7 Best Dog Kennel Beddings For Winter That Old Farmers Swear By

When the first hard frost glazes the kennel gate, a thin rug or a bare floor becomes a liability for any working dog. Choosing the right winter bedding is a balance between managing moisture, trapping body heat, and keeping maintenance low during the short daylight hours. These seven traditional choices provide reliable warmth and protection even when the thermometer dips into the negatives.

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The Deep Litter Method for Sustained Winter Insulation

Success in a winter kennel often starts with a strategy rather than just a single material. The deep litter method involves layering bedding throughout the season, allowing the bottom layers to provide a thick, insulating buffer against the cold ground.

Instead of stripping the kennel bare every week, you simply add fresh material on top of the old. This creates a dense mat that traps heat and prevents drafts from rising through floorboards or concrete.

• Start with a 4-inch base of absorbent material.
• Add fresh layers every few days to keep the surface dry.
• Remove only the heavily soiled spots to maintain the structural integrity of the bed.

This approach works best in well-ventilated spaces where moisture can escape. If the bedding becomes damp all the way through, the insulating properties vanish, so monitoring the "crust" of the bed is essential.

Golden Wheat Straw: The Traditional Choice for Warmth

Wheat straw is the gold standard for outdoor dog houses for a very specific reason: the stems are hollow. These tiny tubes of trapped air act as a natural thermos, holding the dog’s body heat far better than solid materials.

It is a low-cost solution that allows dogs to burrow deep into the pile. When a dog circles and nests in straw, they create a custom-molded pocket that minimizes heat loss to the surrounding air.

Key considerations for using straw:

• Check for "dustiness" to avoid respiratory irritation.
• Ensure it is straw, not hay, as hay holds more moisture and can mold.
• Replace it when it breaks down into small, flat pieces that lose their loft.

While straw is incredibly effective, it can be messy. Expect to find stray yellow strands tracked across your porch and mudroom throughout the winter months.

Kiln-Dried Pine Shavings for Superior Moisture Control

Moisture is the enemy of warmth in a winter kennel. Kiln-dried pine shavings are prized by farmers because the drying process maximizes the wood’s ability to wick away liquid and humidity.

These shavings provide a soft, springy surface that supports older dogs’ joints. The natural scent of pine also helps keep the kennel smelling fresh when closed up against the wind.

Avoid the fine, sawdust-like shavings often sold for small hamsters. For a dog kennel, you want medium-to-large flakes that won’t get stuck in the dog’s coat or irritate their eyes and nose.

Western Red Cedar Shavings to Naturally Repel Pests

Even in the dead of winter, pests like fleas and mites can survive in the warmth of a well-insulated dog house. Western Red Cedar contains natural oils that act as a powerful deterrent to these unwanted guests.

The aromatic compounds in cedar provide a pleasant scent and resist rot better than almost any other wood product. This makes it an excellent choice for kennels in damp, coastal climates where "winter" means constant rain rather than snow.

• Pros: Highly rot-resistant and naturally insecticidal.
• Cons: Can be irritating to dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
• Best Use: Mix a 25% ratio of cedar with pine shavings to get the benefits without the irritation.

Softwood Bedding Pellets for Maximum Kennel Absorbency

If you are dealing with a dog that frequently brings snow and slush into the kennel, bedding pellets are a game-changer. These are made from compressed sawdust and expand into a soft, absorbent fluff when they encounter moisture.

They are incredibly dense, meaning you can store a large amount of bedding in a small corner of the barn. A single bag often covers a standard kennel floor once it’s "activated" with a light mist of water or the natural humidity of the air.

Why pellets work for busy farmers:

• High density saves storage space.
• Extreme absorbency keeps the dog’s undercoat dry.
• Easy to spot-clean because wet areas clump together.

Shredded Newsprint: Best Low-Dust Recycled Bedding

For dogs with respiratory issues or those prone to allergies, traditional agricultural beddings can be too dusty. Shredded newsprint offers a sterile, highly insulating alternative that is often free if you have a local paper route.

When packed tightly, the layers of paper create a surprisingly effective thermal barrier. It doesn’t have the "poke" of straw, making it a favorite for short-haired breeds with thin skin.

The main drawback is that it can become heavy and sodden if it gets wet. It requires more frequent replacement than wood-based products to ensure the dog isn’t sleeping on a damp, cold mat of paper.

First-Cut Timothy Hay for Natural Insulation and Loft

While straw is generally preferred, a coarse, first-cut Timothy hay can be used if straw is unavailable. First-cut hay is stemmier and less "leafy" than later harvests, meaning it holds its shape better under the weight of a dog.

It provides a sweet, natural aroma that many find more pleasant than the smell of damp wood. Because it is more expensive than straw, it is often reserved for the inner nesting area of the kennel.

Watch out for these hay-specific issues:

• Mold risk: Hay attracts moisture faster than straw.
• Edibility: Some dogs will eat their bedding, which can lead to upset stomachs.
• Seed heads: These can get stuck in long-haired coats or between paw pads.

Heavyweight Jute Burlap for Durable Base Layer Padding

Old-timers often use heavy burlap sacks as a foundation for loose bedding. Tacking a layer of burlap to a wooden floor prevents the loose straw or shavings from sliding around as the dog moves.

This creates a "non-slip" surface that helps senior dogs stand up more easily on cold mornings. It also provides an extra layer of protection against drafts that might whistle through cracks in the floorboards.

How to implement a burlap base:

• Layer it thick: Use three or four layers of burlap.
• Secure the edges: Use heavy-duty staples to keep the dog from bunching it up.
• Top-dress: Always add 4-6 inches of loose bedding on top for actual warmth.

Keeping a dog warm in the winter doesn’t require high-tech heaters or expensive electricity. By using these traditional materials and focusing on moisture management, you can create a safe, cozy sanctuary for your animals. Always check the bedding daily for dampness, as a dry bed is the most important factor in surviving a long, hard winter.