The 8 Best Dog Beds for Crates

Dog crates can be uncomfortable for your dog. Most crates are made from hard materials that are made to be strong and withstand a lot of wear and tear- which is great for travel, but not so great for your dog’s comfort. Luckily, there is something you can do to make your furry friend more comfortable in his crate. You can add a comfy crate mat that will give him the support and coziness of a dog bed for his crate. 

So, you want a great mat for your dog’s crate that is well-made and will keep your pup comfy and cozy? But, where to start? How do you know which crate mat is the one for you? Read on for helpful tips and suggestions for several great choices.

Compare the 8 Best Dog Beds for Crates

Product Reviews of the 8 Best Dog Beds for Crates

The following dog crate mats vary in size, materials, washability, and durability. Remember, the most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a crate mat is your individual dog’s needs. Take into account your dog’s size, age, health, and sleeping habits. 

1. Brindle Soft Memory Foam Dog Bed

About: 

The Brindle Soft Crate Bed is 3 inches thick and made from shredded memory foam. This crate mat comes with a microsuede cover that is fully removable and machine washable. 

Features: 

• 3-inch thick shredded memory foam
• Comes with a 3-year warranty
• Removable, washable microsuede cover
• Range of sizes and colors to choose from

Tips: 

This crate mat is NOT chew-proof. If you have a chewer, you may want to try something else. This bed is not made for dogs with arthritis or joint pain because the shredded memory foam will likely not provide your dog the extent of support he needs for such conditions. 

2. Big Barker Dog Crate Pad

About:

The Big Barker Crate Pad is great for large dog breeds and their crates. This crate bed is 4-inches thick and is designed to provide supportive comfort for larger dogs. The foam is super dense, so it should stay firm and sag over time. The cover is chew-resistant and machine washable. If you have a large dog with joint and arthritis pain, this may be the right bed for you. 

Features: 

• Removable, washable cover
• Chew-resistant
• 4 inch foam (2 inches of memory foam + 2 inches of support foam)

Tips: 

This bed is ideal for large dogs and dogs with arthritis and joint pain. This bed is chew resistant, but not indestructible. This is one of the more expensive crate mats, but it may be worth the price for the long-lasting durability and support. 

3. Milliard Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed

About: 

The Milliard Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed is great for dog crates because of its rectangular shape. This bed is ideal for dogs who need extra support for arthritis and joint pain because it is made with high-quality memory foam. This crate mat is great for smaller dogs with joint pain because there is a 2-inch cushion of orthopedic memory foam on top of 2 inches of support foam. This mat may not be enough support for larger dogs, however. The great thing about memory foam is that it is supportive. The downside to memory foam is that is can be really hot to sleep on. If you live in a warmer climate or dog gets too hot easily, you may want to try a cooling mat instead of this one.

Features: 

• Non-slip base
• Machine-washable cover
• Waterproof cover
• 4 inches of foam (2-inch memory foam + 2-inch support foam)

Tips: 

This bed is ideal for small and medium-sized dogs. If you have a dog that overheats easily, this may not be the bed for you. 

4. K&H Odor Control Crate Pad

About: 

The K&H Manufacturing Crate Pad is a slimmer mat at only about 0.5 of an inch thick. This mat is made from memory foam and comes with a removable, machine washable microfleece cover. This mat is ideal for younger, spry dogs that do not need a lot of support but still need something comfy to keep them off the hard surface of their crates. 

The unique feature of the K&H crate pad is the crate-friendly design. This mat will fit perfectly in almost any crate because it is equipped with slits at the corners that allow it to mold more easily to various sized crates. 

Features: 

• Slim 0.5 inch thick memory foam
• Machine washable
• Multiple sizes available
• Slit corners to fit multiple sized crates
• Charcoal infused for odor control

Tips: 

This bed is not suitable for chewers or dogs with joint and arthritis pain. This bed is ideal for a crate that is an unconventional size or shape. The K&H mat is best for small to medium-sized dogs, but will likely not provide enough support for large breeds.

5. BARKBOX Memory Foam Dog Bed

About: 

The BARKBOX Memory Foam Bed is machine washable and waterproof. This bed is made with a fleece top for extra comfort. 

Features: 

• Orthopedic gel
• Memory foam
• Cover is removable & machine washable
• Waterproof

6. MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pad

About: 

The MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pad is a standard crate mat with a polyester/cotton base and polyester bolster. This bed is great for the low price. You can throw the whole bed into the washer (although there is NOT a removable cover). This bed is comfortable for small dogs and those that do not need a lot of extra support. If you are looking for a cheap dog bed, or if your dog will not be spending too much time in his crate, this may be an option for you. 

Features: 

• Bed is machine washable
• Comes in multiple colors and sizes
• Polyester/Cotton material

Tips: 

The MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pad is the go-to choice for a quick, cheap addition to your dog’s crate to keep him up off the hard surface. This mat is NOT intended for chewers, large breeds, or dogs who suffer from joint and arthritis pain. 

Tips:

7. K&H ThermoPet Mat

About: 

The K&H ThermoPet Mat is designed to keep your pup warm and toasty when he’s in his crate. This mat is especially helpful if you have a small dog that gets cold easily. This bed has a dual thermostat heater buried inside the soft foam. The surface of this mat will keep a temperature that is about 12-15 degrees above room temperature. 

Features: 

• Removable heater
• Removable cover is machine washable
• Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
• 14×28 inch dimensions fit in most crates

Tips: 

Test the temperature of your K&H ThermoPet Mat by placing a large pillow on it, waiting 20 minutes and feel beneath the pillow. It should be warm, but not hot. 

8. This MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Bed

About: 

The MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Bed is a comfy bed your dog can enjoy both inside and outside of his crate. This bed is super thick so it works for dogs that are small and dogs that are large (even 90+ pounds). Even though it is very thick, it still fits in most crates. 

The cover is synthetic fur to give your pup a soft but durable option. 

Features: 

• Synthetic fur
• Overstuffed
• Anti-slip base

Shopping Guide for the Best Dog Bed for Crates

Here are some of the most important things to consider when you go shopping for your next crate bed. 

Make Sure it Fits Your Crate! 

You are going to need a mat dog mat that is the exact right size to fit inside your dog’s crate. If you get a mat that is too large, with sides of it will fold up and create an obstruction for your pup as well as a chewing temptation. If you get a mat that is too small, it will slide around and be uncomfortable for your dog. 

Look For a Crate Mat With Support

If you are shopping for an older dog, or one that suffers from joint and arthritis pain, you are going to want to find a crate mat that has thick, padded memory foam for support. Crate mats are naturally going to provide less support than other high-quality dog beds, however, there are still a lot of great options out there. If you have a younger pup, you may get away with a thinner crate mat and he will be plenty comfortable, but if your dog needs the support, this is one of the essential things to look for. 

Look For a Crate Mat that is Durable and Well-Made

This is especially important for pet parents of dogs that are chewers! Look for a crate mat that boasts durability and anti-chew construction. The cover of the mat is the most important because that is the part your pup is going to dig into the most. Look for chew-proof material such as ballistic nylon and durable canvas as well as reinforced stitching. 

Look For a Washable Crate Mat

You are going to want a crate mat that is easy to maintain. Dogs can easily get dirty. Your dog’s crate will get dirty too, especially if you are using your crate for traveling. Look for beds that can either go straight into the washer or ones with a removable cover that is machine washable. 

Look for the Best Value for the Price

The price of crate beds can vary widely depending on brand, size, and quality. When choosing a crate mat, it is important to consider your individual dog’s needs. A young, healthy pup may get away with a lower quality bed and be plenty comfy. 

An older dog, however, or one who suffers from joint and arthritis pain may need something with more support. More supportive beds tend to cost more due to the materials they are made from, but they will keep your dog comfortable. The key is to find the bed that meets you and your pup’s requirements. The look for the bed that meets these requirements for the lowest price. 

Padding Type

Dog crate mats come in a variety of padding types. You will want to choose the padding that is right for your dog’s needs. You might find mats that are filled with memory foam, polyester, or cotton. If you are looking for something supportive for your dog’s joint pain relief, you will want to choose padding that is firm like memory foam. If you do not need to worry about support, you can purchase a cheaper filling such as polyester. 

Thickness

The thickness of the dog bed is something to consider. Super thin mats may not provide your dog with as much support, but you will be able to keep them in collapsible crates for easy transport. Thicker mats will give your dog more support but may be challenging for small dogs to get up on. 

Washability

Some dog crate mats have removable covers that you can throw in the washing machine and the dryer. Other mats do not have removable covers, but you can usually throw the whole mat into the washer. Look for care instructions to find one that is easy to maintain. Some of them will require a gentle cycle, cold water, and air drying. 

Weight

Dog mats can be super light or super heavy. It all depends on their size and the material they are made from. Thicker mats with memory foam are often heavier and more difficult to maneuver. 

Size

You will want to measure your dog’s crate and find a mat that fits snugly inside of it. Make sure to match the length and width. You may need to consider the height of the mat as well. You want to give your pup plenty of room and if the mat is too thick for a small crate, he may have trouble. 

Materials

Dog beds for crates come in a wide variety of materials that are designed for different benefits. For instance, polyester is an affordable material that is also durable and soft to the touch. Microfleece and microsuede are more luxurious to the touch. When deciding on a material, think about your dog’s sleeping preferences and needs. If you have a pup that overheats easily, you may want a cooling mat or fabric. If, on the other hand, you have a pup that gets cold super easy, you may want to get something that will heat up and retain your dog’s body heat better. 

Special Features

Some dog mats for crates have special features like a heated cushion, split corners for easy fit, or waterproof liners for easy cleanup. Look for one that has a waterproof removable cover, or one that has a lining inside the cover that repels water. There are also some options that either absorb water to keep it away from your dog, or that allow water to run through it without getting absorbed. Look for the one that works for you and your pup. 

Our Closing Thoughts

When choosing a good crate pad for your pup, there are a lot of things to consider. You’re going to want to look at the material, size, and washability of the crate mat. Additionally, if you have an older dog, or a dog with specific needs because of arthritis or joint pain, you’ll want to find a crate mat with memory foam that will give him extra support. 

Crates are great for travel, training, and giving your pup a safe, comfy place that is all his own. Your dog should want to spend time in his crate and the way to accomplish this often starts with finding a super comfy bed to put inside of it.