Can Guinea Pigs Eat Their Bedding? [5 Proven Tips to Prevent Them]

Guinea pigs often nib on many strange things in their cage, but can guinea pigs eat their bedding?

I had the same question when I caught my furry friend chewing on its paper bedding and rushed it to the vet for peace of mind.

Fortunately, I'm here to talk about whether it's safe for your pet cavy to chew its bedding and how to stop this behavior. 

Just keep reading!

Key Takeaways

• Healthy guinea pigs shouldn't have much interest in consuming non-food items, such as their bedding. 
• Most types of bedding are safe for guinea pigs to consume in small amounts and should not cause health issues.
• Guinea pigs eat their bedding for a variety of reasons, so it's vital to take preventive measures and avoid future health problems. 

Why Do Guinea Pigs Chew So Much?

Before getting to whether bedding is safe for eating, let's talk about why our furry friends love chewing so much on everything in sight. 

As specialists from RSPCA say, "Chewing helps to wear down their continuously growing teeth and is very important in maintaining dental and gastrointestinal health." (1)

Chewing is also a form of exercise and a way for your piggies to express emotions, such as boredom and anxiety. It's 

However, not everything your piggies chew is safe for their delicate stomach. Excessive gnawing on strange materials can also signal a health problem, even when it looks cute, as in the video below.

So, should you worry if your cavies eat their bedding? Let's find out!  

Is It Safe for Cavies to Eat Bedding?

Can guinea pigs eat their bedding? In terms of ability, guinea pigs have shart teeth that chew through wood, paper, and fabric with ease, so most bedding types are no match for them. 

The important question is, "Should guinea pigs eat their bedding?" And the answer is a bit complicated because owners use different types of bedding for guinea pigs.

Still, a healthy guinea pig shouldn't be interested in eating its bedding materials because it's not proper food and doesn't have nutritional value.

But it's not a problem for your pet to eat a small amount of safe bedding. The key word is "safe" because not all popular bedding options are chemical-free.

This brings us to an important question: "Can you use puppy pads for guinea pigs?" It's crucial to consider the safety of various bedding materials, including those not traditionally used for small animals.

Let's talk about types of bedding that are a safe option for guinea pigs. 

What Bedding Is Safe for Guinea Pigs to Eat? 

A hay-based substrate is the safest option for pets that eat their bedding. Hay is full of essential nutrients and vitamins and is one of the best food options for guinea pigs. 

The downside of hay is that it doesn't control odors, and the lack of an absorbent layer means you'll have to spend more time cleaning the cage. That's why hay isn't the best option for cavies.

Instead, most pet parents use paper bedding for guinea pigs. The good news is that paper litter pellets are safe to eat in small amounts because they're made from natural absorbent materials. 

Quality paper bedding also absorbs urine and water well, so it's an excellent option for guinea pigs that make a mess in the cage. 

It's not a problem if your piggies chew on cotton towels or fleece bedding. But it's dangerous to swallow a large piece of fabric because it can get lodged in the intestines.  

Wood shavings (ash or aspen bedding) are also unlikely to cause health problems in small quantities. However, cat litter, non-kiln-dried pine shavings, cedar shavings, and old newspapers can be dangerous. 

Now, let's talk in detail about why it can be dangerous for guinea pigs to eat their bedding. 

Why Is It Dangerous for Cavies to Eat Bedding?

First, let me reassure you. The risk of your furry friend getting sick after eating a bit of bedding is pretty low. But you should keep a few dangers in mind.

#1 Toxic Material

I used reusable bedding in the guinea pig cage a couple of years ago. I wanted to reduce my pet's carbon footprint and spend less time scraping wood shavings off the cage floor. 

However, my cavy ended up in the emergency vet clinic. I had washed the cage liners in the washing machine with a detergent that wasn't pet-friendly, making my fluffy ball sick. 

Wood shavings are also more dangerous than you imagine. Pine and cedar shavings have toxic oils that can cause liver disease, while dusty bedding can lead to respiratory issues. 

Paper also has its dangers, believe it or not. Shredded paper and recycled paper bedding can contain nasty chemicals that can upset your floofy friend's sensitive system when eaten. 

#2 Intestinal Obsturction

Reusable options for guinea pigs can also cause intestinal obstruction. Your cavy's digestive system can't digest a large piece of cloth, and it can get stuck in the stomach.

Unfortunately, intestinal obstruction can be deadly in such a small animal. Its treatment is also costly, and the recovery can be slow. 

I recommend observing your cavy if you use fleece cage liners to ensure your pet isn't eating too much of the fleece material.

Also, avoid any type of bedding that clumps (such as clumping litter) because it will harden in your cavy's intestines. And be careful when washing the material!

#3 Dental Injuries 

Your pet can hurt its teeth when eating its bedding, especially if it has sharp edges or you have secured it to the cage floor. Using comfortable bedding, such as paper, can reduce the risk. 

Unfortunately, obsessive bedding eating may be a red flag that something is wrong with your poor piggy. So, let's talk more about why some cavies eat through their bedding.