Need Litter advice--Saw cat licking paws with litter on it

I need to change from using clumping litter. I saw my cat lick scoop in the box several times and then lick his paws. I was using several months ago pelletized Horse Bedding until my cat had to stay at the Vet's for several days. Once he used their clumping litter I had to change litters so I started using Dr. Elsey's. 

I was worried about some issues I had read about clumping litter and cats ingesting it but didn't think it would be a problem until I added some clean litter a few days ago and saw one of my cats scooping in it and then licking his paw. This is really upsetting. I need to change to some form of natural litter.

I am currently adding something like 'Yesterday's news' to it to save on money but it is large pellets and I think I need something more finer that is about the same texture as clumping litter so he will adjust to it.

The price is also a big concern. I would appreciate any suggestions. I am so worried that some damage has already been done with him ingesting some.

I personally use both the pelletized horse bedding and the Dr. Elsey's because I am dealing with a mob.  I only have 2 boxes with the Dr. Elsey's -- one in the bedroom (along with one of the pelletized litter in there as well) and one in the dining room (next to 3 of the pelletized litter) because one or two of my cats will not use the pelletized litter to poop in, only to pee in.  I have not had trouble with anyone getting blocked from eating the Dr. Elsey's and one or two grains of it are not going to cause an intestinal blockage.