Most dog owners crate train their dogs. A high-quality crate provides your dog a safe den-like space in which to rest undisturbed, can be used for potty training, for transporting your pet, and in an emergency situation.
Although most dog crates include a composite plastic tray to catch any accidents, many don’t come with a bed. Your dog’s crate needs a pad or a bed to keep him comfy when he’s confined to his crate.
Read this guide for our reviews and buyers’ guide to the best crate pads and beds that are currently available.
Comparison of the 7 Best Dog Crate Pads and Beds
IMAGE
BRAND
Diggs Snooz Crate Pad
DETAILS
- Durable materials
- Cover and liner are fully removable
- Enhanced for comfort
Pricing
BRAND
Fable Pets Breathable & Waterproof Dog Bed
DETAILS
- Durable, scratch resistant and bite proof
- Minimalist design
- Machine washable
BRAND
Furhaven Water-Resistant Pad
DETAILS
- Features a coated polycanvas exterior
- Provides your pet with insulating comfort and support
- Can be used in home, vehicle, garage, or office
BRAND
Bedsure Large Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed
DETAILS
- Comes in 3 large sizes
- Made from supportive memory foam
- Machine-washable cover
BRAND
MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
DETAILS
- Available in 7 different sizes
- Amazon Best-seller
- Attractive swirl pattern
BRAND
Midwest Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed
DETAILS
- Wide range of 8 sizes
- Machine-washable and tumble dryer-safe
- Fluffy, synthetic fur
BRAND
Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed
DETAILS
- Available in 7 different sizes
- Comes in 4 color choices
- Removable cover for easy cleaning
7 Best Dog Crate Pads and Beds
So, you can see that a high-quality dog crate bed or pad is a crucial addition to ensure your pet’s comfort and wellbeing.
We’ve found seven excellent beds of different sizes and kinds that will keep your beloved canine companion comfortable no matter what kind of crate you’ve chosen for him.
1. Diggs Snooz Crate Pad
Durable materials stand up to your pup’s small accidents.
Cover and liner are fully removable and washable.
Enhanced for comfort
The Diggs Snooz Crate Pad is built to last! With an external shell made of heavy-duty material and a plush interior, this bed is tough to beat when it comes to durability.
Comfort is a huge factor in a bed, and this bed doesn’t disappoint in this area. This orthopedic dog crate pad is made with super soft, high-quality memory foam.
Both the cover and liner are fully removable and washable making it easy to clean.
PROS
- Can be used outdoors
- Excellent support and comfort
CONS
- Only comes in 4 sizes
2. Fable Pets Breathable & Waterproof Dog Bed
Minimalist design
Machine washable
Durable, scratch resistant and bite proof
Fable Pets’ signature dog bed features simple, minimalist lines and looks right at home with any decor. The exterior is waterproof, durable, breathable, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean, and UV-resistant.
The high resilience shredded memory foam interior features a pre-formed recess to support your dog’s anatomy and to encourage more restorative sleep.
PROS
- Human-grade crushed memory foam interior with pre-formed recess
- Waterproof
- Stain-resistant
- Available in 5 sizes
CONS
- A bit pricey
3. Furhaven Water-Resistant Pad
Features a coated polycanvas exterior
Provides your pet with insulating comfort and support
Can be used in home, vehicle, garage, or office
This crate bed from Furhaven is the perfect solution for you if you want to add a layer of comfy padding to a basic crate and protect him from the discomfort of a hardwood floor.
Their foam is manufactured in the U.S.A. and has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets standards for content, emissions, and durability, and was analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories.
The bed is suitable for machine-washing, and you can put it in your tumble dryer safely too, making it easy to keep the bed clean and fresh. That’s not only good for your pet, but it keeps your home smelling fresh, too.
PROS
- Easy to clean
- Wide range of sizes
- Machine-washable
CONS
- A bit pricey
4. Bedsure Large Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed
Comes in 3 large sizes
Made from supportive memory foam
Machine-washable cover
This wonderfully comfortable memory foam dog crate bed is made to mold into your dog’s contours, providing orthopedic support for arthritic joints.
The bed has a removable, machine-washable cover with a non-slip bottom. Also, the inner liner is waterproof to protect the memory foam from accidents. The bed can be used indoors and outdoors, either in a crate or separately.
PROS
- Tried and tested design
- Affordable
- Several models available for different tank sizes
- Long-lasting
- Super-quiet, efficient operation
CONS
- No media trays
- Not self-priming
- Replacement parts can be pricey
5. MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
Available in 7 different sizes
Amazon Best-seller
Attractive swirl pattern
No matter where you put your dog’s crate in your home, you want him to be comfortable, but you want the crate bed to look good, too.
This gorgeous plush dog bed from Midwest Homes for Pets deluxe pet beds is an appealing option that fits nicely into a crate and can also be used as a stand-alone mat. The deluxe bed is soft and plushy for comfort and coziness, no matter what size pup you have. Also, the Ombré swirl pattern and tasteful neutral gray color look fabulous in your home.
For easy, convenient cleaning, the entire bed is machine-washable, so you don’t need to worry about removing fiddly covers. The base layer of the bed is made with a non-skid material, so your dog won’t slip over when he gets up from the bed. To ensure that you order the correct size of bed for your dog’s crate, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s bed sizing guide for the correct average measurement.
PROS
- Suitable for a large dog
- Fully machine-washable
- Anti-skid layer for your dog’s safety and comfort
- Smart, chic finish looks great in any home
- Accurate size measurements
CONS
- Fabric loses its springy, plushy texture quite quickly
- Can be vulnerable to an aggressive chewer
6. Midwest Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed
Wide range of 8 sizes
Machine-washable and tumble dryer-safe
Fluffy, synthetic fur
This crate bed from Midwest is the perfect solution for you if you want to add a layer of comfy padding to a basic crate and protect him from the discomfort of a hardwood floor. If you want to ring the changes, you can simply turn the reversible bed over to give you a completely different color and look at the bed. One side of the pad is plain, and the other has a cute paw print pattern.
The bed is suitable for machine-washing, and you can put it in your tumble dryer safely too, making it easy to keep the bed clean and fresh. That’s not only good for your pet, but it keeps your home smelling fresh, too.
PROS
- Easy to clean
- Wide range of sizes
- Machine-washable
CONS
- Not chew-proof
7. Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed
Available in 7 different sizes
Comes in 4 color choices
Removable cover for easy cleaning
The Brindle Shredded Memory Foam dog bed is not marketed specifically as a crate bed, but it is suitable for use in a wire crate.
The bed contains a three-inch-thick layer of memory foam that provides excellent cushioning and support for senior dogs that suffer from joint pain. The bed comes with a smart, microsuede cover that’s removable and machine-washable.
The bed inserts are long-lasting, and the cover remains soft and fluffy, even after many washes.
PROS
- Contains 3-inches of memory foam for comfort
- Zippered cover is machine-washable
- Excellent value for money
CONS
- Not specifically designed for use in a dog crate
Should Dogs Have Beds In Their Crates?
There are several different kinds of dog crates:
- Wire mesh crates
- Heavy-duty metal crates
- Plastic travel crates
- Stackable crates
Although most crates have a plastic composite or metal tray in the bottom in case of toileting accidents, that’s not the most comfortable surface for your pampered pet to rest on. Also, wire mesh crates can be uncomfortable for a dog to stand on, and small paws and nails can easily become snagged.
So, although it does mean purchasing an additional product, the best solution is to provide a comfortable bed for your dog to lie or stand on.
Sleeping Comfortably
Every dog requires lots of daily exercise to keep mentally and physically healthy. So, it follows that your dog also needs to get plenty of rest, and he won’t be able to do that if he doesn’t have a comfortable bed to lie on.
Did you know that your beloved dog needs an average of 12-14 hours of sleep every day? Also, dogs that enjoy good quality sleep will enjoy better cognitive function and memory. That can make it more fun to train and play with your dog.
As well as providing your dog with somewhere nice and comfortable to sleep in, your dog’s crate bed has several other important functions.
Provides Support
As your dog gets older, he might develop arthritis in the joints of his legs, back, and neck. Arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition that can make your pet’s life a misery. Also, some large, heavy breeds can suffer from inherited health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
A high-quality orthopedic crate bed will provide your dog’s whole body with support, preventing the joints from coming into contact with the hard floor of the crate. That ensures a comfortable resting place for your beloved canine companion, ensuring him of a refreshing, restorative snooze.
What To Look For In An Orthopedic Dog Crate Bed
When shopping for an orthopedic bed for your dog’s crate, avoid cheap imports that use flimsy polyfill material. That will collapse under the dog’s weight and generally disintegrates pretty quickly too. Although you can get them for a bargain price, those beds provide precious little support, defeating the whole point of an orthopedic bed. Ideally, you want a USA-made bed that contains better quality foam. Although more expensive, these beds are of much better quality and will last longer.
If you have a senior dog, avoid a raised orthopedic bed. Although that will keep the dog away from drafts and a cold floor, a raised bed might also make it difficult and uncomfortable for your dog to get into the bed.
Also, look for a dog bed that has anti-slip dots on the bottom to prevent the bed from sliding out from underneath your dog as he moves around in his crate.
Easy To Clean
Most dog owners brush their dogs regularly or have them professionally groomed, depending on what kind of coat the dog has.
However, your dog’s skin and coat still deposit grease, hair, and dander on the bed, which will rapidly leave your dog’s bed with a lingering “doggy” smell. Also, puppies and senior dogs can have accidents on the bed, leaving a musty odor that’s difficult to shift. So, you want a dog bed or pad that has a removable, machine-washable cover.what kind of coat the dog has
Ideally, the liner should have a waterproof inner lining or absorbent layers to prevent the bed’s inner material from becoming soaked.
Some dogs tend to nest on the bed, digging and rootling around as they settle down. So, if you can find a bed that scores 100,000 or more on the Wyzenbeek Abrasion test, that’s perfect.
Preventing Dog And Owner Conflicts
Many owners allow or even encourage their dogs to sleep on their beds with them. Although that can seem like a wonderful, cozy experience for both parties, bed sharing can cause problems.
That’s because your dog is naturally a pack animal. Packs have a distinct pecking order or hierarchy. So, if you permit your furry friend to share your sleeping place, you can bet that your pet will very quickly start to wriggle around and spread out, hogging your bed completely and leaving you out in the cold! Naturally, you try to move your dog off the bed or out of the way, and that can lead to growling or even snapping if your dog has decided that he’s the boss and leader of your pack.
The best way to avoid that kind of issue is to provide your dog with his own personal space in the form of a cozy bed or pad for his crate. That way, the dog will take ownership of both the crate and the bed within it, preventing any potential arguments over who’s in charge of your home pack.
Maintains The Correct Temperature
Some dogs can be dramatically affected by rapid changes in temperature. Thick-coated breeds can easily overheat on warm days, whereas dogs with very thin coats might feel the chill when the mercury plunges during the winter.
A decent quality dog crate pad will ensure that your dog is warm when the weather is cold and can keep the chill from tiled flooring underneath the crate away from your pet.
In hot climates, a raised bed inside a well-ventilated crate can improve airflow, helping to keep your pup cool. Also, if you go for a raised bed, that can prevent parasites from attacking your pet, which is crucial for dogs that are prone to skin allergies caused by fleas.
What To Look For When Choosing A Good Dog Bed
As well as the aforementioned qualities, there are a few very important things to look for in a good quality dog crate bed.
Fit
For the crate bed to work as it should for your dog, the pad must fit the crate properly. Measure the crate from wall to wall, excluding the lip of a composite plastic tray in the bottom of the crate.
Ideally, you want the bed to be a tight fit so that it doesn’t move around inside the crate when your dog moves. That said, the bed shouldn’t be too large or it will distort. Most dog beds come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find something that fits properly.
Fabric
The material you choose for the dog crate bed depends on your dog’s temperament and personal preference. Some dogs prefer a cozy, plushy bed that they can snuggle down into, whereas others like something that offers more support.
If your dog is inclined to chew and bite his bed, you’ll need to look for a tough, waterproof cover, or something like denim or robust canvas. If your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t chew, synthetic fur, fleece, or velveteen kind of fabric might be a good choice.
Meanwhile, you can also provide your dog with a chew-proof crate mat and pads to ensure that they won’t destroy their bed.
Dogs that tend to overheat during spells of warm weather can often feel more comfortable on a bed that has a breathable cover, such as cotton and a cooling memory foam gel inner.
Crate Bed Filling
Dogs that chew and have a tendency to shred their toys often love to destroy their beds, too! However, you should not stop giving your dog some crate toys, especially those that can comfort them.
For that reason, you’ll need to avoid a bed that’s full of shredded fabric or polyester “wool” or cotton-type material. If your dog does chew through the crate bed liner, he might eat the inner material, which could result in distress for your pet and an expensive veterinary visit! Also, the mess that’s created by a destroyed bed is something to behold, and it can take ages to clean up.
Memory foam is not only excellent for dogs that have arthritic joints, but it’s also denser and much more difficult to rip through if your dog does manage to get hold of it.
Durability
Dog beds are not cheap to buy if you go for a decent quality crate pad. So, you want to choose a bed that will stand the test of time.
The old maxim “buy cheap, buy twice” is certainly true when it comes to dog crate mats. Crate mats take a surprising amount of punishment from excited dogs jumping around on them and from repeated washing and drying. For that reason, you want to spend as much as your budget will allow on a good quality bed that will last you for a long time.
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In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our reviews and buyer’s guide to the best dog crate pads and beds that are currently available on the market. If you found the information helpful, please remember to share the guide with other dog owners.
Our favorite choice of dog crate bed is the Bedsure Large Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed. This dog bed is ideal for larger dogs, and it comes in three sizes. The bed is a great choice for dogs that have arthritis or other joint issues, being made from supportive memory foam. The bed molds to the shape of your dog’s body to provide excellent orthopedic support, easing the pain of stiff joints. The cover is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning, and the bottom is non-slip to prevent your pet from slipping over when he gets up.
Did you buy one of the dog crate beds we reviewed here? If you did, tell us which one you chose and how the bed performs in the comments box below.
