Red Cedar Bedding for Dogs: Benefits, Safety & Where to Buy

If you keep dogs in an outdoor kennel, dog house, or truck crate, the bedding you choose matters more than most people think. Red cedar bedding for dogs has been a go-to for hunting dog owners for decades. It repels insects naturally, insulates in cold weather, and lasts longer than straw or hay. At Lion Country Supply, we carry Red Cedar Ribbon Bedding made from 100% Eastern Red Cedar cut into ribbons rather than chips, so it's dust-free and won't break down the way traditional cedar shavings for dogs do. 

Below, we'll cover why cedar bedding works, how it compares to pine, whether cedar chips are safe for dogs, and where to use it for the best results.

Naturally Repels Fleas, Ticks, and Other Insects

Red Cedar trees have natural insecticidal properties that help repel fleas, ticks, and other insects. The concentration of the insecticidal compounds varies by species of Red Cedar tree, with the Western Red Cedar tree having the highest concentration of these insecticidal compounds. This natural insecticidal property carries over to your kennel when using red cedar as bedding, whereas using hay or straw for dog bedding can actually harbor fleas and ticks. This may lead to possible infestations and the increased risk of needing potentially harmful chemicals to remove those insects.

Holds Together Better Than Straw or Hay

Straw and hay work great for a few days, but they will quickly begin to break down into smaller pieces and dust. This dust can lead to eye and nose irritation for the dog. Also, straw and hay does not stay in place and will quickly be trafficked out of the kennel, which once outside the kennel will quickly break down and become unusable. With Red Cedar ribbons, the ribbons will stay intact longer and will not break down into dust. They also hold in the kennel better and if pulled outside of the kennel, it can still be placed back into the kennel without it breaking down.

Keeps Dogs Warm and Dry

Red Cedar ribbons will act as an insulator, keeping your dog’s body heat inside the kennel and in their bedding. When your dog is wet, Red Cedar will pull moisture of your dog’s fur, keeping them drier.

Comfortable and soft

Red Cedar Bedding provides soft, comfortable bedding for your dog to lie down on. Cut into ribbons, the Red Cedar Bedding provides a natural compressing cushion unlike straw or hay.

Help Control Pet Odors

Dogs can become problematic with their odor, especially if left wet. Other types of dog bedding will quickly develop unpleasant odors. Straw and hay will get waterlogged, begin to break down, and will lead to a pungent mess. Red Cedar ribbons have natural cedar oils, which produces a refreshing and aromatic scent that will help mask and even reduce dog odors.

Quick and Easy to Clean

Anyone that has used straw or hay in a kennel knows that it’s a pain to clean. It gets everywhere, it breaks down into little pieces, and there are also dust and bits left over. With the Red Cedar being cut into ribbons, cleaning is quick and easy. The ribbons will not break down into tiny little pieces, often staying whole or at least staying in large enough pieces. As an added benefit, you also have to clean it out less often because it lasts longer.

Shop Red Cedar Bedding

• Red Cedar Bedding: 12x12x14 Box 
  Covers approx. 3 ft x 4 ft x 5 in deep 
• Red Cedar Bedding: Large Bale (18x18x14) 
  Covers approx. 5 ft x 8 ft x 5 in deep 

Cedar vs Pine Shavings for Dogs

If you're deciding between cedar vs pine shavings for dogs, the biggest difference comes down to insect resistance. Cedar contains natural oils, primarily plicatic acid and thujone, that repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests. Pine doesn't have these properties. For outdoor kennels where insects are a concern, cedar is the clear winner. 

Here's how they compare:

Pine shavings are cheaper per bag, but you'll replace them more often and you won't get any insect protection. For hunting dogs that spend time outdoors, especially in tick-heavy areas, cedar pays for itself.

Where to Use Red Cedar Bedding

Red cedar bedding works well anywhere your dog sleeps or rests outdoors. Here are the most common setups: 

• Outdoor kennels and dog runs: Spread cedar ribbons 3–5 inches deep on the kennel floor. The insect-repelling properties are especially valuable in outdoor runs where fleas and ticks are a constant issue. 
• Dog houses:Cedar bedding insulates the floor and keeps the interior dry. Pair it with a doghouse heater in winter for maximum warmth. 
• Truck crates and travel kennels: A layer of cedar in the bottom of a Ruff Land kennel adds cushioning and keeps odors down during long drives to the field. 
• Whelping boxes: Cedar's antimicrobial properties help keep the whelping area clean and dry. Replace bedding frequently during the first few weeks. See our must-have products for puppy rearing for more whelping essentials. 

Kennel & Bedding Essentials

• Red Cedar Bedding: From $34.95 
• Shop Ruff Land Kennels →

Are Cedar Chips Safe for Dogs?

This is one of the most common questions we get: are cedar chips safe for dogs? The short answer is yes with a few considerations. 

Red cedar bedding has been used safely for working and hunting dogs for generations. The natural oils that make cedar effective at repelling insects (plicatic acid and thujone) are present in low concentrations in properly processed bedding and are not harmful to adult dogs through normal contact. 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Puppies under 8 weeks: Very young puppies have more sensitive respiratory systems. If you're using cedar in a whelping box, ensure good ventilation and consider switching to a different bedding for the first few weeks. 
• Dogs with known allergies: A small number of dogs may be sensitive to cedar oils. If your dog sneezes excessively or shows skin irritation after contact with cedar bedding, switch to an alternative. 
• Ribbon-cut vs chips: Cedar chips can produce more dust and aromatic compounds than ribbon-cut cedar. The Red Cedar Bedding we carry at Lion Country Supply is ribbon-cut, which significantly reduces dust and is gentler on dogs' respiratory systems. 
• Pregnant or nursing dogs: Some breeders prefer to avoid strongly aromatic bedding during late pregnancy and nursing. Consult your vet if you have concerns.

For the vast majority of adult dogs in outdoor kennels and dog houses, cedar bedding is safe and offers meaningful benefits over straw, hay, or pine alternatives.

Why Red Cedar Bedding Is Worth It

Red cedar bedding for dogs does more than any single alternative. It repels insects, controls odor, insulates in cold weather, and lasts longer than straw or hay. Whether you're bedding an outdoor kennel run, lining a truck crate for hunting season, or setting up a whelping box, cedar ribbon bedding is a proven choice that working dog owners have relied on for years. 

We carry Red Cedar Bedding year-round at Lion Country Supply in two sizes. Both are in stock and ready to ship. 

Shop Red Cedar Bedding

100% Eastern Red Cedar ribbon bedding. Naturally repels fleas and ticks. Dust-free. In stock at Lion Country Supply. 

• 12x12x14 Box — $34.95 
• Large Bale (18x18x14) — $34.95
• Questions? Call 1-800-662-5202

Related Reading

• Heating a Doghouse or Kennel 
• Top Ruff Land Kennel Accessories 
• Benefits of Insulated Kennel Covers 
• Prevent Noise Aversion and Anxiety in Dogs 
• Must-Have Products for Puppy Rearing 

Red Cedar 12x12x14