Applicant discloses an animal bedding comprising woodchips or shavings in an effective amount of aqueous potassium sorbate solution to control the growth of microorganisms harmful to animals. The woodchips or shavings may be pine, aspen, fir, birch or any other suitable woodchip and the potassium sorbate is typically in the range of about 0.5 to about 1% of the final weight of the animal bedding. A method of making the animal bedding includes the step of providing woodchips or shavings with a moisture content by weight of about 30 to about 50%. An aqueous solution of potassium sorbate is provided. The woodchips and aqueous solution are mixed and at least partially dried and then screened.
