What is hemp bedding?
Hemp bedding is made from shiv, the woody core of the industrial hemp stalk (Cannabis sativa L.). Once harvested and decorticated, the shiv is processed to create a lightweight, absorbent, and 100% natural bedding.
At Aubiose, our bedding is made from hemp grown and processed in France by La Chanvrière, an agricultural cooperative in the Champagne region that has been active in the hemp industry for over 50 years. No chemical treatments, no additives, no GMOs: the raw material you receive is the same one that leaves our fields.
Available in fine flakes or pellets depending on the intended use, Aubiose hemp bedding adapts to all animals: horses, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chickens, and many others.
Origine France
Cultivé & transformé en Grand Est
The benefits of bedding for horses
Hemp bedding was originally designed for equines. And for good reason: no other bedding combines so many advantages for stall comfort and the horse’s respiratory health.
Exceptional absorbency for a cleaner stable
Hemp shiv has a unique capillary structure that allows it to absorb up to 3 times its weight in liquid. As a result, urine is absorbed deep into the bedding, the surface remains dry, and germs no longer have a damp environment in which to thrive. The stable stays cleaner for longer between complete clean-outs.
Dust-free bedding: respiratory health comes first
Horses are particularly sensitive to respiratory conditions. Traditional bedding made from straw or wood shavings releases spores and dust that can accumulate in the respiratory tract. Aubiose hemp bedding is virtually free from fine dust, making it a preferred choice for horses with asthma, emphysema, or allergies.
Cost-effective over time: less bedding, less waste
Thanks to its high absorption capacity, hemp bedding requires less volume initially and needs to be replaced less frequently. The deep-litter method means that only soiled areas need to be removed while keeping the clean surface in place. For a standard horse, allow approximately 6 to 8 20 kg bales for the initial setup, followed by a weekly top-up that is significantly lower than with straw bedding.
Biodegradable and compostable: manure can be repurposed faster
Manure from hemp bedding is a high-quality compost, rich in organic matter. It breaks down faster than straw manure, making stable waste management easier and improving its agricultural value. A practical benefit for equestrian centres and private horse owners concerned about their environmental impact.
Waste management is one of our priorities when it comes to protecting the environment. Aubiose Horse Bedding is an eco-friendly solution because it naturally completes its life cycle. It quickly breaks down into humus and produces a low volume of manure (2 times less than straw bedding). You save time when spreading and managing manure.
Cat litter: healthy, odour-free and biodegradable
The cat litter market is dominated by mineral and synthetic products containing additives, fragrances and artificial clumping agents. Aubiose Cat Hemp Litter offers a radically different alternative: natural, effective, and gentle on both your cat and your home.
No respiratory risks for your cat
Aubiose hemp pellets produce very little dust during use. This is essential for an animal that may scratch, dig and sniff around its litter tray. No clouds of particles, no irritation to the respiratory tract — for your cat or for you.
Biodegradable and compostable: the right choice for the planet
Unlike mineral or silica litters, which end up in the bin and do not break down naturally, Aubiose Cat Hemp Litter is 100% compostable. Once used, it can be added to your garden compost or municipal composting bin, provided that you do not add litter from a cat carrying a transmissible disease.
Natural odour control
The microporous structure of hemp traps odours at the source without the need for synthetic fragrances. The litter absorbs ammonia produced by urine and helps prevent it from spreading into the surrounding air. Your home stays fresh and neutral, while your cat is not exposed to artificial fragrances.
Easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain pellets
Hemp pellets are easier to measure, replace and transport than loose litter. Add a 5 to 8 cm layer to the tray, remove soiled areas with a scoop, and top up as needed. When switching from another type of litter, make the transition gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing the two products.
Bedding for small pets and rodents
The softness and fine texture of Aubiose Small Animal hemp bedding make it an ideal choice for all small pets. No sharp foreign objects, no chemical residues, and excellent absorption to keep cages and terrariums clean and dry.
Rabbit Bedding
Rabbits are sensitive to ammonia released from urine and to fine dust. Hemp bedding addresses both issues: it traps odours and produces virtually no dust when sorting and digging. It is also safe if your rabbit accidentally ingests small amounts.
Guinea Pig Bedding
Guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems and can react poorly to softwood bedding such as pine or cedar, which can release phenols. Hemp is a neutral plant fibre, free from resins and volatile oils. It provides optimal comfort for small paws and excellent absorbency for rodents that urinate frequently.
Hamster & Gerbil Bedding
Hamsters and gerbils love to dig and burrow. Hemp bedding is light and loose enough to allow these natural behaviours, while still being highly absorbent enough to manage the needs of these very active small rodents. It contains no additives that could irritate the nasal passages.
Hemp Bedding for Chickens
Comfort and Well-Being for Poultry
Soft bedding for a comfortable chicken coop
Aubichick hemp bedding provides a soft and comfortable surface for poultry. Its flexible, fibrous texture creates an environment suited to their daily activities, whether scratching, pecking or moving around. It helps promote the well-being of the animals within the chicken coop.
Natural Moisture Absorption
A drier chicken coop, day after day
Thanks to its naturally absorbent structure, Aubichick hemp bedding helps retain moisture in the chicken coop. It helps keep the floor drier and limit the formation of damp areas, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for poultry.
A Natural Solution for Odour Control
A more pleasant environment every day
Aubichick hemp bedding helps reduce the unpleasant odours associated with chicken coops. By absorbing moisture, it helps limit the conditions that contribute to odour development and keeps the environment more pleasant for both poultry and their keepers.
100% Natural and GMO-Free Bedding
At Aubiose, naturalness is not a marketing claim: it is an agricultural and industrial reality that we can document at every stage of our value chain.
THE 4 AUBIOSE GUARANTEES
Hemp grown in France, without pesticides or GMOs, using sustainable farming practices.
No chemical treatments, additives or synthetic fragrances.
Processed on-site by La Chanvrière, with no intermediaries or imports.
100% biodegradable and compostable bedding at the end of its life.
Hemp is one of the most environmentally friendly crops: it grows rapidly, captures CO₂, does not deplete the soil, and requires no irrigation. By choosing Aubiose bedding, you are supporting a sustainable French agricultural supply chain.
Hemp Bedding vs. Traditional Bedding: A Comparison
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Criteria
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Aubiose Hemp Bedding
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Traditional Bedding (straw, wood, silica)
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|---|---|---|
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Absorption
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✅ Very high (×4 vs. straw)
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⚠️ Varies depending on the type
|
|
Dust
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✅ Virtually dust-free
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❌ Often high (wood, straw)
|
|
Odour Control
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✅ Naturally neutralised
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⚠️ Artificial fragrances often added
|
|
Biodegradability
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✅ 100% compostable
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❌ Mineral litters are non-biodegradable
|
|
Origin
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✅ France — La Chanvrière
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⚠️ Often imported
|
|
Chemicals
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✅ None — 100% natural
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❌ Additives are common
|
|
Respiratory Health
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✅ Free from fine dust
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❌ Higher risk (spores, resins)
|
|
Cost Efficiency
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✅ Less frequent replacement
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⚠️ More frequent consumption
|
This comparison highlights why hemp bedding is gradually becoming the preferred choice in professional stables, breeding facilities, and among discerning pet owners. It is not simply “more natural”: it delivers objectively better performance on the criteria that matter most.
