Is Balsa Wood Safe For Guinea Pigs? The 139 Latest Answer

Hi all, I recently posted that I wanted a new C&C cage for my piggies when it dawned on me that I’ve never verified that MDF wood is safe. After googling it, it doesn’t look good! them?Any help is appreciated. I’m so upset that I didn’t check this out before spending so much time and money on it!

Make sure crates or other cardboard containers intended for your guinea pig’s cage have not been used to store anything that could be poisonous to your pig. Be sure to cut cardboard tubes in half to prevent an inquisitive guinea pig from catching its head. Fill tissue boxes or tubes with hay, parsley or cilantro for an interesting way to serve your guinea pig’s greens.

Bedding made from corn on the cob has several disadvantages that make it an unsuitable material for your guinea pig’s cage. According to guinea pig cages, it’s prone to mold growth, and its small, round pellets can accidentally get stuck in your pig’s anal or genital areas, leading to medical problems like infection and impact. Because of their size and shape, guinea pigs can also eat the pellets, which swell when mixed with water. After ingestion, the material can cause intestinal obstruction.

Guinea pigs love toys just like any pet, and guinea pig chews actually serve an important purpose.

Read on to find out more!

Did you know that guinea pig teeth never stop growing? As strange as it may sound, it’s true!

Just like Jack’s beanstalk, its pearly white grows and grows with no end in sight!

So, to keep their teeth in check, guinea pigs have to chew and gnaw almost around the clock to bring their teeth down to manageable levels.

Here we’ll be reviewing the best guinea pig chew toys, but if you want more information on the fascinating guinea pig, aka cavy, we have a wealth of information to hand!

Click here to search our library of informative guinea pig articles.

All of these products have been carefully and independently selected by The Squeaks and Nibbles team. If you decide to make a purchase through one of the links marked with an asterisk, we may receive a small commission on that sale. This is at no additional cost to you.

Why are chew toys necessary for guinea pigs?

Before we dive into some of the different things guinea pigs can chew on, it must be reiterated that guinea pigs absolutely need a supply of both healthy foods and good guinea pig chew toys in order to thrive.

Their dental health is of paramount importance as they risk disease and starvation if their teeth grow too long and make eating impossible.

Luckily, that’s where guinea pig chews come in!

Today we are going to review the very best guinea pig chew toys on the market.

But before we do that, let’s answer a few questions that many owners have regarding the best guinea pig chew toys.

What Can Guinea Pigs Chew?

If you’re considering owning or already have an adorable guinea pig or ten, you’ve no doubt been wondering: Can guinea pigs chew on cardboard?

And can guinea pigs chew on wood? Can guinea pigs chew toilet paper rolls?

After all, these are inexpensive DIY alternatives that would round out a collection of store-bought toys nicely.

Luckily, the answer to all three questions is yes, guinea pigs can chew on the above items, but with some limitations.

Untreated wooden sticks or blocks are fine for your guinea pig, with the exception of pine and cedar, which have strong odors that cause discomfort and possible lung damage.

Paper towel or toilet paper rolls are also fine, but be sure to remove as much of any remaining adhesive before using.

The same goes for cardboard.

If you want to learn more about how to make fun guinea pig toys for your own little animal, be sure to check out this awesome DIY article.

Also check out this informative and entertaining article on guinea pig chews.

Wooden Guinea Pig Chews and Guinea Pig Chew Sticks

Now it’s time to check out the plethora of fantastic guinea pig chew toys including wooden guinea pig chews and guinea pig chew sticks.

Wood provides a hard enough surface to keep teeth groomed and clean, while chewing sticks are the perfect diameter to fit little pigs’ mouths.

Chews made from guinea pig wood

Wooden toys can’t get any cuter than this 3-pack of assorted Kaytee “veggies”.* As an added bonus, the “sticks” are made of sisal. These rub against the teeth and scrape off dirt.

Each vegetable is made from a different material, including wood, sisal, and soft loofah, giving your guinea plenty of variety to choose from.

This cute little wooden Kaytee toy* keeps the ‘product’ theme but has the added benefit of a handy hook perfect for attaching to your guinea pig’s cage.

Guinea pigs will love the colorful orange slices, wooden balls, logs and blocks. The chew toy measures 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches.

Guinea pigs need and enjoy mental stimulation just like any other pet, and this Ware Bird puzzle toy* is sure to keep your guinea pig engaged and challenged.

The wooden toy is shaped like an hourglass and has a ball inside that can move freely.

It’s hard to imagine a curious guinea pig not being intrigued by this cleverly designed chew toy!

Chew sticks for guinea pigs

These edible Bwogue Bamboo Sticks* have a sweet flavor that guinea pigs are sure to take on.

Each pack contains approximately 10-14 sticks.

Each bamboo stick is 100% natural, approximately 4 inches long and varies in thickness.

Rice is a healthy flavor treat for guinea pigs, and these crispy sticks* from Ware Manufacturing are the perfect size and texture to keep your guinea pig healthy and entertained.

Made from healthy rice and corn, the sticks keep teeth clean while providing hours of fun.

Each stick measures 3/4″ x 5″ H.

These 100% organic Sharllen Applewood Sticks* are approximately 6 inches long, a great value for you and your guinea pig!

These sweet tasting treats contain no pesticides and are available in packs of 100g, 300g and 500g.

Fun and unique guinea pig chew toy

This Ecotrition chew toy* may look like a real log, but it’s actually made from a delicious blend of fresh alfalfa and golden honey.

But the hollow tree trunk is doubly suitable as a hiding place!

At over 7 inches tall, this log is one your guinea pig will love to crawl into and maybe take a kibble or two inside out.

If it weren’t for the wood core, these triple baked Vitakraft sticks* would look good enough for human consumption!

Each package also includes a clip holder for attaching the sticks to the side of your guinea pig’s cage.

Each stick is coated with grains, honey and seeds, plus some fruit for variety. The ingredients are fortified with both vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy snacking experience.)

Included in a fun pack are 5 Kaytee chew toys* to keep your little one entertained and teeth healthy.

Clever and colorful shapes include apple and orange slices and a loofah slice.

Plus, guinea pig moms and dads will surely appreciate that this chew toy comes in ‘frustration free packaging’!

Do guinea pigs need chew toys? Yes!

We hope you enjoyed our look at guinea pig chew toys. If you had any doubts about the question “do guinea pigs chew?”, now you know that the answer is an unequivocal yes!

Guinea pigs don’t just chew for fun, it’s an absolute necessity to keep their ever-growing teeth in check.

Do you still have doubts? Be sure to check out our Squeaks and Nibbles YouTube channel!

Here are some of the most adorable guinea pigs (plus rabbits and rats) doing what they do best!

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Links in this article marked with a * are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we independently selected them for inclusion and all views expressed in this article are our own.

Resources and Further Reading

Guinea pigs spend quite a bit of time in their habitat, so they need an excellent bedding material that is not only highly absorbent, but also soft and snuggly.

As a pet parent, you’re probably looking for the best type of bedding for your furry friends, something that also keeps odors to a minimum and doesn’t pose a health risk to your rodent buddies. Believe it or not, not every bedding on the market is the same – nor are they all safe for guinea pigs and other small animals. Well, that sure is a scary thought, isn’t it? But don’t worry, we’re about to show you the best – and worst – guinea pig bedding products. With this great information, you’ll have no problem choosing the perfect bedding material for your guinea pig apartment.

Recommended types of bedding for guinea pigs

Today, most responsible guinea pig keepers use paper-based bedding, aspen bedding, or fleece. These three choices are the most common bed types for a reason – they are safe to use and have many benefits. But like any other product on the market, these types of bedding also have pros and cons for bedding use.

So let’s take a closer look at some of the best types of bedding for guinea pigs!

Paper bedding

Paper bedding is a good choice for many guinea pig owners. That’s because it’s soft, absorbent, and has good odor control properties.

The problem is that although different brands of paper bedding are essentially made from the same material, they come in different grades and types. This makes it difficult for pet owners to determine which product is most suitable.

Some of the things that you need to consider when it comes to paper sheets are as follows.

The stink factor

Having tried several of these products I can honestly say that they are all very different and each has its own pros and cons. While some seem really rough and uncomfortable, others don’t seem to absorb urine as well. And of course, if you’re stuck with a bedding material that isn’t very absorbent, it means your guinea pig’s cage will end up getting pretty smelly. I think we can all agree that a smelly cage makes for an unhappy (not to mention an unhealthy) pet.

And then there’s the dust

Another thing that differs between brands of paper sheets is the amount of dust. First, bad guinea pig litter is very dusty. This creates major problems for your guinea pig’s health, especially as it can cause allergies or respiratory problems. Second, it makes cleaning their habitat an absolute nightmare.

Choosing the perfect paper bed linen

If you are looking for a good brand of paper sheets, you should find a material that is less likely to get dirty and dusty. This, in turn, makes it so much easier for you to clean your pet’s living space. But more importantly, it’s also much better for your guinea pigs’ health and happiness.

The danger of swallowing the paper bed linen

While this is rare, your guinea pig could eat the pieces of paper litter. This can lead to serious health problems or even death if wet balls form in their abdomen. Because of this, it’s important to monitor your guinea pigs when you introduce paper litter to make sure they don’t eat the litter. If you notice that they like to nibble on the litter, switch to another, safer type of litter such as fleece or aspen litter.

I prefer to use paper bedding for my little critters, so we’re definitely going to take a look at some of the best and most popular brands of paper bedding for little guinea pigs, including my all-time favorite.

fleece bedding

The use of fleece for bedding is still fairly new, however fleece has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as it is a great bedding material. In my experience I have used both fleece padding and paper bedding and I can honestly say that they are both good choices. Typically, fleece is used for custom cages or C&C habitats. It’s a nice, soft material and will give your fur babies a good night’s sleep.

In addition, if the fleece is properly pre-treated and has a proper backing, it is very absorbent. In general, fleece bedding is cheaper in the long run because it is reusable. It’s also good for the environment! However, pet parents will need to invest more time in the whole bedding change process with a fleece option. This is because you need to wash the fleece liners and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the guinea pig cage.

If you use fleece, you need a good base layer to absorb urine and prevent odor. Towels, puppy pads, or U-Haul pads should do the trick.

Aspen bedding

Unlike pine and cedar shavings, which shouldn’t be used (more on that at the end of this post), aspen bedding is a perfectly safe option that’s often recommended by veterinarians. Aspen is a non-aromatic hardwood and will therefore not bother your sensitive guinea pigs. It’s dust and odor free, but there’s a downside — it doesn’t offer much odor control. With aspen bedding, you’ll likely need to clean the cage more often than with other types of bedding on this list.

The best bedding for guinea pigs

Now let’s take a look at some of the best bedding for guinea pigs with all their pros and cons so you can make the best decision for you and your guinea pigs.

1. Fleece cage liner

I originally used fleece liners for Muffy and Lilly’s cage. Really, there is probably nothing more comfortable for your pet. With the thick padding sewn in between layers of soft, cozy fleece, you’re basically looking the equivalent of a rodent mattress. With fleece liners you have found the cheapest bedding for guinea pigs ever. However, what you save in money, you pay for in time and energy. That means you do extra laundry! But hey, if you’re looking for luxury, you’ve come to the right place.

Pros: Environmentally friendly

Hypoallergenic

Some brands add rooting cuffs to fleece bedding

Extra absorbent

Antibacterial

Helps prevent common diseases and infections

dust free

Made from natural materials such as bamboo

Waterproof floor Cons: laundry, laundry, laundry!

Can soil and damage the washing machine if the upholstery is too dirty

Time consuming and often requires pet owners to purchase an additional set to minimize changeover time

Special pet-friendly cleaning products required

Our choice:

2. Aspen linens

As mentioned above, aspen litter does not contain any aromatic oils or phenols, it is dust and odorless. There are two choices when it comes to aspen litter – kiln dried shavings or regular shavings and both are fine to use.

Pros: Non-toxic

No chemicals

Environmentally friendly

dust free

Odor Free Cons: Not as absorbent as paper-based and fleece bedding

Can be more expensive than other types of bedding

Our selection:

3. Unscented, large granule/strand paper pellets

This brings us to my absolute favorite type of guinea pig bedding. I’ve been using large strand paper pellets for my buddies Muffy and Lilly for a number of years, specifically Yesterday’s News. In my opinion the unscented version is wonderful, extremely odor absorbing to the point that you won’t smell anything. As for absorbency, you see 3x the moisture absorption. No puddles, no wet zones – how great is that! Yes, the pellets appear to be quite long, but they are 100% “paw friendly” and non-abrasive. Made from reclaimed wood pulp and processed to remove potentially harmful, toxic contaminants, you’re definitely looking for a great purchase for your furry friends.

Pros: Non-toxic

No chemicals

Environmentally friendly

Safe when ingested

Paw friendly, soft

Not clumping

Excellent odor control

Super absorbent

Almost completely dust-free

Easy to clean Cons: Super absorbency means the material is very heavy when in use, so you may need to clean the cage more often – every 5-7 days

More expensive than some other options

Our choice:

4. Natural paper bedding

Natural paper bedding is a great paper-based material for your guinea pigs and any other small caged animal. The bedding is really comfortable and although a bit pricey you get a lot of bedding for your money. Since it’s very compressed in its packaging, you’ll probably grin at how much of that stuff is in the bag when you open it.

Benefits: 100% safe for your guinea pigs

Soft and comfortable

Really expandable

Excellent odor control

All natural paper

Eco-friendly Cons: Breaks down into a mushy substance if not changed every 5-7 days, but depends on the number of pets in the cage

Inferior brands tend to be outdated

Our choice:

5. White unbleached paper bed linen

This bedding is made of natural paper and is 100% biodegradable. So not only is it a great comfy bedding for your pets, it’s also good for the environment. It is a high quality bedding for your guinea pigs at a great price. Remember that it really expands when you take it out of the box. By just reading through a few product reviews, it’s easy to see why it’s such a highly recommended purchase.

Pros: Excellent odor control

Super absorbent

99% dust free

mud free

Easy to clean

Expands the volume by 3 times

White color makes dirt easy to spot

Environmentally friendly

Soft and comfortable Cons: Strong paper smell, depending on the brand

White paint can make the cage look messy if not spot cleaned regularly

The degree of absorption depends on the quality of the brand

Our selection:

6. Crumble paper sheets

This paper-based bedding is an excellent option for your guinea pigs—and pet parents, too. It’s known for being surprisingly soft and snuggly, making it perfect for your pets to snuggle into and enjoy a good night’s sleep. It’s also one of the cheaper alternatives – a big bonus! Honestly, if you stick with a premium brand, you’ll definitely find this to be a great purchase for your furry friends.

Pros: Super soft sprinkles absorb up to 3 times their weight in liquid

Phenomenal odor blocker

Made from 100% recycled paper

NON-TOXIC – Safe for pets

99.5% dust free

No chemicals or by-products

Environmentally friendly

Super expandable Cons: Absorbs very well but ends up stretching a lot and getting quite heavy

Slightly more frequent changes necessary to avoid heavy loads

Our choice:

7. Soft paper granules

Another fantastic bedding material is granulated paper materials. These smaller granules actually provide a really soft and comfortable bedding for your pets. Usually, bedding consists of wood fibers that are processed into a soft, highly absorbent bedding and bedding. As you will see online, this type of bedding comes in quite a few different colors.

Pros: Excellent odor control

Really absorbent

Holds 3 times its weight in liquid

Compostable

99% Dust Free Cons: Beware, cheaper brands tend to be quite dusty despite claiming to be almost dust free

Super absorbent means it can get pretty heavy when cleaning the cage. Avoid problems by cleaning your guinea pig’s habitat more often

Our choice:

8. Confetti Paper Sheets

Another high quality paper pet litter product. These are usually 100% biodegradable and make a fantastic and cozy bed for your guinea pigs. While it’s one of the cheaper bedding materials on this list, don’t be fooled, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. In fact, this “confetti” style bedding is amazing and super comfy for your guinea pigs to sleep on. Worth a look!

Pros: Of course

Biodegradable and compostable

Absorbent

Excellent odor control

Easy cleaning

low dust

Bold Colors Cons: Color combinations may vary – may not appear as shown

Our choice:

9. Hemp bedding

While I have no experience with hemp bedding, I decided to add it to the list as many Guinea parents are looking for options that are non-toxic, pet safe, and compostable. If being environmentally conscious is very important to you, you might want to consider hemp bedding for your furry friends.

Pros: Hemp bedding comes in mega sizes – makes them cheaper overall

Great smell

Very absorbent

Organic

The residual product is an excellent compost – suitable for the bio bin

Grown without pesticides or insecticides Cons: Soft but not as cuddly as paper granules or fleece

Heavy end product – may result in higher shipping costs

Our choice:

So there we have it, some of the best guinea pig bedding that will keep your precious pigs snuggly, comfy and warm – not to mention keeping them happy and healthy! Don’t forget – always change the bedding often to ensure your guinea pigs are comfortable and maintain their optimal health.

Bedding types that should be avoided at all costs

Now we also have to deal with the problem of unsuitable bedding materials on the market. Whatever material you choose, do not use the following types of bedding.

Softwood shavings or shavings such as cedar and pine

Did you know that your guinea pigs have a delicate respiratory system? The dust, oils and phenols from cedar and pine wood are extremely unhealthy for your pet’s lungs and can cause them a variety of respiratory problems. Some guinea pig owners use kiln dried pine shavings because most of the oils and phenols are said to be gone during drying, but I still prefer to avoid it as there are many better options.

straw

While rodents love to nibble on hay, the drier version – straw – is not a suitable habitat. Basically, it has no absorbent properties, so urine and feces would pool in the straw material, creating a terribly unsafe environment to live in. Add to that the fact that straw is stiff with hard ends – easily a hazard to sensitive eyes, ears, nose and feet – and it’s clear that it just doesn’t make a comfortable guinea pig home.

corn husks

Very susceptible to mould, corn husks are a totally unsuitable bedding material. If these thin, long, hair-like strands are swallowed, it can cause intestinal obstruction.

Clumping cat litter

The thing about clumping cat litter is that it’s not meant to be “inhabited”. Sure, it clumps urine and feces and even has odor-neutralizing properties, but it’s not meant to be under your feet (or rather, “under your paws”) day in and day out. What makes the litter clump? The answer is that it’s chemicals that give it clumping properties – making it a dangerous substance if ingested. Again, it’s just not meant to be bedding.

As a reminder, clean the cages at least once a week

In closing, I think it’s important to quickly mention the importance of keeping guinea pig cages clean. Cleaning their habitat at least once a week will keep your bubbly friends not only happy, but healthy and in tip-top shape. But don’t wait for your regularly scheduled cleanings to clean up spilled food, water leaks, or heavily soiled linens. In fact, checking on your pet and checking your pet’s cage should be a daily occurrence.

What do you use for your guinea pig bedding?

Let us know in the comments.

http://mycavykingdom.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/pandas-might-eat-bamboo-but-cavies-do.html

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/bamboo

bamboo

http://abyssinianguineapigtips.com/ultimate-guinea-pig-food-list/

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/25693-Bamboo

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/73782-can-i-feed-my-guinea-pigs-bamboo-leaves

https://www.furryfacts.com/can-chinchillas-eat-bamboo/

I’m sure the answer to all of these questions is yes!

I would be interested if anyone can comment on how GOOD apple leaves are for guinea pigs (I suspect they should only be given as a treat).

Twigs are fine as long as the tree hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

PS – it is not good for the tree to cut branches at this time of year.

Are your guinea pigs looking a bit bored in their guinea pig apartment? Have you heard more snoozing than scurrying lately? Are you a new pet parent who just has no idea what these adorable rodents like to play with? Then it is good that you came across this detailed list of the top 10 toys that guinea pigs love. And before you can say, “Pious pigs pinch pink piñatas,” your precious piggies will become perfectly happy pets!

1. Crumpled paper or paper bags

Simple and inexpensive, you most likely already have these two things at hand at home. Basically, just crumple them up into a large ball or a few smaller sizes and place it in your guinea pig’s cage. Don’t be fooled by how simple this sounds, paper balls are actually excellent toys for guinea pigs. Not only are they drawn to the crunchy sound that comes from playing, but guineas will happily gnaw on any (safe, non-toxic) paper product.

2. Cartons

Much like crumpled paper, cardboard boxes are an ingenious homemade or store-bought toy that doubles as a hiding place and crunchy snack. If you have a pair of plain shoes or moving boxes gathering dust in your closet, then get them out, clean them and show them off to your fluffy friends.

3. Tunnels

As burrowing rodents, guinea pigs have an innate need to dig tunnels. Unfortunately, this is simply not possible in a guinea pig cage or C&C habitat. However, you can provide them with some tunnels to play with. Luckily, you can find these online or make your own.

Wrapping paper tubes can be used as tunnels, but you’ll need to make sure you cut open the entire length of the tube to ensure your pig doesn’t get his fluffy butt stuck when you’re checking out his awesome new toy.

Alternatively, there are some great toy tunnels you can buy online such as the Living World Pet Tunnel or my guineas personal favorite, the Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy. With the grass tunnel toy, rodents can use it for exercise, as a hiding place for a nap, or even for a quick bite to eat.

4. Chewing balls for hay or grass

Made from all-natural materials, hay or dry grass balls make an ideal toy that’s also a treat. Again, this is another option that will both entertain and keep their teeth in check. Cavies have fun rolling these balls around their cage and with some of these toys they get the added bonus of a fun jingle toy inside that makes a pleasant noise. My little Fluffsters had a kick from Peter’s Woven Grass Play Ball so I would recommend this if you are unsure of which product to buy.

5. Chew chopsticks

In the world of guinea pigs, you can never have enough to chew, gnaw and nibble on! Chew sticks are another good toy these rodents enjoy, so long as you opt for high-quality, all-natural wooden sticks like the Sharllen Apple Sticks Pet Chew Toys or, our Muffy’s personal favorite, Simona Micah Organic Apple Tree Branches. Don’t be surprised if these disappear ultra fast! Not only are these sticks delicious, but they’re also a great way to keep their teeth neat and healthy.

6. Fleece accessories

Fleece is by far one of the best (and cheapest) materials you can buy to make your pet’s home cozier, fun, and entertaining. How is this possible, you might ask? Well, a simple fleece blanket can be made into a warm, cozy tent or a fun fleece forest. Simply cut strips into a fleece piece and turn it into a curtain. Then hang it up somewhere in their habitat where they can walk through the hanging strips. Try this quick and easy game structure and you will see how quickly your piggies will play with it!

Related posts:

7. Stuffed Socks

Before you throw away those lonely solo socks that just can’t find their long-lost partner, consider using them instead to create a stuffed-sock feel. All you have to do is gather a sock or two, stuff them with hay or clean bedding, and then tie the sock shut with wool at the open end. And voila, you’ve just made a throw pillow for your pets to lug around, play with and snuggle on!

8. Tubes filled with hay

Another wonderful and inexpensive all-time favorite is hay-filled paper towels or toilet paper rolls. Because they’re non-toxic, plain tubes, they make a great nibble toy. But when you fill the center with tasty hay, you create the ultimate Guinea treat! Cavies have teeth that are constantly growing, so you’ll need to provide them with wood and hay to gnaw on to keep their choppers at bay.

9. An obstacle course

Guinea pigs tend to get bored unless they are mentally stimulated. So, grab those unused boxes you haven’t given them to chew on yet and build a custom, one-of-a-kind maze or obstacle course. Use a large piece of cardboard for the base and then just glue the walls to the bottom section. Get creative by adding twists and turns, but whatever you do, don’t forget to have a treat ready at the end of it all! If you are in one of those mastermind moods then go wild and add interesting obstacles like cardboard tubes, bridges or tunnels to the maze.

10. A playpen for free time

Guineas also enjoy their free time outside of the cage and especially like to play in a small animal playpen. With this type of enclosure, you give them the opportunity to roam around in a separate area. Since guinea pigs love to socialize, they also get a chance to hang out with their rodent friends and share a hay tube or two. Also, don’t forget that guineas love to play with their humans! As such, playpens are a nice, comfortable place for guinea pigs to interact with their pet parents.

We use the multicolored small pet playpen from Prevue Pet Products. Admittedly, I consider this item a must-have and I particularly like it because it folds easily and stores flat. This makes it a great product to take with us when we are adventurous and exploring the neighborhood park.

With a little imagination and a few household items, you can make some pretty awesome and (fortunately) inexpensive toys that guinea pigs love to play with. However, as a final word of warning, please remember to avoid exercise balls at all costs. While many other types of rodents absolutely love their exercise ball or wheel, these things aren’t made for guinea pigs’ physiques. Therefore, guinea pigs can be seriously injured when using these devices. In some cases, the consequences can even be fatal. However, if you stick to our list of toys they love to play with, you’re sure to keep these guinea pigs healthy, happy, and thoroughly entertained!

What do your guinea pigs like to play with?

Barb Nefer

Plastic igloos, often known as “pigs,” are a popular hiding place for many guinea pigs. Pigloos are sturdy and easy to clean as they are made of plastic. You can buy them in different colors to match your cage decoration. If you have larger or smaller pocket pets, you can buy them in sizes that will hold anything from a mouse to a ferret to a bunny.

The only downside to pigloos is that some guinea pigs and other small pets chew them. If yours is one of them, you will need to replace the pigloo regularly.

You can be in trouble if you have a dominant guinea pig that bullies its cagemate. Pigloos only have one entrance, so a mean guinea pig can lock its cagemate inside if it wants to be mean. Avoid this by cutting a hole in the back of the pigloo to create a second entry/exit.

Guinea pigs love toys just like any pet, and guinea pig chews actually serve an important purpose.

Read on to find out more!

Did you know that guinea pig teeth never stop growing? As strange as it may sound, it’s true!

Just like Jack’s beanstalk, its pearly white grows and grows with no end in sight!

So, to keep their teeth in check, guinea pigs have to chew and gnaw almost around the clock to bring their teeth down to manageable levels.

Here we’ll be reviewing the best guinea pig chew toys, but if you want more information on the fascinating guinea pig, aka cavy, we have a wealth of information to hand!

Click here to search our library of informative guinea pig articles.

All of these products have been carefully and independently selected by The Squeaks and Nibbles team. If you decide to make a purchase through one of the links marked with an asterisk, we may receive a small commission on that sale. This is at no additional cost to you.

Why are chew toys necessary for guinea pigs?

Before we dive into some of the different things guinea pigs can chew on, it must be reiterated that guinea pigs absolutely need a supply of both healthy foods and good guinea pig chew toys in order to thrive.

Their dental health is of paramount importance as they risk disease and starvation if their teeth grow too long and make eating impossible.

Luckily, that’s where guinea pig chews come in!

Today we are going to review the very best guinea pig chew toys on the market.

But before we do that, let’s answer a few questions that many owners have regarding the best guinea pig chew toys.

What Can Guinea Pigs Chew?

If you’re considering owning or already have an adorable guinea pig or ten, you’ve no doubt been wondering: Can guinea pigs chew on cardboard?

And can guinea pigs chew on wood? Can guinea pigs chew toilet paper rolls?

After all, these are inexpensive DIY alternatives that would round out a collection of store-bought toys nicely.

Luckily, the answer to all three questions is yes, guinea pigs can chew on the above items, but with some limitations.

Untreated wooden sticks or blocks are fine for your guinea pig, with the exception of pine and cedar, which have strong odors that cause discomfort and possible lung damage.

Paper towel or toilet paper rolls are also fine, but be sure to remove as much of any remaining adhesive before using.

The same goes for cardboard.

If you want to learn more about how to make fun guinea pig toys for your own little animal, be sure to check out this awesome DIY article.

Also check out this informative and entertaining article on guinea pig chews.

Wooden Guinea Pig Chews and Guinea Pig Chew Sticks

Now it’s time to check out the plethora of fantastic guinea pig chew toys including wooden guinea pig chews and guinea pig chew sticks.

Wood provides a hard enough surface to keep teeth groomed and clean, while chewing sticks are the perfect diameter to fit little pigs’ mouths.

Chews made from guinea pig wood

Wooden toys can’t get any cuter than this 3-pack of assorted Kaytee “veggies”.* As an added bonus, the “sticks” are made of sisal. These rub against the teeth and scrape off dirt.

Each vegetable is made from a different material, including wood, sisal, and soft loofah, giving your guinea plenty of variety to choose from.

This cute little wooden Kaytee toy* keeps the ‘product’ theme but has the added benefit of a handy hook perfect for attaching to your guinea pig’s cage.

Guinea pigs will love the colorful orange slices, wooden balls, logs and blocks. The chew toy measures 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches.

Guinea pigs need and enjoy mental stimulation just like any other pet, and this Ware Bird puzzle toy* is sure to keep your guinea pig engaged and challenged.

The wooden toy is shaped like an hourglass and has a ball inside that can move freely.

It’s hard to imagine a curious guinea pig not being intrigued by this cleverly designed chew toy!

Chew sticks for guinea pigs

These edible Bwogue Bamboo Sticks* have a sweet flavor that guinea pigs are sure to take on.

Each pack contains approximately 10-14 sticks.

Each bamboo stick is 100% natural, approximately 4 inches long and varies in thickness.

Rice is a healthy flavor treat for guinea pigs, and these crispy sticks* from Ware Manufacturing are the perfect size and texture to keep your guinea pig healthy and entertained.

Made from healthy rice and corn, the sticks keep teeth clean while providing hours of fun.

Each stick measures 3/4″ x 5″ H.

These 100% organic Sharllen Applewood Sticks* are approximately 6 inches long, a great value for you and your guinea pig!

These sweet tasting treats contain no pesticides and are available in packs of 100g, 300g and 500g.

Fun and unique guinea pig chew toy

This Ecotrition chew toy* may look like a real log, but it’s actually made from a delicious blend of fresh alfalfa and golden honey.

But the hollow tree trunk is doubly suitable as a hiding place!

At over 7 inches tall, this log is one your guinea pig will love to crawl into and maybe take a kibble or two inside out.

If it weren’t for the wood core, these triple baked Vitakraft sticks* would look good enough for human consumption!

Each package also includes a clip holder for attaching the sticks to the side of your guinea pig’s cage.

Each stick is coated with grains, honey and seeds, plus some fruit for variety. The ingredients are fortified with both vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy snacking experience.)

Included in a fun pack are 5 Kaytee chew toys* to keep your little one entertained and teeth healthy.

Clever and colorful shapes include apple and orange slices and a loofah slice.

Plus, guinea pig moms and dads will surely appreciate that this chew toy comes in ‘frustration free packaging’!

Do guinea pigs need chew toys? Yes!

We hope you enjoyed our look at guinea pig chew toys. If you had any doubts about the question “do guinea pigs chew?”, now you know that the answer is an unequivocal yes!

Guinea pigs don’t just chew for fun, it’s an absolute necessity to keep their ever-growing teeth in check.

Do you still have doubts? Be sure to check out our Squeaks and Nibbles YouTube channel!

Here are some of the most adorable guinea pigs (plus rabbits and rats) doing what they do best!

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Links in this article marked with a * are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we independently selected them for inclusion and all views expressed in this article are our own.

Resources and Further Reading

A cleaner cage will always make for a happier guinea pig, so what can you do when you’ve run out of guinea pig bedding but your little pal needs to clean his cage? Whether you’re waiting for a delivery of fresh linens or can’t order more until payday, you may need to search your home for another option.

Because providing your guinea pig with a clean cage is vital to your guinea pig’s health, it’s wise not to put off your household chores just because you don’t have commercial bedding available. That’s why we’ve put together this list of six great Guinea bedding alternatives – with the aim of helping you find something that already exists in your own home. However, once you’ve read about what you can use, read on to find out what you definitely shouldn’t use as an alternative bedding for your guinea pig.

Alternatives to bedding for guinea pigs

1. Fleece

Perhaps the most economical option of all bedding alternatives, making fleece liners for your guinea pig’s cage can completely eliminate the need for other bedding. It requires frequent cleaning and washing to keep your guinea pig’s cage in good condition, but can be an extremely inexpensive option if you’re making multiple cages to rotate.

Jessica from The Cavy House on Youtube has an excellent video on how to make new fleece for guinea pig litter. Check it out here

2. Shredded cardboard

With a little muscle power, you can turn any old cardboard box into perfectly acceptable guinea pig bedding. We recommend tearing it up with your hands as much as possible, as using scissors can leave sharp edges that can injure your guinea pig’s feet. Save your old shipping boxes, but be sure to remove the labels before turning them into bedding.

3. Hay

With all the hay your guinea pig eats, you may have noticed that most of these little creatures love tossing their food around. They can put this to good use by taking their discarded hay that has gone stale and reusing it for a fresh layer of bedding.

4. Straw

The by-product of hay production, straw, is often reused as garden mulch. If you have some in your shed, it can do for bedding in a pinch – but because it’s not particularly absorbent, you won’t want to use it for long periods of time.

5. Shredded paper

Anything from junk mail to old schoolwork and work documents can be finely torn up and shredded to make new guinea pig bedding. Unfortunately, the ink and chemicals found in most printed papers can be harmful to your guinea’s health – so use this as an emergency option, but don’t make it a routine habit.

6. Newspaper

Just like the shredded paper listed above, newspaper can be an attractive option for guinea pig bedding. Many bookstores and coffee shops simply throw away their older newspapers, leaving them constantly available at little or no cost. Again, the problem lies in the ink and chemicals used to treat newspapers. Use it in a pinch, but don’t make it a regular thing.

What NOT to use for guinea pig litter

When considering your bedding alternative options, be sure to avoid the following:

Softwood chips, especially cedar and pine. While hardwoods are acceptable but not very absorbent bedding, softwoods contain volatile chemicals that can seriously injure your guinea pig. Do not use a product that contains a softwood in its ingredient list.

, especially cedar and pine. While hardwoods are acceptable but not very absorbent bedding, softwoods contain volatile chemicals that can seriously injure your guinea pig. Do not use a product that contains a softwood in its ingredient list. Kitty litter is far too dusty and incredibly dangerous if ingested by your guinea pig. Save it for your cat’s litter box, but try not to use it as litter.

is far too dusty and incredibly dangerous if ingested by your guinea pig. Save it for your cat’s litter box, but try not to use it as litter. Corn cobs have been repurposed as animal bedding on many farms, but are not suitable for guinea pigs. Although the aroma is enticing to your pet, it can cause serious digestive problems if consumed.

How to choose a safe bedding for your guinea pig

Ideally, any bedding you choose for your guinea pig will have three qualities. It should be:

Absorbent as your guinea pig will likely use it as a bathroom. If the litter doesn’t absorb liquids, it can quickly make your guinea pig wet, cold, and unhappy.

, as your guinea pig will likely use it as a bathroom. If the litter doesn’t absorb liquids, it can quickly make your guinea pig wet, cold, and unhappy. Chemical free as your guinea pig may decide to nibble some of their litter to see if it is tasty enough to eat.

because your guinea pig may decide to nibble on some of their litter to see if it’s tasty enough to eat. Resistant to mold and mildew as these can quickly cause respiratory problems in your pet.

, as these can quickly lead to breathing problems in your pet.

Final Thoughts

Running out of guinea pig litter needn’t be a cause for alarm as long as you have one of the common household items on our list. Why not prepare yourself for that to happen by making a set of fleece pads for your pet’s home? So if you should run out of bedding, you already have a useful alternative at hand.

Featured image: PHOTO FUN, Shutterstock