Straw
For a traditional, economical option in the right setting -- straw offers good insulation and a classic look, though less absorbency than wood products.
Runner-up: Pine Shavings · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- Cost efficiency, especially for larger quantities, matters to you.
- A traditional appearance and feel suits your barn's aesthetic.
- Your horse doesn't have a straw allergy or sensitivity, and isn't prone to eating bedding.
Straw offers good insulation and a traditional, classic barn appearance, often at a lower cost than wood products, especially in regions where it's locally abundant. It's less absorbent than shavings or pellets, meaning more frequent full changes rather than spot-cleaning, and isn't appropriate for horses with straw allergies or a tendency to eat their bedding.
How it compares
| Bedding type | Absorbency | Best for |
| Pine Shavings | Good | General use, widely available |
| Wood Pellets | Very high | Maximum moisture control, low dust |
| Straw | Lower | Traditional, economical, foaling stalls |
Buying checklist
- Less absorbent than wood bedding -- expect more frequent full changes rather than spot cleaning
- Not appropriate for horses that eat their bedding excessively, or those with straw allergies/sensitivities
- Often more cost-effective in regions where straw is locally abundant -- check local pricing
When this isn’t the right fit
Straw is a poor fit for a horse that eats its bedding or has a straw allergy or sensitivity, and it absorbs less than wood products, so it can mean more frequent full changes and more mucking work than you expect.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Wood Pellets: for maximum absorbency and reduced dust
- Pine Shavings: for a widely available, absorbent, moderately priced bedding
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Why is straw less absorbent than wood shavings?
Straw's structure doesn't hold moisture as effectively as wood shavings or pellets, meaning wet spots need more frequent removal and full bedding changes happen more often.
Can horses eat straw bedding, and is that a problem?
Some horses do nibble straw bedding, and for horses prone to this, it can contribute to excess calorie intake or digestive issues -- this is a real consideration for straw in horses with certain dietary needs or tendencies.
Is straw good for foaling stalls?
It's traditionally favored for foaling specifically, since its soft, deep cushioning suits newborn foals well, even though it's used less commonly as standard daily bedding for many barns now.
Not happy with our calculations or how it works? Let us know.
Don't see a calculator you need? Let us know.