The 9 Best Hamster Bedding For Burrowing

Reviews

Carefresh Small Animal Bedding, White – Best Overall

Carefresh Small Animal Bedding is made from organically recovered paper and offers everything hamster owners want.

In addition to being biodegradable and compostable, paper fiber is nearly dust-free, making it ideal for burrowing and nest-building.

If your hamster enjoys burrowing, it will require bedding that is both dry and comfortable; Carefresh bedding supplies both, and has been shown to be twice as absorbent as wood shavings.

The evaluations for this bedding speak for itself; its affordability, odor control, and comfort make it our selection for the finest hamster bedding for burrowing this year.

Pros

• Odor control for up to 10 days
• Virtually clear of dust
• Breathable and absorbent

Cons

• Several packages emit an odor.
• Not as plush as other bedding

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Vitakraft Fresh World Ultra Strength Litter Box & Cage Small Animal Bedding – Premium Choice

Due to its unusual “crumble” texture, the bedding from Vitakraft Fresh World is ideal for comfortable, absorbent burrowing.

Due to the absence of baking soda, these pieces are suitable for tunneling and nest construction and are created from 100% recycled paper.

Although there are no color options, the bedding works very well and can stretch to three times its size for optimal absorbency.

A powerful odor-control solution keeps cages odor-free for up to 14 days (with regular spot cleaning), and although reviews indicate the bedding has a mild odor, it is 99.5% dust-free, making it ideal for hamsters’ sensitive respiratory systems.

This bedding is more expensive than others evaluated, but its luxurious texture and odor control make it worthwhile.

Pros

• Odor control for up to 14 days
• 99.5% dust free
• 100 percent recycled paper

Cons

• Faint odor
• Pricier than competing brands

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Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Animal Bedding

Kaytee Clean & Cozy bedding is a comfortable, absorbent bedding that is ideal for activity and napping.

The 99% dust-free recipe is great for burrowing hamsters, and the FDA-approved paper provides odor and moisture protection.

This paper bedding is 20% more absorbent than leading brands and can store four times its weight in fluids. Clean & Cozy by Kaytee is white and odorless.

Nonetheless, a few consumers noted that the bedding was quite dusty when taken from the packaging. Additionally, this product is not suggested if your hamster enjoys eating its bedding.

Pros

• FDA-approved paper
• Up to four times its weight in moisture absorption
• Odor control

Cons

• Can be dusty upon removal from packaging.
• Not appropriate for Hamsters who consume bedding, as stated by Kaytee.

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Back-2-Nature Pet Bedding for Small Animals

Back 2 Nature’s tiny animal bedding is one of the greatest options for individuals who wish to guarantee the safety and comfort of their hamster and favor easy-to-clean materials.

The paper pellets are smaller than those of competing companies, yet they are still suitable for walking, digging, and sleeping.

They are composed of recycled paper that is 99 percent dust-free and biodegradable.

The Back 2 Nature bedding has no additional chemicals, and the form of the pellets aids with odor management by reducing urine tracking.

However, a considerable quantity is required to give proper burrowing depth. This bedding is a great alternative for hamster owners seeking eco-friendly, shape-retaining bedding due to its simplicity and efficacy.

Pros

• Dust-free
• Extremely absorbing
• Comfortable

Cons

• Not as economical as competing brands
• Smaller pellet size

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Oxbow Small Animal Pure Comfort Bedding

This bedding is ultra-absorbent and ultra-absorbent, absorbing up to 800% of its weight in moisture to guarantee comfort and hygiene.

Made from paper that has never been printed, Oxbow’s Pure Comfort bedding is 99.9% dust-free and ultra-plush.

When unpacking, small particles are eliminated to keep your house dust-free, and the bedding may expand to 250% of its packed capacity.

It is odorless and unbleached, but because to the paper’s fineness, it might stick to your hamster’s hair as it burrows and clump when wet.

Pros

• Increases by 250%
• Not duplicate and never printed on paper
• Extremely soft and absorbent.

Cons

• Can form clumps if damp
• Small particles may adhere to hamster hairs.

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Kaytee Extreme Odor Control Clean & Cozy Bedding

Clean and Cozy Extreme Odor Management is another product from Kaytee that focuses on odor control. It guarantees 14 days of odor control for tiny animals, such as hamsters.

The bedding can absorb twice as much liquid as wood shavings, keeping your hamster’s cage dry, odorless, and comfy. The paper is soft and fluffy to promote burrowing and the recipe is 99.9% dust-free for respiratory comfort.

This bedding is non-expandable and more expensive than other goods we tested, making it less cost-effective. Some reviewers also questioned the validity of the 14-day promise, noting that the odor control was inadequate.

Pros

• Odor control guarantee for up to 14 days
• 99.9% dust-free
• Double the absorbency of wood shavings

Cons

• Non-elongating bedding
• More pricey
• Some clients experienced inadequate odor control

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Small Pet Select Premium Unbleached White Paper Small Animal Bedding

Small Pet Select Premium Bedding is crafted from unbleached, untreated paper without the use of any chemicals.

The white bedding is ideal for distinguishing previously used regions and is soft enough for sleeping.

It is absorbent and minimizes the likelihood of fur stains, but unlike competing products, Small Pet does not specify how much more absorbent it is.

It is dust-free, and reviewers commend its adaptability and softness, but they also notice the bedding’s inability to compress and inclination to clump.

The performance of this bedding makes it a top choice for burrowing hamsters; it combines comfort and absorbency to make digging (and cleaning) more comfortable.

Pros

• White, so ideal for spot-cleaning
• Soft and accommodating
• No chemical additives; virgin paper

Cons

• No absorbency level provided
• Can form clumps if damp
• Uncompressed bedding results in less value for your money.

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Hempalta Premium Hemp Small Pet Bedding

Hemp bedding is growing in popularity, and it is simple to understand why with the Hempalta bedding. Hemp is a natural alternative to paper-based bedding and a natural deodorizer; hence, no extra deodorizer is required.

This bedding gives a comfortable and hygienic area to sleep and burrow, yet it is non-toxic and biodegradable to accommodate an environmentally conscious owner.

It is 99.9% dust-free to safeguard your hamster’s respiratory system and is lightweight for easy digging and movement.

The hemp granules are hygienic and safe for hamsters, although evaluations indicated that this bedding is dustier than others and the granules are sometimes a little harsh.

As this is a natural product, variations between pellets are to be anticipated. However, Hempalta bedding may be less comfy than other alternatives for hamsters.

Pros

• 100% organic hemp
• Without chemical additives
• Natural deodorizer

Cons

• Dustier than other available bedding
• Natural fluctuation in granules may be unsettling.

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Sunseed Natural Corn Cob Bedding

Sunseed’s Natural Corn Cob Bedding is a distinctive alternative to paper-based beddings, made from corn cobs farmed in the United States without the use of chemicals or colors.

This bedding is ideal for burrowing hamsters because it presents a challenge; the material imitates their natural environment and encourages them to use their natural inclinations to tunnel and forage.

However, this is not the best nesting material for hamsters, thus extra bedding should be utilized.

Sunseed Natural Corn Cob Bedding can be composted, and the corn cobs offer hamsters with a dust-free foundation for burrowing.

The most important disadvantage of the pellets is that they might adhere to the hamster’s hair.

Pros

• 100% natural with no additional colours or chemicals
• Encourages digging and food-seeking
• Compostable and environmental

Cons

• Adhering to fur when wet
• Not suitable for nesting
• No odor control

Buyer's Guide

It might be difficult to find hamster bedding that is suited for your pet.

The crucial question to ask is, “Which bedding is acceptable for my hamster?” as it might vary according on the hamster’s species, size, and gender.

With this in mind, we will discuss the factors you must consider while searching for new bedding.

Variety of Hamster

When shopping for new bedding for your hamster, it is important to consider its species. Syrian hamsters and Dwarf hamsters are the two types of hamsters most often kept as pets.

Syrian hamsters reach a maximum length of 7 inches and are the most popular kind of hamster encountered in households.

Dwarf hamsters are substantially smaller and only reach a maximum length of 4 inches. Because the bedding must be sufficiently deep for each hamster to burrow and feel comfortable, cost efficiency is crucial.

You will need more bedding for a bigger hamster than for a smaller hamster. Some varieties of bedding are extensible once unpacked; they are perfect, since they are often more cost-effective and can be used sparingly without starving your hamster.

Kind of Cage

There are hamster cages with interconnected tubes, tunnels, and dwellings. These are fantastic for enrichment if they are safe, but they might be problematic for bedding that is more dense.

Paper bedding is often OK for these cages so long as it does not clump. However, some nugget-style beddings might block the tunnels and confine your hamster within. In contrast, open cages often permit any kind of bedding.

Bedding Functions

Several products are developed for odor reduction and absorption, the two most sought-after characteristics.

Hamsters need a dry habitat devoid of pee and feces smells, which, if allowed to accumulate, may cause respiratory discomfort and illness.

Absorption is an essential characteristic of every bedding, although the performance of each kind varies based on the substance.

For instance, paper bedding may be more absorbent than other materials, but it may not be as effective in controlling odors.

On the other hand, many owners need odor control as the primary characteristic of their pet’s bedding, making it difficult to find absorbent, odor-controlling bedding.

Spot-cleaning and regular cage upkeep are essential for odor management, and absorbent bedding and appropriate washing often suppress smells well.

What Constitutes the Ideal Hamster Bedding?

Several variables affect the effectiveness of the bedding, including:

Absorbency: Hamsters must be dry to prevent pee scalding and stains on their coats; thus, bedding that can absorb a substantial quantity of moisture is essential.

As with many tiny animals, hamsters have delicate respiratory systems. Dust may irritate their airways and create respiratory issues, thus dust-free bedding is necessary for their health.

As with dusty bedding, bedding with extra aroma might irritate your hamster’s airways and cause respiratory distress; thus, unscented bedding is preferable.

Because hamsters often place bedding in their mouths and cheeks, the bedding must be chemical-free and healthy for pets (most bedding is).

Value for Money: Look for bedding that has a sufficient quantity per box and is within your budget, and keep an eye out for sales and discounts on bedding you like. In general, bedding that expands once removed from its container is more cost-effective.

Colorful bedding is visually appealing, but it might be difficult to determine where it is filthy or unclean. White or light-colored bedding is an excellent option for convenience, as it reveals where your hamster has gone to the toilet and makes spot cleaning much simpler.

Your hamster will spend the most of their life digging and resting in their bedding, so comfort is an important factor to consider. Consider soft, shape-retaining bedding; paper beddings are ideal for burrowing and tend to be soft when properly distributed.

Tips When Purchasing Hamster Bedding

Species-appropriate bedding is also crucial, since there’s nothing worse than discovering bedding with wonderful ratings just to discover that it’s not acceptable for your pet!

Hamsters store food and other materials in cheek pouches; bedding with sharp edges or clumping may easily hurt them or even cause impaction.

Impaction is uncommon, but it may occur if too much food or bedding (or the incorrect sort) is stuffed into their cheek pouches and cannot be expelled.

Which Materials Constitute Hamster Bedding?

There are several types of hamster bedding, some of which are more ideal for digging than others.

The following are examples of hamster bedding:

Paper bedding is more eco-friendly, however some pet owners may be worried about possible contamination or toxins. Most beddings have quite tight manufacturing rules that prohibit the use of additional materials, but ultimately, you may choose between recycled and non-recycled paper.

Corn cob bedding is favored by bird owners due to its absorbency and odor control, but it may not be as pleasant for tiny hairy animals such as hamsters. Corn cob bedding is eco-friendly, natural, and often extremely low in dust, making it suitable for the fragile respiratory system of a hamster.

Hemp is another popular option for bedding, and it is available in a variety of forms. Most hemp bedding is available in pellet form, which might make it difficult for hamsters to burrow. It is also natural, eco-friendly, and very absorbent. The majority of hemp bedding is inherently odor-resistant.

Historically, wood shavings were extensively offered as bedding for tiny animals, such as hamsters. We advise against using wood shavings since some of them contain toxic substances and the majority are dusty and might cause respiratory issues.

Conclusion

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you have discovered your hamster’s new, comfortable nesting material after reading our evaluations of the best hamster bedding for burrowing.

The Carefresh Small Animal Bedding in white is very absorbent and was the best hamster burrowing bedding we could locate.

Finally, if you want your hamster to live in luxury, go no further than the Fresh World Ultra Strength bedding from Vitakraft. The superior odor control and exceptional suppleness of this bedding make it our top selection for the finest premium hamster bedding.