Breeders everywhere are searching for the perfect litter box substrate, that magical substance that solves all poop related challenges.

But, such perfect substrate is elusive, and we are left deciding between, good, better, and best options for our own unique needs.

After talking to a plethora of breeders we have compiled a list of substrates, each with it’s own pros and cons.

Potty Pads: Disposable

Pros

Cons

Potty Pads: Reusable/Washable

Pros

Cons

Turf: Synthetic

Pros

Can be inexpensive.
Reusable.
Not absorbent, but urine passes through.
Effective for puppies of all sizes.
Builds a “grass like” substrate preference which can make house training easier.
No dust, or odor in the turf itself, when clean.

Cons

Not absorbent, requires absorbent underlayment.
Reusable but very difficult to sanitize and clean, may spread pathogens and may smell strongly of urine and feces (even after cleaning).
Puppies and dam may play with and shred turf creating a potential ingestion hazard.
Does not clump, may harbor pathogens as feces is smeared into the fibers.
Really gross and time consuming to clean.

Turf: Natural

Pros

Cons

Wood Shavings: Pine and Aspen

Pros

Inexpensive and easy to source.
Easy to dispose of or compost.
Very absorbent.
Good for puppies of all sizes.
Excellent clumping/drying, best substrate choice for puppies with diarrhea or loose stool.
Easy to clean up.

Cons

Pellets: Paper and Grass (Hay)

Pros

Cons

Expensive and can be difficult to source in large quantities (paper)
Clings to some types of coats, can be scattered and messy (all)
Heavy, new bags of pellets can be heavy - as are bags of dirty pellets (all)
Large pellet size may be difficult for small puppies to navigate (both - paper and hay pellets are available for cats/rabbits however)

Pellets: Pine

Pros

Cons

Wood oils are volatile and are an upper respiratory irritant for humans and dogs.
Wood oils are highly flammable and pose a fire hazard.
Wood oils can be toxic if ingested and wood fibers are an irritant to the gastrointestinal tract.
Saturated, dirty litter can be very heavy.
Pellets break down quickly and are exceptionally dusty, dust travels far and may cling to walls, enter vents and air intakes and coat puppies.
Adds extra cleaning tasks, as pellet powder tends to travel and coat other surfaces.

Which is right for your puppies only you can say! Use what works best for you.

Litter Box Substrates: Pros and Cons