Yes, straw needs changed frequently and does vary in quality....in my area of the country, it remains the best answer for dog bedding, when properly maintained.
I would expect that to vary across the United States tho.
I have an aluminum box with with a foam board type insulation which works well. My "chewing dog" hasn't messed with it in 4 years now. Travel to several states hunting in cold, snow & ice. Chew proof pads in the bottom. One thing that helps is extra rations when it is cold, helps as much as a lot of other things.
As stated above- watch the clothes & material beddings -the polyfill stuffing in some pads have been ingested necissitating expensive surgery to get blockage out of intestines.
