Bedding for horses: The best materials in comparison | Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

What types of bedding are there?

• Straw pellets: Perfect if you are looking for a low-dust and absorbent bedding. It is particularly suitable for horses with allergies. But be careful: some horses eat the pellets!
• Hemp bedding: Dust-free, environmentally friendly and ideal for horses with allergies. A great choice if you want something sustainable.
• Forest floor bedding: Natural look and particularly gentle on your horse's joints. However, it requires more maintenance and mold can be a problem.
• Shavings: An inexpensive and often used solution. But be aware that shavings can be dusty - not for horses with respiratory problems.
• Miscanthus bedding: Super absorbent and durable. Ideal for open stables or if you are looking for a sustainable option.
• Linseed straw: Binds moisture well and is easy to compost. Ideal for allergy sufferers.

Straw as bedding

Straw is a natural, cheap and convenient bedding that is particularly suitable if your horse has no allergies or respiratory problems. It's perfect if you're looking for a traditional solution and want to use the compost as a bonus. With a few simple tricks, you can ensure your horse stays healthy and happy with a bedding that has been tried and tested by many for generations.

What is straw bedding?

Straw consists of dried stalks of cereal plants such as wheat, barley or oats. It has been used as bedding for centuries because it is cheap, natural and soft.

Advantages and disadvantages of straw

What types of straw are there?

1. Wheat straw: The most commonly used straw. It is soft and relatively absorbent.
2. Barley straw: Very soft, but less absorbent. Your horse might like to eat it.
3. Oat straw: Dustier than other types and not as absorbent, but many horses like to chew it.

When is straw the right choice for you?

• If your horse has no respiratory problems.
• If you are looking for a cheap and natural bedding.
• If you would like a well compostable litter.
• If your horse does not overeat or get colic when chewing straw.

Straw pellets as bedding

Straw pellets are a practical and clean solution for keeping horses. They save time, space and often money too. If your horse is prone to allergies or you are simply looking for a simple alternative to traditional straw, straw pellets could be just the thing.

What are straw pellets?

Straw pellets consist of pressed, dedusted straw. They are shaped like small cylinders and swell on contact with moisture. In the stable, they are scattered in a thin layer on the floor and then slightly moistened to create a soft, pleasant surface.

Advantages and disadvantages of straw pellets

How do you use straw pellets as bedding?

1. Preparation:
   Spread the straw pellets evenly over the stable floor. You will need about 10-12 kg per square meter for the first layer.
2. Activation (optional):
   You can spray the pellets lightly with water so that they swell faster and form a softer layer.
3. Care:
   Remove the wet patches and manure daily. Top up with fresh pellets if necessary. You can recognize wet patches by the fact that they are darker than the rest.
4. Complete replacement:
   You should change the entire bedding every 4-6 weeks.

What should you look out for?

• Quality:
  Make sure that the pellets are made from high-quality, untreated straw. Organic or certified products are ideal.
• Minimize the risk of eating:
  A thicker layer or mixing with other material such as shavings can prevent your horse from eating the pellets.

Costs of straw pellets

• A bag (15 kg) costs around €6-10, depending on the supplier.
• For the first filling you need 6-10 bags, after that 1-2 bags per week are usually enough. Depending on how clean your horse is, one bag every 2 weeks may be enough.

Experiences of other horse owners

Many horse owners report that their stables are significantly cleaner and odor-free with straw pellets. The pellets have proved particularly effective for horses with allergies. However, straw bedding is not always the best choice for open stables or horses that like to nibble on straw.

Forest floor litter

Forest floor bedding is a natural bedding option for horses that is becoming increasingly popular. It usually consists of a mixture of wood fibers, bark, shredded wood and other ingredients that mimic the natural soil of a forest. Here's everything you need to know about this special bedding:

How does forest floor bedding work?

Forest floor bedding is based on the imitation of natural forest flooring and provides a gentle, absorbent and odor-binding foundation for horse stables. The functionality of the bedding results from its composition and the materials used.

1. structure and layering

• Initial filling:
  The bedding is spread evenly over the stable floor in a layer of around 10-15 cm. This layer provides a soft base that is easy on the joints.
• Refill:
  During operation, soiled areas are regularly removed and replaced with fresh material. This maintains the forest floor effect

2. moisture regulation

• Absorbency:
  Forest floor bedding absorbs moisture, such as urine or spilled water, quickly. The wood fibers and organic components store the liquid without becoming muddy.
• Evaporation:
  Excess moisture is released back into the air with good ventilation. This keeps the bedding dry and hygienic.

3. odor binding

• The mixture of bark, wood and organic components efficiently binds ammonia and other odors. This ensures a pleasant stable climate - for both horses and humans.

4. comfort for the horse

• Gentle on joints:
  The soft, springy structure relieves pressure on the joints, especially in horses with osteoarthritis or other orthopaedic problems.
• Dust-free:
  As forest floor bedding is almost dust-free, it is ideal for horses with respiratory diseases.

5. hygiene management

• Daily care:
  droppings and heavily soiled areas are removed, while the clean areas are loosened up with a rake.
• Long-term use:
  Forest floor bedding does not need to be completely changed every week. Depending on use and moisture load, a complete change every 4-8 weeks is sufficient.

6 Sustainability and disposal

• Decomposition:
  Due to its natural composition, the litter decomposes quickly and is easy to compost.
• Environmental protection:
  As the materials come from sustainable forestry, forest floor bedding is an environmentally friendly choice.

Properties of forest floor litter

1. Naturalness:
   Forest floor bedding is particularly easy on the joints and conveys a feeling of nature - similar to the ground in the wild.
2. Softness:
   The bedding is pleasantly soft, which makes it particularly suitable for horses with sensitive joints or hooves.
3. Moisture regulation:
   It absorbs moisture well, yet remains stable and does not sludge as quickly as other types of bedding.

Advantages of forest floor litter

• Gentle on joints:
  Forest flooring is an excellent choice, especially for people with osteoarthritis or other orthopaedic problems, as it relieves pressure on the joints.
• Low dust:
  Ideal for horses with respiratory diseases or allergies.
• Natural stable climate:
  The natural composition creates a pleasant and species-appropriate climate in the stable.
• Optics:
  The floor not only looks clean, but is also visually reminiscent of the natural habitat of horses.
• Sustainability:
  Often made from waste wood or natural materials, forest floor bedding is an environmentally friendly option.

Disadvantages of forest floor litter

• Maintenance requirements:
  Forest soil must be regularly loosened and well aerated, otherwise it can become lumpy.
• Risk of mold:
  Excessive moisture or poor ventilation can cause the bedding to become moldy, which is problematic for the horse's health.
• Higher costs:
  Forest floor bedding is often more expensive to purchase than traditional types of bedding such as straw or shavings.
• Not available everywhere:
  Depending on the region, it can be difficult to find forest floor bedding or to buy it at a good price.

Application of forest floor litter

1. Base layer:
   When bedding for the first time, you should apply a thick layer (approx. 10-15 cm) to create a soft and comfortable floor.
2. Care:
   Remove droppings and heavily soiled areas daily. Loosen the bedding regularly to ensure good air circulation.
3. Complete replacement:
   Depending on use and number of horses, the forest floor should be completely replaced every 4-8 weeks.

Shavings as bedding for horses

Shavings are one of the most widely used types of bedding for horse stables. They are made from shredded wood and are available in different varieties that offer different benefits and applications. Shavings are a popular type of bedding, characterized by their softness, absorbency and easy availability. If you opt for high-quality, dedusted variants and carry out regular care in the stable, shavings can be an excellent solution for your horse.

Types of shavings

1. Fine shavings:
   • Smaller particles that create a dense and soft base.
   • Suitable for horses that like to rest, as they are particularly comfortable.
2. Coarse shavings:
   • Larger pieces of wood that generate less dust.
   • Ideal for horses with dust allergies or respiratory diseases.
3. Mixed shavings: A mixture of fine and coarse shavings that are both soft and low in dust.

How do you use shavings as bedding?

1. Base layer:
   For a good base, spread approx. 10-15 cm of shavings evenly around the barn.
2. Care:
   • Remove soiled and wet areas daily.
   • Sprinkle with fresh shavings as required.
3. Complete replacement:
   Depending on the degree of soiling, the shavings should be completely replaced every 2-4 weeks.

Costs

• Price:
  A bale of wood shavings (approx. 20-25 kg) costs between €8 and €15, depending on the quality and supplier.
• Consumption:
  You need about 1-2 bales per horse per week, depending on the size of the stable and usage.

Hemp bedding

Hemp bedding is a natural and sustainable type of bedding made from the shives (wood parts) of the hemp plant. It is becoming increasingly popular in horse husbandry, mainly due to its numerous benefits for horse health and the environment.

What is hemp bedding?

Hemp bedding is made from the stalks of the hemp plant. After harvesting, the stalks are shredded into small, fine pieces, cleaned and dried to produce a soft, low-dust and absorbent litter.

Advantages and disadvantages of hemp bedding

Who is hemp bedding suitable for?

• Horses with respiratory problems:
  Thanks to its low dust content, hemp is ideal for horses with allergies, coughing horsesor those with equine asthma.
• Stables with a high moisture load:
  The high absorbency keeps the stable floor dry and hygienic.
• Sustainability-conscious horse owners:
  If an environmentally friendly and natural alternative is important to you, hemp is a good choice.

How do you use hemp bedding?

Base layer:
Apply a layer of about 10-15 cm evenly on the stable floor.

Care:

1. Remove droppings and heavily soiled areas daily.
2. Loosen the bedding regularly to maintain its structure.
3. Refill with fresh material if necessary.

Complete replacement:
Depending on use and moisture exposure, a complete replacement every 6-8 weeks is sufficient.

Costs of hemp bedding

• Price per bale: 15-25 € for one bale (approx. 15-20 kg).
• Consumption: On average, you will need 1-2 bales per week, depending on the size of your stable and the number of horses.

Miscanthus bedding

Miscanthus bedding is made from the stems of the miscanthus plant (also known as elephant grass). This material is a popular bedding option, especially for horse owners who value sustainability and hygiene. Miscanthus bedding is a modern, environmentally friendly bedding option with many benefits for horse health and sustainability in horse husbandry. Although the cost can be higher, the longevity and hygiene often justifies the price. If you're looking for a clean, odor-binding and sustainable alternative, miscanthus bedding could be the perfect choice.

What is Miscanthus?

Miscanthus is a perennial, fast-growing plant that originally comes from Asia. It is grown in Europe on organic plantations and requires no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Due to its high biomass production and environmentally friendly properties, it is a popular choice for agricultural products, including bedding.

Properties of Miscanthus bedding

• Material: Chopped and dried stems of the Miscanthus plant.
• Absorbency: Miscanthus can absorb up to 3-4 times its own weight in moisture.
• Structure: Lightweight yet stable, so it doesn't get soggy.
• Low dust: Suitable for horses with respiratory diseases or allergies.

Advantages and disadvantages of Miscanthus

How do you use Miscanthus bedding?

1. Initial filling:
   Apply a layer of 8-12 cm to the stable floor. This provides a sufficient basis for moisture absorption and comfort.
2. Care:
   • Remove wet spots and manure daily.
   • Loosen the bedding regularly to maintain the structure.
3. Refill:
   Add fresh material as required to maintain the desired layer thickness.
4. Complete replacement:
   The bedding should be completely changed every 4-8 weeks.

Cost of Miscanthus bedding

• Price: Miscanthus bales cost between €10 and €20 depending on the supplier and quantity.
• Consumption: On average, 1-2 bales are needed per week, depending on the size of the stable and horse use.

Who is Miscanthus bedding suitable for?

• Horses with allergies: The low-dust texture makes it ideal for sensitive horses.
• Sustainability-conscious owners: Miscanthus is an excellent option for those who value environmentally friendly alternatives.
• Stables with a high moisture load: The excellent absorbency ensures a dry stable climate.

Bedding for special needs

Choosing the right bedding plays a crucial role if your horse suffers from health problems such as laminitis, equine asthma, coughing, colic or stomach problems. Here are recommendations for various conditions:

1. laminitis

Horses with laminitis need a soft and springy bedding that reduces the strain on the sensitive hooves. It is also important that the bedding is not eaten.

Recommendations:

• Forest floor bedding:
  Gentle on joints and soft, ideal for horses with laminitis.
• Hemp bedding:
  Provides comfort and is dust-free.

Avoid:

• Straw:
  Horses may eat it, which can aggravate laminitis.
• Linseed straw:
  Can be eaten by some horses.
• Chips:
  If not dedusted, they can cause irritation.

🔍 Your horse has laminitis? Take a look at our tips on care and feeding for your horse!

2. equine asthma / cough in horses

Horses with respiratory diseases such as cough or equine asthma require dust-free bedding that does not cause any additional irritants.

Recommendations:

• Hemp bedding:
  Dust-free and odor-binding, ideal for allergy sufferers.
• Straw pellets:
  Low-dust and absorbent, provides a hygienic environment.
• Miscanthus bedding:
  Dust-free and environmentally friendly.

Avoid:

• Chips:
  Cheap or low-quality chips can be dusty.
• Straw:
  Dusty and unsuitable for allergy sufferers.

➡️ More about Equine Asthma learn more? Read our article on causes and solutions!

3. colic or stomach problems

Horses with colic or other gastrointestinal problems such as stomach ulcersshould eat as little bedding as possible to avoid additional stress on the digestive tract.

Recommendations:

• Hemp bedding:
  Is rarely eaten and is therefore safe.
• Miscanthus bedding:
  Unattractive taste and hygienic.
• Straw pellets:
  Make sure that the pellets are sufficiently moist to minimize the risk of feeding.

Avoid:

• Straw:
  Can aggravate colic if consumed in excess.
• Linseed straw:
  Can be eaten.
• Wood shavings:
  Some horses tend to nibble wood shavings.

💡 Prevent colic? Discover our helpful tips and tricks! Find out more...

4. horses with allergies

These horses need an allergy-friendly and dust-free environment to avoid irritation.

Recommendations:

• Hemp bedding:
  Perfect for allergy sufferers as it is virtually dust-free.
• Straw pellets:
  Low-dust and hygienic.
• Forest floor bedding:
  Low-dust and easy on the joints.

Avoid:

• Chips:
  Inexpensive variants can be dusty.
• Straw:
  Dusty and not suitable for allergy sufferers.

From straw to miscanthus: which bedding is the right one?

Choosing the right bedding depends on various factors - from dust-free to absorbency and allergy-friendliness. In the following table, you will find a direct comparison of the most important types of bedding. This allows you to see at a glance which bedding is best suited to your horse 's needs and your requirements.

Explanation of the symbols:

• ✅ = Very well suited / advantage
• ⚠️ = Mediocre / Conditionally suitable
• ❌ = Not suitable / disadvantage

This table gives you a clear overview of how the different types of bedding perform in terms of the most important criteria.

Bedding for horses: Summarized

The choice of suitable bedding depends on the individual needs of your horse. Whether you value dust-free, absorbency, sustainability or special health requirements such as laminitis, equine asthma, colic or stomach ulcers - there is the right solution for every requirement:

• Straw pellets and hemp bedding are ideal for horses with allergies and ensure a low-dust stable climate.
• Forest floor bedding is easy on the joints and has a natural look, but requires more maintenance.
• Miscanthus bedding is a sustainable, long-lasting option with high absorbency - perfect for open stables and sensitive horses.
• Linseed straw and shavings are versatile, but not suitable for all health restrictions, as they can be partially eaten or dusty.
• Classic straw remains a proven, inexpensive solution, but is less suitable for horses with allergies or stomach problems.

If you take your horse's special needs into account and use high-quality, suitable materials, you can not only improve stable hygiene, but also promote your horse's well-being and health

Bedding for horses: The most important questions and answers

Which bedding is suitable for horses with allergies?

Dust-free bedding is crucial for horses with allergies. The best options are:

• Hemp bedding
• Miscanthus bedding
• Straw pellets
• Forest floor litter (if well maintained)

Which bedding is the cheapest?

Traditional straw is the cheapest bedding. However, the higher maintenance requirements (e.g. in dusty stables) can put the costs into perspective.

Can bedding be eaten by horses?

• Straw: Is often eaten, which can be problematic in the event of colic or stomach problems.
• Linseed straw: Is eaten less frequently, but not excluded.
• Straw pellets: Some horses nibble on them, especially if the pellets are not moistened.
• Hemp and miscanthus bedding: Normally not eaten.

Which bedding is sustainable?

Sustainable options are:

• Hemp bedding: rapidly renewable, grown without pesticides.
• Miscanthus bedding: Environmentally friendly as it is made from renewable biomass.
• Forest floor bedding: Often consists of residual wood and natural materials.

What should I do if my horse eats the bedding?

• Always offer your horse enough hay so that it doesn't move onto the bedding.
• Use unattractive bedding such as hemp or miscanthus.
• Lightly moisten straw pellets to minimize the risk of feeding.

Which bedding is suitable for open stables?

Particularly durable and absorbent options are recommended for open stables:

• Miscanthus bedding
• Straw pellets
• Hemp bedding

Can I compost litter?

Yes, many types of bedding are compostable:

• Straw, hemp, linseed straw, miscanthus and forest floor litter decompose quickly and are suitable as fertilizer.
• Chips take longer to decompose.