Dog crates are incredibly useful training tools that can help housebreak any pup. They can also provide your dog with their very own secure and comfy place to relax and nap in. The only downside of crates and kennels? They can be very uncomfortable. Luckily, the problem can be easily solved with the help of a nice, cozy dog crate bed or pad. These simple but versatile mats provide your pup with much-needed support and comfort while they’re in their crate, and can also be used as standalone pieces outside kennels. But with so many options out there in the field of dog products, finding the right dog crate bed for your pet may be challenging. To help you in your selection process, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular crate pads and beds in the market, detailing the best ones down below.
The Best Dog Crate Beds and Pads
The first product on our list is this fantastic scratch-resistant and waterproof dog crate mat by Big Barker, which comes in multiple sizes to fit various crates and kennels. Featuring orthopedic foam that is made in the US, this bed will retain its shape over time, allowing for years of comfort.
The foam is of excellent quality, providing firm but comfortable support for your dog at their crucial points – their bones and joints. It comes with a waterproof cover, which means that cleanup will be easy even in case of accidents. For minor spills and stains, you can clean the cover with a wet sponge, and when it’s time for proper washing, just chuck it in the washing machine. As mentioned, the mat is also scratch-resistant, making it suitable for teething puppies and anxious dogs.
Waterproof design
Comforts and supports joints
Highly tear resistant
Removable cover, machine washable
- Brand: Big Barker
- Weight: 4 pounds
Our second choice on the list is our premium pick kennel pad, which comes in various different sizes and colors for you to pick between. The memory foam fill is designed to ease the pressure points of your dog and provide comfort while improving breathability.
The bed is also designed to be portable and lightweight, so it is not going to add a great deal of strain when you are taking it around from place to place. The cover can be removed and laundered as required, and you can even put it in the washing machine on a cold cycle.
Soft and durable
Conforms to weight and pressure
Portable and lightweight design
Eliminates pressure points
- Brand: Brindle
- Model: BR2818SP30SD
- Weight: 1 pounds
With durable plush fleece material on the top, this mattress is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. While it is simple and low maintenance, it is not easy to tear or break which is useful if your pup tends to claw and scratch things, including their bed.
At the bottom is an anti-slip surface, which prevents the mat from slipping around when placed on more slippery surfaces such as hardwood floors. You can wash it in the machine when required, and will still maintain its shape even after many cycles.
Fleece cover
Anti-slip bottom to maintain position
Color scheme helps to hide shedding
Portable design
- Brand: Hero Dog
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
Super plush, comfortable, and stylish, this Midwest deluxe bed is designed for a dog who enjoys a bit of luxury in their life. There are several different size options available, so make sure that you choose the one that fits the crate and your four-legged friend’s dimensions the most closely.
At the bottom is an anti-skid surface, which is great if you decide to lay it out on a hardwood floor as a comfortable place for your dog to rest their head. Importantly, it is also easy to maintain as it’s suitable for the washing machine and dryer.
Made of ultra-soft polyester
Machine washable
Ideal for pet crates
Non-skid grip on the bottom
- Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets
- Model: 40630-SGB
- Weight: 1 pounds
If you are worried about your dog being too cold when they are in the crate, this dog bed is self-radiating to reflect the heat back at them. The corners are slit in a way that allows for easy crate fitting, which is always a plus.
As for the top, it is made from soft microfleece, which keeps your dog cozy and comfy. At the bottom, there is a non-slip material that ensures the bed doesn’t skid around all over the place. Six different sizes and three different colors are on offer.
Easy care and wash
Self-radiating design for improved heat in crate
Soft microfleece top
Non-slip bottom improves stability
- Brand: K&H PET PRODUCTS
- Model: 7902
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
Next, we have a dog bed that has a four-layer design – all of which serve different functions. The quilted top provides comfort, while the leak-proof inner layers defend against any spillages or accidents from your pet. You can add it to the list of waterproof dog crate mats.
You can wash it in the machine, which certainly makes any pet parent’s life a lot easier! The materials used are both BPA and lead-free, so you certainly have some assurances about the health and safety of your pet.
Suitable for all dogs
Stylish pawprint design
Maximum absorbency
Withstands up to 300 washes
- Brand: Gorilla Grip
- Weight: 1 pounds
Made of a comfortable and breathable material, this pet bed is perfect for summer months as it provides a cool but cozy space for your pup to relax on. Everything is completely machine washable, as well as being suitable for the dryer, which adds to the convenience factor.
At the bottom of the crate pad is an anti-skid layer, which keeps the mat in place regardless of whether it is on a slippery surface like a hardwood floor or inside your pup’s kennel.
Made of breathable fleece material
Pet-safe, comfortable materials
No-slip bottom
Useful for protecting furniture
- Brand: Hero Dog
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
The Anwa is a lovely and cozy crate bed that encourages your dog to relax in what can often prove to be a high-stress and high-anxiety situations. The thick cushioning protects and supports your dog’s joints in all the right places, making it ideal for senior dogs and those with arthritis.
There are anti-slip dots at the bottom of the bed that keep it from skidding around, which is always a plus. Fully machine washable, this allows for some convenience in its maintenance and means that you are not left having to wash it by hand.
Comfortable and thick, provides support
Made of hypoallergenic materials
Durable design
Fully machine washable
- Brand: ANWA
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
Available in different sizes and a range of colors, all of them double-sided, this dog bed allows your pooch to enjoy the feel of different textures for maximum enjoyment. As for the design, it features a cute bone-motif in the center, which certainly stands out.
Built to last, the materials will not flatten over time, which is crucial for long-term comfort and support. You can keep the sleeping mat clean and neat by throwing it in the washing machine when necessary.
Plush and padded for maximum comfort in crate
Range of different sizes and colors
Stylish design
Made with two-inch thick polyfill
- Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.
- Model: MT865T-L
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Last but definitely not least on our list of excellent crate beds is this reversible, paw print mat by MidWest Homes for Pets. There are different sizes available, so you are guaranteed to be able to find the one that most closely matches your four-legged friend and their crate.
As for the maintenance, it is easy as you would expect from a good-quality pet bed, as you can just toss it in the washing machine and dryer when needed. This is a bed that is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Reversible print
Machine washable
Made of ultra-soft synthetic fur
Easy maintenance
- Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets
- Model: 40224-FVBLS
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
Best Dog Crate Beds and Pads Buying Guide & FAQ
A good-quality crate pad will provide support and comfort for your four-legged companion while they’re in their crate, improving their sleep and quality of life. But finding the right crate mat is no easy task; you have to think about your dog’s age, temperament, preferences, and of course, the size of their kennel. Thankfully, you’re in the right place – in this buying guide, we give you more information about dog kennel pads, filling in some of the gaps in your knowledge to help you make up your mind between the different products listed above.
Features to Look for in a Dog Crate Bed
There are many different features to look for in dog kennel mats, ranging from practical features to issues regarding the style of the bed. Here are some of the key things for you to add to your list of considerations to help you in the task of making up your mind.
- Size
The size of the dog kennel pad is important for a couple of reasons. First of all, the dimensions need to be right so that it fits inside the crate easily. But it also needs to allow your pooch to properly stretch out and relax. Check the sizing guide and get the measuring tape out to ensure that the bed matches your dog. Most brands have different sizes to choose between, so it is worth taking your time to make sure that you get it right.
- Machine washable
Just as with anything else that is close to or touching your dog’s body on a regular basis, it is bound to get dirty and messy. Some of the beds above are suitable for going in the washing machine in their entirety, but other models come with removable covers that can be washed. Also, some mats can be washed on a regular cycle, while others can only be put on a gentle cycle. You also need to check whether the model you’re eyeing is suitable for putting in the tumble dryer or if it needs to be hung out to dry.
- Materials
The type of materials used on the dog crate cushion can influence your decision in a number of different ways. First, there is the comfort factor of how cozy your dog is going to feel while lying on them. Another factor that you may wish to think about is waterproofing, which is particularly important for puppies, senior dogs and pooches prone to accidents. You also want to think in terms of durability and getting a bed made from materials that are likely to last for years. And if your dog is likely to claw and bite at the bed, it’s a good idea to stick to scratch-resistant models.
- Style
As this is a product that is going in your dog’s crate and maybe even in your house, you want it be good-looking and stylish too. Choose a color and pattern that suits your own personal taste to ensure that it goes well with your interior, or simply something that goes well with your pup’s crate.
- Non-slip base
It is very easy for the bed to skid around if you choose the wrong one, so pick a model that has a non-slip base that adds an extra level of stability for your four-legged friend. This is especially important if you decide to use the bed outside of the crate as this is when it has more scope to skid and slide around.
- Support
Aside from being comfortable, a good-quality pet bed can help your dog’s joints if they are properly supported by the material. While some mattresses tend to sag over time, there are others that maintain their shape and continue acting in a manner that is true to their original purpose. Look for orthopedic or memory foam mattress materials that will contour to your dog’s body and offer support where they need it most.
Read here our review of the Best Orthopedic Dog Beds.
- Tear resistant
Some dogs simply hate being inside their crate. And when they get into a heightened state of anxiety, this can lead to them chewing and clawing at the environment around them. If you recognize your dog in this description, it is especially important that you choose a crate cove that has tear resistant properties. This way, you know that it is more likely to stand the test of time and you are not going to need a replacement quite so quickly.
You may also like our article on Dog Crates for Truck Beds.
Benefits of a Dog Crate Pad
Before you invest in dog crate liners, it is always worth knowing more about the individual benefits that you and more importantly, your dog can expect to receive. So, here is an overview of some of the key advantages to getting dog crate pads.
- Comfort
Dog crates can end up being uncomfortable environments, but you can make them more pleasant with quality dog crate pads. If your dog is more comfortable, they are less likely to act up when they are in the crate and also less likely to become stressed and anxious, which is not a state that any pet owner wants to see.
- Warmth
If the floor is left entirely bare, it can be a very cold environment, as well as being an uncomfortable one. Most of the crate mats above feature plush fleece materials that provide your pooch with an extra level of warmth, and some of them even radiate the heat back again.
Take a look at our guide on the Best Heated Dog Pads.
- Support for older or infirm dogs
If your dog it older or suffering from some sort of physical disability or injury, they are in even greater need of support for their aching bodies. Otherwise, they could end up suffering from further aches and pains, and maybe even more severe injuries. A dog bed is a simple and effective solution that helps to prevent these problems from occurring. After all, prevention is always far better than the cure when dealing with joint issues.
- Usable as a standalone bed
One of the best things about dog beds is that they double up as regular sleeping mats, so you aren’t restricted to leaving them in the crate all the time. You can simply bring one out and use it as a mat for your pooch to rest their head on.
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate Mat Size
When you are choosing the right size of dog crate pillow or mat, you need to make sure that it matches the crate itself first. The crate bed sizes should be made in such a way that they fit most common crates, though they may be an inch or two off to ensure that they fit inside comfortably. You are better off going for a smaller option rather than a larger one if you are not sure, as you will not be able to get one that is too big inside, but a small one can still serve a function.
Best Dog Crate Beds and Pads FAQ:
Q: What is a dog crate bed?
A: Dog crate bed are mats that are designed to be put on the floor in your dog’s crate, providing a comfortable place for them to relax and sleep. As well as being warmer and cozier than the crate floor, they can also provide some much-needed support, which is particularly important for those canines who are older or suffering from arthritis or some physical disability. They come in different sizes to suit the various crates and kennels, and are also made of different materials.
Q: Are dog crate pads waterproof?
A: Some of the dog crate pads listed above are waterproof, but it is worth checking by reading the manufacturer guidelines. If you live in a wet climate or it is more likely that your dog will have a little accident in the crate, it’s important to choose a waterproof model.
Find out more about Waterproof Dog Beds.
Q: Are dog crate beds machine washable?
A: Some of the dog crate beds are machine washable, but it is again worth checking with the individual make and model that you choose. Sometimes, it is only the cover that can be washed, whereas for other models, you may be able to put them in their entirety in the machine. Check for whether you need to put it on a specific cycle like a cold water or gentle cycle to prevent damage. Also, check the instructions to see whether or not it is suitable for going in the dryer or whether you need to hang it out to dry.
Check out our article on Washable Dog Beds.
Q: Is a dog crate mat chew proof?
A: Whether the bed is chew proof or not is something that is determined by the manufacturer, so check the guidelines for further information on this issue. Many of beds do feature this feature, but it is always worth double checking.
Our Top Pick
While all pet crate mats featured on our list are great products, our top pick has to be Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad. The foam used in this mat is of high-quality, so it will not flatten like a pancake over time, but rather maintain its firm shape to provide your dog with plenty of comfort for years to come. The cover is entirely waterproof, which protects it from spills and accidents. It is also highly tear-resistant, which is particularly important if your dog likes to scratch and chew. All of these factors have added up to make tis model our number one choice out of all of them on the list of best dog crate beds.
Source:
- Kathy Blumenstock, How to Make Your Dog’s Crate Feel Like Home, PetMD
