entirely of natural materials.
- Extra-absorbent, odorless, and waterproof from both the top and the bottom.
- Dust-free- This is the best option for parents who have a dust allergy.
Cons
- It must be cleaned on a regular basis in order to keep it looking neat and tidy.
- It is almost certain that an extra set of bedding will be required in order to save time and hassle in the long run.
- Only pet-safe detergent should be used to clean this item.
- It is possible that hay and other particles will become attached to it, making cleaning extremely time-consuming.
Paper Bedding
Paper bedding is yet another popular option for guinea pig owners to choose from. When compared to other types of bedding, it is extremely soft, absorbent, and odor-free in nature.
However, because there are so many different brands of paper bedding available, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing paper bedding for your guinea pigs.
The first thing to think about is how absorbent the bedding is going to be. However, while some high-quality brand bedding is extremely absorbent, others are not.
It is possible to have an odorless cage if you use a high-quality litter that is extremely absorbent, whereas poor-quality bedding that is not extremely absorbent can result in a smelly cage.
The second most important factor to consider will be the amount of dust present in the bedding; while some brands have very little dust, others have a significant amount of dust present.
Obtaining high-quality bedding with the least amount of dust is critical, as too much powder can cause an allergic reaction in both the parents and their guinea pigs.
Pros:
- It is environmentally friendly and safe for your guinea pigs.
- Super absorbent and effective odor control in a soft and comfortable living environment
- It’s simple to clean up.
Cons
- Some low-cost brands provide bedding that is densely packed with dust, which can cause respiratory diseases and other allergies in guinea pigs.
- It is necessary to clean the area on a regular basis to avoid an overload of waste.
- Only pet-safe detergent should be used to clean this item.
- It is more expensive in the long run when compared to the other options that are available.
Aspen Bedding
In contrast to pine and cedar shaving, we are only permitted to use aspen shaving in our guinea pigs’ cage. Many people prefer to use pine shaving as bedding for their cages, but this is not the best option for their animals.
Because there is no odor or oil in the aspen bedding, it is completely safe to use. In fact, aspen is the only hardwood that is naturally free of aromatic compounds. We can use it in our guinea pigs’ cage without fear of harming them.
Pros:
- Natural in its composition, it is completely safe for our guinea pigs to consume.
- When compared to pine and cedar shavings, it is completely safe.
- Guinea pigs enjoy borrowing and foraging for food while we were using this bedding.
Cons
- Not as absorbent as fleece or paper bedding, for example.
- In the long run, it may put a strain on your finances.
- When compared to other bedding options available, this bedding requires more frequent laundering.
The Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs: My Top 8 Picks
After experimenting with a dozen different brands and types of bedding, I’ve narrowed it down to a list of my top eight favorites from among the available options. All of these have advantages and disadvantages, but you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences among them.
GuineaDad Fleece Liner for Guinea pigs
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Guineadad fleece liner is one of the best guinea pig liners currently available on the market. Everything about it is thoughtfully designed with the guinea pig’s natural environment and instincts in mind.
The fleece liner is constructed in such a way that it keeps moisture away from the top layer of fleece and absorbs it below it, thereby keeping the feet of your guinea pigs dry and comfortable.
Bamboo fiber filled in the center has antimicrobial, antifungal, and odor-resistant properties, making it a wonderful addition to any home or office environment.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for your guinea pig, as it not only contributes to their overall health and comfort, but it is also relatively inexpensive in the long run.
Pros:
- A burrowing pocket is included for your guinea pig’s convenience.
- Because of the bamboo fiber, it is extremely absorbent and anti-bacterial.
- Our guinea pigs enjoy the material because it is extremely soft and comfortable.
- Fleece has a one-time cost and no recurring costs, unlike other bedding materials that need to be changed on a regular basis. Guinea dad only uses high-quality materials that will last for years.
Cons
- It is necessary to wash and clean it on a weekly basis. As a result, be prepared to do a lot of laundry.
- It is a time-consuming task to change and clean the fleece, so you will undoubtedly require an extra pair of gloves for the job.
- It should be washed with a pet-safe special detergent to ensure that it does not harm your guinea pig’s health.
Check out this fantastic Guineadad fleece liner which completely changed my guinea pig’s life only at Amazon.
Also read:
Small Pet Company Guinea Pig Fleece Liner
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Small pet & company fleece liner is yet another excellent company that provides high-quality liners for our guinea pigs in a variety of sizes.
What I appreciate the most about this brand is that, unlike other brands that source products from China and re-brand them, all of the products of small pet and company are manufactured in the United States of America while maintaining high quality standards.
Pros:
- The small pet & company fleece liner is constructed of high-quality materials, ensuring that it will last for years to come.
- It is actually comfortable and healthy for our guinea pigs to be in this environment.
- There is no need to change bedding on a weekly basis; simply take it out, shake it off, wash it, and put it right back in.
- It has been specifically designed for Midwest and CC cages, among others. The size was a perfect fit.
Cons
- It is a little more expensive than other brands that are available on the market.
- Every week, it must be cleaned and washed, which can be a time-consuming process.
- This fleece liner should be cleaned with a pet-safe detergent.
Check out this amazing fleece liner only at Amazon.
Recommended Supplies For Guinea pigs: Our Top Picks!
Before you learn more,here are some hand-picked supplies for your guinea pigs that you must add to your wishlist today:
Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding
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If you don’t want to use fleece bedding for your small pet, you can use small pet select natural paper bedding as an alternative. It is made of natural, unbleached paper that is completely safe for your guinea pigs to chew on and swallow.
When selecting paper bedding for our guinea pig, we must consider a number of different factors. If we want our guinea pig’s bedding to be comfortable on its feet, it should be free of dust, and the material used should be safe for the animal.
While the majority of the low-cost brands met at least one of the criteria, there were only a few options that met all of the requirements. So, after taking all of the factors into consideration, I’ve determined that the small pet select brand would be my first choice if I had to go back to using paper bedding.
Pros:
- Because the paper we use is never dyed, it is completely natural and safe for our guinea pigs to chew on and swallow.
- When compared to other low-cost brands available on the market, this one is extremely soft and comfortable.
- Aside from being soft, this bedding is also extremely absorbent, making it ideal for guinea pigs of all sizes.
It is completely environmentally friendly, and it also has excellent odor control.
Cons
- If it is not changed and maintained on a regular basis, it has a tendency to break down into mushy particles. Because it cannot be reused, the cost of the bedding can quickly add up.
- Some guinea pig parents may cause an allergic reaction in some guinea pigs.
Check out this fantastic paper bedding from pet select at affordable price only at Amazon.
Fresh News Paper Small Animal Bedding
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In addition to Fresh News, which is a well-known brand of paper bedding available on the market, there is also Fresh News. The bedding produced by the company is made from recycled paper. In this way, the product created is completely natural, biodegradable, and safe for use with Guinea pigs.
They employ a proprietary technology that, when in contact with baking soda, quickly eliminates the odor. As a result, the bedding can be used for an extended period of time.
When compared to other low-cost brands available on the market, the bedding does an excellent job of keeping waste contained.
Pros:
- Made entirely of recycled materials, this product is 100 percent environmentally friendly.
- Because it does not contain any dye or smell, the material used is completely safe for guinea pigs.
- It is an excellent absorbent material, which aids in keeping the cage odor-free.
Cons
- A small amount of dust is present, which can be felt when placing it in the cage, particularly when first setting it up.
- It is necessary to change the bedding once a week in order to maintain a healthy living environment.
- It is possible for the cost of bedding to accumulate quickly over a period of time.
Check out this paper bedding from Fresh news only on Amazon.
Vitakraft Fresh World Strength Crumble Bedding
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If you’re looking for high-quality materials at an affordable price, the crumbled paper-based bedding by Vitakraft is an excellent choice for you.
It is surprisingly soft and cozy, and as a result, our guinea pig appears to be quite content. Their favorite thing to do is burrow and take a nice long nap in it.
It is also extremely absorbent, and with a couple of guinea pigs living in it, it can easily last for two weeks or more.
Pros:
- It is made entirely of recycled paper and is therefore environmentally friendly as well as pet-friendly.
- The bedding is extremely soft and can absorb up to three times its weight in liquid.
- It is odor resistant, and as a result, it provides guinea pigs with an exceptional living environment.
- The bedding is 99.5% dust-free, which is excellent for your guinea pigs’ health.
Cons
- Maintenance and changes are required on a biweekly basis, and this requires frequent attention.
- After absorbing a significant amount of waste, it expands significantly, making it difficult to change if left for an extended period of time.
Check out this amazing and economical bedding for your guinea pig on Amazon.
Carefresh Complete Confetti Pet Bedding
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Care fresh is yet another well-known brand that offers a wide range of excellent pet-friendly products. This confetti-style paper bedding is yet another excellent option for our guinea pigs’ bedding.
Don’t be fooled by the product’s appearance, including its color and texture. It is made of high-quality material that is both soft and comfortable to the touch.
Not only does it look good, but it also performs admirably. The material is extremely effective at absorbing litter and aids in the maintenance of a clean and orderly living environment.
An additional appealing feature of this product is the price range, which is within my price range. The product is extremely inexpensive, but it performs admirably when used for the purpose for which it was intended.
Pros:
- It is made entirely of natural materials and is completely biodegradable.
- It is extremely absorbent, and as a result, it keeps the legs of your guinea pigs dry.
- This bedding is effective at controlling odors to a significant degree. It contains very little dust, which is an added bonus.
Cons
- For some pet parents, a color combination may not be the best choice.
- If you use it for more than a week, it will become a little mushy. (Given that you have a pair of shoes)
Check out this amazing super cheap and efficient bedding by Carefresh only at Amazon.
Kaytee Aspen Bedding Bag For Guinea pigs
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Aspen bedding, such as Kaytee aspen bedding, is one of the best options available if you are determined to use wood shavings for your bedding. As previously stated, aspen is the best material available in this grade and is completely safe for pets to be around.
The shaving is made of aspen and is further processed before being packed in order to remove any excess dust and debris from the product.
It is essentially a hardwood bedding that provides our guinea pigs with a more natural environment. However, it can be a little too harsh on their feet at the same time; this is something to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Because it contains no scent or oil, this bedding is completely safe to use.
- A significant advantage is that it contains very little dust.
- This bedding is beneficial because it aids in the reduction of odors.
Cons
- When compared to other bedding options, the price of the bedding is quite high. It is also less absorbent when compared to fleece and paper bedding.
- It can be a little harsh on your guinea pig’s feet, and it is not recommended for certain breeds such as skinny pigs.
Check out this aspen bedding by Kaytee only at Amazon.
Also read:
Carefresh Custom Guinea Pig Natural Nesting
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Carefresh nesting material is a fantastic product that is readily available on the market today. This is the right place to come if you are looking for a natural alternative to wood shaving while still maintaining the natural feel and having a product that is safe for pets.
Recycling crumpled paper is used to construct the nesting material, which is both dust-free and pet-safe. The guinea pigs will be extremely comfortable and cozy in this material.
Pros:
- The bedding is free of dust and extremely absorbent.
- If you choose a larger size, the pack is more cost-effective because it feels completely natural nesting material.
- It helps to keep the odor under control.
Cons
- It necessitates regular cleaning and weekly replacements.
- As the debris accumulates, the weight of the material increases.
Check out the bedding for your guinea pig only at Amazon.
What bedding is bad for guinea pigs? (Avoid at all cost)
Pine or cedar shavings
Guinea pigs are susceptible to respiratory diseases if their living environment is not conducive to their well-being. The use of high-quality bedding is an essential part of maintaining their living conditions.
Using pine or cedar shaving as bedding for your guinea pigs can be one of the worst pieces of advice you can give them.
Although it may not be immediately apparent, the pine and cedar shavings contain a significant amount of dust, oil, and fragrance. Despite the fact that these may not seem like a big deal to us, they can be life-threatening to guinea pigs.
If guinea pigs are exposed to pine and cedar shavings for an extended period of time, they can develop a variety of allergies and respiratory diseases.
Straw
Aside from straw, there are several other materials you should avoid at all costs. While it may appear to be just another version of your dry hay, which can give your cage a more natural appearance, believe me when I say that this is something you would like to avoid at all costs.
Straw is almost completely devoid of absorbent properties. However, because it does not absorb any pee or debris, everything remains in a pool of feces and urine, creating an unpleasant environment for your guinea pigs to survive in.
Straw’s hard ends are another major source of concern; they can easily poke into our guinea pig’s eyes, nose and ears, resulting in an infection that can be difficult to treat.
Conclusion
After experimenting with a variety of bedding options for my guinea pigs, I’ve decided on fleece as a final solution. Yes, paper bedding is much more dependable and simple to maintain, but at the same time, it quickly increases the cost of the product.
Choosing between Guinea Pig Fleece Liner Bedding and Conventional Bedding | Which is better for your cage?
If at all possible, it is best to recommend that you invest in fleece up front because it is the most dependable and environmentally friendly material available on the market. If this is the case, you should definitely opt for high-quality paper bedding instead.
If I have been of assistance in clearing up your confusion about what bedding material to use and which ones are the best options available on the market, I hope that I have done so.
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