Small Pet Select Paper Pellet Bedding Review

The litter that solves ammonia, and the shavings you should never put in a rabbit's box.

The verdict: Paper pellets are the right default litter for a rabbit because they absorb heavily, control ammonia, produce almost no dust and do no harm if a mouthful gets eaten, and this 20 lb box is one of the better value ways to buy them. Buy it if you want one litter that works and stops you researching. Skip it only if you prefer kiln-dried wood pellets, which are cheaper still. Never use clumping cat litter, and never use pine or cedar shavings.

Specifications

Specifications above come from Small Pet Select's published product information. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.

What it does well

• Paper pellets absorb urine downwards and hold it, so the surface stays dry and the smell stays in the box rather than in the room.
• A low-dust litter matters more for rabbits than for cats, because rabbits live with their faces in the box and have sensitive airways.
• It is harmless if eaten. Rabbits nibble at everything, and unlike clumping clay, paper pellets do not swell into a mass in the gut.
• No added fragrance. Scented litters are unpleasant for an animal whose sense of smell is far better than yours and can put a rabbit off using the box at all.
• It composts, which for an animal producing this much waste is a genuine practical benefit if you have a garden.

Where it falls short

• It costs more per change than kiln-dried wood stove pellets, which do a very similar job for a fraction of the price if you can buy them locally.
• Paper pellets track. Rabbits kick litter out of the box, and light paper pellets travel further across a hard floor than heavier wood ones.
• The pellets break down to a mush when saturated, so a box left too long becomes harder to scoop rather than easier.
• Twenty pounds is bulky to store, and it must stay dry, since damp litter is useless litter.
• No litter fixes a box that is too small. A rabbit needs a box it can sit in completely, and most boxes sold for rabbits are undersized.

What owners report

Owner reports on paper pellet litter are consistent across brands and this one is no exception: strong absorbency, real odour control and very little dust, with the main criticism being cost. Owners who compare it directly with kiln-dried wood pellets generally report similar performance for less money from the wood, while preferring paper for its softness and lower tracking weight. The 20 lb box is repeatedly described as better value than the small pet shop bags.

The more valuable thing to say here is what not to use. Clumping cat litter is dangerous for rabbits, because rabbits nibble litter and clumping clay swells and can cause a fatal blockage in an animal that cannot vomit. Pine and cedar shavings are the other common mistake, and the concern is that the aromatic compounds in softwood shavings have been associated with liver enzyme changes in small mammals. Paper or kiln-dried pellets are the answer. Our litters to avoid guide goes through the full list, and it is worth reading before you buy anything.

On which safe litter to pick, our paper versus wood pellet comparison is the head-to-head and our fleece versus paper comparison covers the washable route. The box matters as much as the litter, and our RUBYHOME litter box review covers a large one, with more in the litter box roundup. Hay on top of the litter is the trick that makes litter training work, which our bulk hay review touches on.

Who it suits

• Anyone setting up a first rabbit litter box who wants one product that simply works.
• Households where dust is a problem, whether for the rabbit's chest or a human allergy.
• Owners who compost, since this goes straight on the heap with the hay and droppings.

Who should skip it

• People with access to cheap kiln-dried wood stove pellets, which do the same job for less.
• Anyone using a fleece and washable liner system instead of loose litter.
• Owners of heavy litter kickers on hard floors, who may prefer the extra weight of wood pellets.

Alternatives worth considering

Keep reading

• Paper vs wood pellet litter
• Fleece vs paper litter
• Litters to avoid for rabbits
• Rabbit litter box setup
• Best rabbit litter boxes

This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.