Top 24 Cedar Shavings for Dogs: Freshen Your Pet's Bed

Cedar shavings have long been a popular substrate for pet bedding, but their suitability for canine comfort is questionable. This comprehensive guide examines cedar shavings specifically designed for dog beds, comparing their benefits and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed choice.

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Reviews

Pestell Easy Clean Cedar Bedding

The cedar bedding brings a natural forest scent to your pet's nest, and it's biodegradable to boot. When your furry friend needs a fresh spot to sleep, just pop this stuff in their cage – it compresses down small enough to carry easily.

Soil Sunrise Natural Cedar Shavings Mulch and Pet Bedding

This natural cedar mulch from Soil Sunrise brings a rustic charm to your garden while keeping your plants healthy. The aromatic shavings suppress weeds, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion – plus, they make awesome cedar sachets for your closet! As an added bonus, this USA-made mulch makes an excellent bedding material for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens, providing those critters with a soft, dust-free nest.

America's Choice Eco Flake Wood Bedding

Made from kiln-dried wood waste, these recycled wood shavings are a sustainable choice for animal bedding. The triple-screened product removes dust for easier cleanup, while its natural softness and excellent absorption make it a favorite among pet owners. Whether you're filling a horse stall or chicken coop, these pine shavings deliver consistent performance and durability.

Cedar Pressed Bedding

This natural cedar bedding brings a lovely woodsy scent to pet habitats while keeping them dry and fresh. Each 4-cubic-foot bag fills a small space perfectly, whether you're bedding a doggy den or a rabbit hutch. The biodegradable shavings are environmentally friendly and pest-repelling – just make sure your pet's home is well-ventilated.

AWF Pets Pick Wood Shavings Pine Bedding

Made from natural wood fibers, these pine shavings are designed to be moisture-absorbent and naturally odor-controlling. The bedding expands to three times its original size when dry and maintains a clean profile, with just 1% dust content. The 100% natural pine shavings are produced without artificial chemicals, making them safe for use in pet cages and habitats.

Pestell Easy Clean Cedar Bedding

These natural cedar shavings turn any pet's resting spot into a cozy retreat, with their sweet outdoorsy scent keeping the air fresh and clean. The biodegradable bedding makes clean-up a breeze, and at just over 4 pounds when full (that's 20 liters of compressed goodness), you get plenty of absorbent, comfy bedding for your small animal or bird friend.

PetPurifiers Cedar Shaving Bedding

Produced in the USA, this natural cedar bedding combines excellent absorbency with a comforting aromatic quality that helps keep pets cozy and odor-free. The compressed 4-cubic-foot block expands to an impressive 50-cubic feet, providing ample bedding while being surprisingly space-efficient. While some users have expressed satisfaction with its performance, particularly for winter warmth, others have noted higher prices compared to retail alternatives.

Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Shavings

Made from 100% natural cedar, these shavings serve multiple purposes around the home. Whether you're gardening outdoors, caring for indoor plants, or creating a fresh-scented sachet, this versatile product does it all. The generous 4-quart bag makes a practical addition to any space, with its natural scent helping to control weeds and maintain moisture in the soil.

Amish Cedar Wood Shavings

Woodchucks' cedar shavings deliver the authentic scent you'd expect from the premium quality promised by their Amish craftsmanship. Each box packs over four pounds of natural protection, making it stand out in a category where competitors often fall short. Beyond keeping pests at bay, these versatile shavings excel in everything from pet bedding to homemade sachets – they're even approved for use in chicken coops and birdhouses, thanks to their natural, USA-made formula.

Red Cedar Pet Bedding

These soft cedar wood shavings make a natural and aromatic bed for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, though they're not suitable for pets like hamsters who need different bedding material. The 99.9% dust-free, kiln-dried shavings absorb moisture and odors exceptionally well, holding twice their weight in liquid. The natural oils in the cedar also help keep pets comfortable by repelling insects and maintaining fresh airflow in their living spaces.

Best Natural Cedar Shavings (16 Quart)

Made from 100% natural cedar in the USA, these shavings provide an absorbent bedding solution for small animals while filling your space with a pleasant woodsy scent. The versatile shavings double as crafting material for homemade pet pillows, sachets, and household storage solutions.

Americas Choice Mini Flake Cedar Shavings

Crafted from kiln-dried wood waste, these mini wood flakes provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bedding materials. The small, consistent flakes make it easy to scoop and clean, while the excellent absorption helps maintain fresh conditions in pet living spaces. Whether you're managing a horse stall or a chicken coop, the minimal dust and consistent performance make this a practical choice for any animal care routine.

Pestell Pet Products Cedar Bedding

Made from natural cedar wood shavings, this biodegradable bedding provides a comfortable and clean resting spot for your small pets and caged birds. Each 113-liter bag delivers outdoor freshness with its pleasant scent, while helping prevent infestations when used with other pet care products. The soft shavings maintain a warm, cozy nest for your furry friends, whether indoors or out.

Cedarcide Insect-Repelling Cedar Granules

These natural cedar granules offer lasting pest protection for your lawn and outdoor spaces. Made from 100% cedar shavings, the granules effectively repel insects by disrupting their navigation and breeding cycles. Applying them around your home and garden creates a barrier that keeps mosquitoes, ants, and other pests at bay.

Red Cedar Shavings for Pets and Landscaping

A fragrant addition to any space, these natural red cedar shavings offer a generous 3-gallon supply perfect for crafting, pet bedding, or outdoor mulching. Each piece measures up to 2 inches, providing just the right texture for screech owl boxes and landscaping projects. The all-natural wood chips bring a delightful aroma to closets and craft spaces while keeping pests at bay.

Pet's Pick 24L Aspen Bedding

Aspen wood shavings offer a natural alternative to traditional bedding materials, providing small pets with a safe and comfortable resting spot. These shavings, made from kiln-dried hardwood, absorb liquids effectively while maintaining freshness through their natural odor-control properties. The soft texture allows animals to burrow while protecting their health through the absence of harmful additives.

Kaytee Aspen Bedding & Litter

When small animal owners search for safe bedding options, natural aspen shavings stand out for their wood dust-free processing and biodegradable properties. This popular choice from Kaytee has gained praise for its soft texture, excellent odor control, and economical bulk pricing, making it a reliable option for both new and existing pet owners.

Natural Cedar Odor Eliminator

These natural cedar balls protect clothing in drawers and closets with their organic insect-repelling properties. Made from Eastern redwood cedar, the smooth spheres won't scratch fabrics while releasing fresh, woodsy scent. Each ball measures about a quarter-size and works in any storage container, from small totes to full wardrobes.

Incense Cedar Wood Chips

These sustainably-sourced cedar chips put out a lovely natural aroma while keeping your space fresh and your pet comfortable. The moisture-retaining properties mean less frequent watering for your plants, while the chips' natural scent helps control odors in pet bedding and litter boxes. At just 11.6 inches tall, the 4-quart bag is the perfect size for small projects around the home or garden.

CedarFresh Cedar Sachets

Natural cedar shavings release their distinctive aroma while protecting clothes from moths, mildew, and moisture. These soft cotton pouches measure just over 5 inches tall and come in sets of three, making them ideal for refreshing drawers and closets without posing any risk to delicate fabrics. The safe and effective pest deterrents have earned high praise from users who appreciate their simple, natural approach to storage protection.

America's Choice Mini Flake Bedding

These eco-friendly wood shavings have earned top marks from delighted pet owners who praise their superior absorbency and dust-free quality. The triple-screened flakes reduce waste through clean fork action and offer lasting comfort for horses and pets with their consistent, fine texture.

America's Choice Large Flake Cedar Shavings

These premium wood shavings provide maximum coverage for animal bedding while maintaining exceptional absorbency. The triple-screened flakes eliminate dust, creating a soft and comfortable environment with minimal maintenance.

Natural Pine Wood Pet Bed

Made from natural pine wood that's kiln-dried for better absorption, this bedding keeps your pet warm and dry while eliminating odors. The triple-screened shavings remove irritating dust, and the natural pine scent helps keep your pet's living space fresh. While some pets might be sensitive to the wood chips, many owners praise its superior absorbency and long-lasting quality.

PetsPick Kiln Dried Red Cedar Bedding

The pet bedding combines natural odor and moisture control with soft comfort, making it ideal for both dogs and cats. The kiln-dried cedar shavings expand to twice their size and absorb twice their weight, keeping your pet's resting spot fresh and clean. With a pleasant natural scent that repels insects and a 41L bag size that's easy to manage, this bedding strikes a great balance between performance and practicality.

Buyer's Guide

Cedar shavings offer a fragrant and absorbent bedding solution for pets, particularly dogs. Understanding the key aspects of cedar shavings helps in selecting a product that provides both comfort and practical benefits for your pet.

Key Ingredients and Properties

Cedar shavings typically come from either red or white cedar trees, each offering distinct properties. Red cedar provides a stronger scent and better moisture absorption, while white cedar offers a milder aroma and softer texture. The processing method affects quality, with premium options featuring natural, un-dusted shavings.

Size and Texture Considerations

Shaving size impacts bedding effectiveness and pet comfort. Small, fine shavings create a softer bedding layer but may dust easily, while larger pieces prevent dust but can be too rigid. For most pets, medium-sized shavings strike a balance between comfort and cleanliness.

Odor and Aromatherapy Effects

The distinctive cedar fragrance has natural odor-control properties. Some pets benefit from this scent, while others find it overwhelming. Consider your pet's sensitivity and the room's ventilation when selecting a product. Cedar oil, applied to the shavings during processing, enhances the aromatic benefits.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options

Sustainable sourcing practices ensure environmental responsibility. Look for products that use untreated, kiln-dried wood and avoid petroleum-based dyes or irritants. Recycled cedar shavings represent a more eco-friendly alternative, offering similar benefits with reduced environmental impact.

FAQ

What are cedar shavings made of?

Cedar shavings are made from cedar wood, which is known for its natural insect-repelling and moisture-wicking properties. The wood is typically shredded and processed into small, absorbent pieces.

Common varieties include Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar. Each species has slightly different characteristics, but both provide effective bedding material for dogs.

Are cedar shavings safe for dogs?

Cedar shavings are generally considered safe for dogs when used as bedding. The wood's natural properties make it resistant to mold and mildew, providing a healthy environment for your pet.

However, some dogs may be sensitive to the chemical compound thujone, found in cedar. If your dog shows signs of irritation or adverse reactions, consider switching to an alternative bedding material.

What are the benefits of using cedar shavings?

Cedar shavings naturally repel insects and pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments. The wood's porous nature helps absorb moisture, keeping your pet dry and comfortable.

The distinctive scent of cedar can help mask unpleasant odors and create a calming environment for your dog.

How should I store cedar shavings?

Store cedar shavings in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption. A sealed container or storage bin with good ventilation helps maintain their effectiveness and minimize odor release.

Check for any signs of mold or contamination before use, and dispose of any expired or spoiled materials.

How long do cedar shavings last?

With proper storage, cedar shavings typically last 6-12 months before needing replacement. Factors affecting their longevity include exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and frequency of use.

Regularly check the quality of the shavings. Replace when they become dull, discolored, or lose their natural fragrance, as these signs indicate degradation.

Are cedar shavings suitable for all dog breeds?

Cedar shavings can be used for most dog breeds, but some may be more sensitive than others. Short-coated breeds, older dogs, and those with respiratory issues may be more affected by the natural oils in cedar.

Always monitor your pet's reaction to cedar bedding. If you notice any signs of irritation, such as sneezing, coughing, or excessive scratching, consider alternative bedding materials.

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