I have been keeping and breeding dragons for over 13 years. I have only used loose substrate with the exception of hatchlings(on paper towels). If you use alfalpha or critter country it can be injested without any problems. They usually just spit it out but either way never a problem and it spot cleans very well because it is so absorbent. You need to keep an eye on it and clean and replace as needed like you should with any substrate.