Best Cedar Shavings for Dogs: 24 Top Options

Choosing the right bedding for your dog's comfort and health is crucial, and cedar shavings stand out as a popular choice among pet owners. These naturally aromatic wood chips offer a unique combination of comfort and protection against parasites, making them worth considering for your furry friend's sleep environment.

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Reviews

Pestell Pet Cedar Bedding

Made from natural cedar, this bedding brings a fresh forest scent to your pet's nesting spot while keeping their area comfortable and absorbent. The biodegradable shavings compress down to save space, making them a practical choice for small animal owners. However, one unhappy customer discovered a beetle in their purchase, so be sure to check your bedding carefully before use.

Soil Sunrise Natural Cedar Shavings

This natural cedar mulch and bedding combo brings garden freshness to both your soil and pet's nest. The USA-made formula helps retain soil moisture, control garden weeds, and create a cozy, dust-free sleep environment for your pet rabbits and poultry. Whether you're mulching potted plants or building a chicken dust bath, these cedar shavings excel at what they do – all while keeping your garden and animals healthy and happy.

America's Choice Cedar Shavings

Made from kiln-dried wood waste, these softwood shavings offer excellent absorption while reducing landfill waste. The triple-screened formula removes dust for a clean, comfortable bedding option that pets and animals seem to love. Users particularly appreciate the shavings' softness and natural scent, while the premium absorbency keeps living spaces clean and dry.

Cedar Pressed Dog Bedding

This aromatic red cedar bedding brings a natural scent to your pet's resting place while keeping their living space fresh and dry. The biodegradable shavings effectively absorb moisture and deter insects, making them a practical choice for dog kennels and pet beds. With a strong cedar aroma that may be too potent for some pets, it's best used in well-ventilated areas and blended with other types of bedding for small animals.

PetsPick Soft Pine Bedding

For small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, this pine bedding absorbs moisture and controls odors naturally. The kiln-dried pine expands to three times its size, keeping your pet's living space clean and comfortable. Produced without chemicals, it's safe and dust-free, with a fresh pine scent that your furry friend will love.

Pestell Cedar Bedding 20 L

For your furry friend, Pestell Cedar Bedding brings outdoor freshness indoors with its natural cedar scent. It's a convenient, biodegradable solution that creates a soft, clean nesting spot for your pet. This 20L bag compresses to 8.2L, providing plenty of absorbent bedding that's perfect for small animals and caged birds.

PetPurifiers Animal Bedding

Red cedar shavings provide natural warmth and odor control for your pet, especially during colder months. This USA-made bedding expands to five cubic feet when uncompressed, offering generous coverage for horses and barn animals. While some customers have found alternative sources more economical, the aromatic shavings also serve as an effective mulch and compost material.

Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Shavings

These natural cedar shavings offer a lovely subtle scent while providing excellent moisture retention for both indoor and outdoor plants. The generous 4-quart quantity works great as pet bedding or litter, while its weed-suppressing properties make it ideal for container gardens. Made in the USA, these organic shavings bring a touch of woodland freshness to any space.

100% USA Made Amish Cedar Wood Shavings

Made from premium cedar wood by the Old Order Amish in America, this full-size box delivers over four pounds of natural wood curls that safely repel pests while filling your space with a fresh, aromatic scent. The USA-grown cedar shavings are perfect for pet bedding, homemade drawer sachets, and even chicken coops, offering a practical solution that supports local Amish craftsmanship. Each purchase helps sustain this traditional way of life while keeping your living space naturally pest-free.

Pets Pick Red Cedar Bedding

This red cedar bedding brings a natural warmth to your pet's space with its 99.9% dust-free, kiln-dried shavings that soak up moisture and odors like a champ. The aromatic cedar helps keep away unwanted bugs while protecting your animal's health with zero harmful chemicals. Whether you're setting up a cozy nook for a small dog or a spacious stall for equine friends, this bedding delivers lasting comfort and cleanliness.

Natural Cedar Shavings

These natural cedar shavings bring a fresh scent to your space while providing soft bedding for small animals. The 16-quart bag measures a practical 18x7x18 inches, fitting perfectly in most storage containers. Whether you're crafting pillow stuffing or lining your pet's cozy sleep spot, these USA-made shavings do it all.

Americas Choice Mini Flake Cedar Shavings

Made from kiln-dried wood waste, America's Choice Mini Flake bedding offers excellent moisture absorption while being gentle on the environment. The heat-dried, natural softwood shavings provide a dust-free alternative to traditional cedar options, making cleanup a breeze. Users particularly appreciate its consistency and minimal dust, though some note it can be difficult to find locally.

Pestell Pet Cedar Bedding

Small animal owners and bird enthusiasts have found this natural cedar bedding to be a practical solution for creating warm, comfortable resting spots. The biodegradable shavings provide excellent absorbency while maintaining a pleasant outdoor scent that pets seem to enjoy. Users particularly appreciate its effectiveness in controlling odors and preventing infestations, though pet owners with Guinea pigs should opt for bedding with smaller particles.

Cedar Granules Repel Insects

These natural cedar granules effectively repel a wide range of insects from your lawn and outdoor living spaces through their pheromone interference. Made from 100% chemical-free cedar shavings, these granules safely protect your family and pets while maintaining a pleasant scent around your home. Users particularly love their ability to keep black flies and mosquitoes at bay, with many reporting immediate results after application.

Cedar Shavings Red, Amish Style, 3QT(.75Gal)

Handcrafted from fresh, organic wood in the Tennessee hills, these red cedar shavings offer both practical and aromatic benefits for your home and garden. With their natural insect-repelling properties and pleasant scent, they make excellent pet bedding and closet sachets while also protecting your plants from pests. The larger pieces are ideal for owl boxes and landscaping, while the smaller varieties excel in indoor applications like pet nesting and craft projects.

Pet's Pick 24L Aspen Dog Bedding

Made from triple-screened aspen wood with zero chemicals, this natural bedding lets your small pet burrow safely while keeping your home clean and fresh-smelling. The dust-free shavings absorb liquids well and can handle up to twice their weight in moisture, making cleanup a breeze.

Kaytee Natural Aspen Bedding

Made from specially processed aspen shavings that eliminate dust and wood debris, Kaytee's natural bedding provides a safe and comfortable resting spot for your small pet. The biodegradable shavings effectively control odors and absorb moisture, making cleanup easier – perfect for busy pet owners who want a natural alternative to traditional wood bedding. Users consistently praise its soft texture and pleasant aroma, though some note that while dust levels are minimal, they're not completely eliminated.

Cedar Scented Odor Eliminators

These natural cedar balls bring a fresh, woodsy scent to your wardrobe, protecting your clothes from mustiness and insects without harsh chemicals. Their smooth, marble-like design won't scratch delicate fabrics, making them a practical addition to your storage solutions. Whether you're filling dresser drawers or armoires, these compact cedar protectors will keep your clothes crisp and fresh all year round.

Double Tree Cedar Wood Shavings

These sustainably sourced incense cedar chips bring a pleasant natural scent to your space while effectively neutralizing unpleasant odors. The 4-quart bag provides plenty of chips for both indoor gardening and pet care needs, with the added bonus of helping retain soil moisture for healthier plants. Whether you're freshening up a closet, improving your potted plant's drainage, or creating pet-friendly bedding, these versatile chips do it all while staying true to their natural, woodsy essence.

America's Choice Mini Flake Cedar Shavings

These triple-screened wood shavings provide an incredibly clean and dust-free alternative to traditional bedding materials, with each cubic foot lasting longer than standard shavings thanks to their flake-like consistency that allows unsoiled material to fall through the fork during cleaning. The all-natural softwood product effectively controls odors and absorbent properties keep stalls and coops dry and fresh, as dozens of five-star reviews attest.

Natural Cedar Sachets

These natural cedar sachets protect your clothes while keeping your closet fresh and pest-free. The soft cotton pouches fit easily in drawers, boxes, and closet shelves, measuring a compact 5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep. Each pouch releases the aromatic scent of red cedar, which naturally repels moths, mildew, and unwanted pests while absorbing moisture and odors.

America's Choice Large Flake Cedar Shavings

These large-flake wood shavings provide exceptional comfort and hygiene for your pets while keeping your cleaning chores minimal. The premium triple-screened wood prevents dust irritation while maintaining excellent absorbency. Easy-to-clean construction allows the unsoiled portion to sift through during maintenance, extending the bedding's useful life.

41L PetsPick Kiln-Dried Red Cedar Bedding

Naturally expanding to twice its original size, this kiln-dried cedar bedding provides soft comfort while effectively controlling odors and moisture. With its pleasant, distinctive scent and proven insect-repelling properties, the all-natural shavings create a healthy, fresh environment for pets of all sizes. The 41L bag delivers substantial value, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor pet accommodations.

Vibrant Life Pine Wood Pet Bedding

This natural pine wood bedding brings out the best in small pets and chickens, thanks to its soft texture and moisture-absorbing power. With a pleasant scent that neutralizes odors without being overpowering, it creates a cozy environment that's safe for your furry friends. The triple-screened quality control removes dust and irritants, ensuring your pets stay comfortable and healthy in their new home.

Buyer's Guide

Cedar shavings have a long history in dog bedding and grooming, but as with any product designed for canine use, it's important to understand their characteristics and potential effects before making a purchase. This guide helps you consider the most significant aspects of cedar shavings to make an informed choice.

Odor

Cedar's natural aromatic properties can be beneficial, masking odors and having mild insect-repelling qualities. However, some dogs may be sensitive to these scents, particularly strong varieties of cedar. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, so consider using unscented alternatives if your dog has respiratory sensitivities.

Temperature Regulation

Cedar shavings can affect your dog's sleeping temperature. While they absorb moisture well, this can lead to increased air humidity around your dog, which might be uncomfortable for some breeds in warm climates. Opt for alternative bedding materials like hay or non-wood alternatives if your pet is prone to heat sensitivity.

Health Considerations

Cedar shavings pose minimal health risks when used properly, but there are important precautions. Avoid products containing added chemicals or artificial fragrances. Some dogs may exhibit respiratory irritation or allergic reactions, particularly to pressure-treated or chemically treated wood products. Regularly inspect cedar bedding for splintering or decay, which can be harmful if ingested.

Environmental Impact

While natural and biodegradable, the oils in cedar can stain fabrics and carpets, making cleanup challenging. Consider using protective underlays or testing small areas first. Eco-conscious dog owners should weigh the environmental benefits of natural wood against potential staining and maintenance requirements when making a choice.

FAQ

What are cedar shavings made of?

Cedar shavings are made from the wood of various species of cedar trees, primarily Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar. These shavings are typically created through a sawdust-making process that produces fine to medium-sized pieces of wood.

The wood is processed to remove any contaminants and then compressed into shavings. This manufacturing process helps prevent dust and maintain a consistent texture for bedding and nesting purposes.

How do cedar shavings affect dogs?

Cedar shavings can emit natural oils that give off a distinctive scent, which is why they're popular for creating a cozy sleeping environment for dogs. However, some dogs may be sensitive to these fragrances.

The wood's natural properties can help control moisture and prevent mold growth, making it a practical choice for maintaining fresh, dry bedding conditions.

Are cedar shavings safe for dogs?

When used properly, cedar shavings can be safe for dogs. The wood's natural properties help repel insects and create a pleasant environment.

However, there are concerns about potential respiratory irritation from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the cedar. Always monitor your dog's reaction and consider alternatives if any adverse effects are observed.

How should cedar shavings be stored?

Cedar shavings should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality and prevent mold growth.

Use an airtight container or a bag with a moisture barrier to protect the shavings from humidity and prolong their shelf life.

What are the benefits of using cedar shavings?

Cedar shavings provide excellent moisture control and help maintain dry bedding conditions, which is crucial for preventing mold and mildew.

The natural insect-repellent properties of cedar help keep bedding fresh and free from pests, creating a more comfortable resting environment for your dog.

Are there alternatives to cedar shavings?

Yes, several alternatives exist, including pine shavings, recycled paper products, and synthetic materials. Each option has its own set of benefits and considerations.

When choosing an alternative, consider factors like your dog's sensitivity to fragrances, the product's moisture control properties, and any potential health concerns.