Best Dog Crate Beds, Pads & Mats For Inside Your Pup’s Kennel

When you’re out of the house, your dog spends most of their day in their crate. That’s why it’s so important that you invest in a comfortable and cozy crate bed to keep your four-legged companion happy and healthy.

Finding the right bed for your dog’s crate isn’t as simple as hopping online and buying a bed.  You’ll want something that is equal parts comfortable durable so your pup doesn’t destroy it while they spend time in their crate.

In this article, we’re going to go over the best dog crate beds for dogs of all breeds and sizes—so your furry friend can rest comfortably while you’re away.  Let’s take a look at our favorites at a glance, followed by a detailed buying guide.

At a Glance: Our Favorite Crate Beds

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Crate Pad Buying Guide

It’s not enough to simply know which brands are worth your money when you’re shopping for the best dog crate beds. If you want to get the best value for your pup, you need to know what to look out for so that the product suits your dog’s needs and preferences.

Whenever you crate your dog, you need to make sure that it’s comfortable and safe. These should be your two priorities when looking for the ideal crate mat. Otherwise, your dog won’t want to be in the crate, which will cause serious headaches when it comes time to transport your dog. That’s why it’s so important you invest in a mat that appeals to the size, weight, and breed of your dog.

To help you make an informed decision about your dog’s crate pad, we’ve put together a list of some of the most important aspects of the crate that you should pay attention to when shopping for one. This way, you won’t be shipping it back for a return because it wouldn’t fit in your washing machine or your pup accidentally tears a hole in its weak stitching.

Size

The size of the crate pad is a major factor for any shopper. The truth is, if you have a Pomeranian, chances are you won’t be considering the same crate mat for a Labrador. Before any other consideration, you should think about the size of your dog and whether the length and width of the mat are appropriate for them.

To prevent an awkward product return (trust us, we’ve been there), you should always measure your dog’s crate. This way, you will know if it fits before you make the purchase. Ideally, you’ll give your dog about an inch of “wiggle room” between the edge of the crate and the mattress.

Thickness

How comfortable the dog crate is is largely the result of how thick the mattress is. For some dogs, a fluffy, dense mattress with an additional inch of stuffing will be the deciding factor between whether it loves the bed or hates it.

In our experience, most dogs love memory foam. If you can find a crate bed that includes a layer of memory foam, you will be delighted to find that your dog will run into its crate whenever you open it up—that’s how much they love it. Plus, an extra layer of cushion will be especially appreciated among older dogs with bone or joint issues like osteochondritis.

Temperature

You never want your dog to overheat in their crate. That’s why it’s so important that you pick a crate pad that suits the climate in which you live. Generally, the plusher and softer the mattress the more likely it will insulate heat and keep your pup warm and cozy. However, on the other hand, a thin mattress can keep it cool during the hot summer months.

Strength

If you want your dog crate bed to last several years, you need to consider how durable the materials are. Dogs tend to get a little scrappy with their mat, so you should look into whether the stitching on the mat is reinforced, or if the fabric (usually cotton or flannel) is “tear-resistant.” This is especially true if you have a power chewer that destroys even the toughest of toys currently living in your house!

Our Top Picks

Picking the right crate bed for your pup is no joke.  You need something that will stand up to the abuse that your dog is going to give that bed day in and day out.  It also needs to be something that can withstand a potentially destructive pup, or at least not encourage chewing and destructive behavior.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite dog crate pads on the market. Don’t worry, there’s no bias here, as we’re going to take a deep dive at the entire product line to discuss crate pads appropriate for small pups to St. Bernard’s and everything in between.

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The JoicyCo Dog Bed Crate Pad boasts a minimalist design and a thick, breathable cotton construction. Together, they combine to create a stylish and comfortable crate pad for your furry friend. Plus, it’s machine washable which makes it a breeze to maintain and care for.

We were surprised to find that this crate pad actually gets softer after being thrown in the wash. Thanks to the manufacturer’s proprietary technology, the JoicyCo crate pad softens when put through a washing machine and becomes plusher to the touch. This came as a welcome surprise for our three-year-old Beagle.

Safety-conscious shoppers will be relieved to know that the JoicyCo crate pad comes with built-in anti-slip technology, which makes it safer to use than most regular pads. After testing it out on hardwood floors, ceramic floors, and our concrete garage floor we found that it worked well (without slipping or sliding) on all surfaces.

Overall, we have a generally favorable opinion of this crate pad and would recommend it for owners of medium-sized dogs like the Husky that tend to wear down beds and pads quickly. Once we held it in our hands, we knew that this was a quality pad that will give us several years of use before we need to swap it out.

We love the anti-slip technology that makes it safe for your pup on all surfaces.  It’s thicker than most mats, making it suitable for extra large dogs in giant crates.  Its reinforced cotton also prevents tears and holes in the material as it gets used.

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Made with your dog’s comfort at heart, the Milliard Quilted Orthopedic Bed resembles a plush, pillowtop mattress in the form factor of a dog bed. Available in three sizes for a variety of dog breeds, the Milliard Quilted is one of the few ultra-premium crate beds on the market today.

When we first took this crate bed out of its packaging, we wanted to lay on it ourselves. That’s why comfortable and soft this mattress is. Best of all, we loved seeing a notice in the box saying that this mattress comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee, making it a safe bet for value-oriented shoppers.

It’s hard to go wrong with this crate mattress. Unlike some other leading brands, Milliard went the extra mile here to really provide the ultimate in comfort no matter how large your dog might be. If you opt for the X-Large size, at 47 inches by 29 inches, you can easily fit a large hound. This should make it an appealing option for large dog owners.

Overall, we would suggest considering this mattress if you want to offer your dog the best comfort with a little bit of luxury appeal. Although it might be harder to put through the washing machine given its thickness and density, it truly is a one-of-a-kind mattress when it comes to comfort and sleep quality.

We love that this pad is incredibly thick and comfortable based on the construction.  The cover comes off easily so the pad can be cleaned.  It’s also large enough to accommodate large breeds like Golden Retrievers in their crates, as well as many other larger breeds.

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As its name suggests, the Hero Dog Anti Slip Mattress was designed with one primary principle in mind: to reduce the frequency of slips and falls that your dog suffers throughout its lifetime. Its thin profile hugs the ground closely for a comfortable and safe fixture, making it an easy choice for dog owners that really want to go the extra mile to ensure their dog’s safety.

Ideal for dogs under 55 pounds, the Hero Dog Anti Slip Mattress should come as a welcome addition for dog owners who want a pad to cover their furniture and protect it from scratches or tears. This crate pad is multi-faceted, in that it can be thrown on the ground in the crate or used on the back seat of a car, living room floor, or wherever else it’s needed.

There are few products on the market that have been able to satisfy our Labrador. However, the Hero Dog crate pad was one of them. With its excellent design, the Hero Dog was able to provide comfort for our dog and security for us—creating the best of both worlds.

Although we’ve felt better textures on crate pads before, at the end of the day we’re completely satisfied with our purchase. If our dog is happy laying on it, we’re happy with it too! If you want to maximize safety and comfort for your pup, then this thin, ground-gripping pad might be the best option for you.

We love that this pad can be washed many times over before signs of degradation start to set in.  It also grips the floor tightly for added security and safety.  It has a soft design for a thin crate pad, and the monochromatic design blends well in most rooms.

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Not everyone needs a luxury dog crate bed. For those who don’t, the AmazonBasics Padded Bolster Bed might be the product you’ve been searching for. Available in sizes ranging between 35 and 46 inches, the AmazonBasics crate bed is a thick and plush bed that is suitable for large dogs and lap dogs alike.

With a brown inner grid and a beige outer section, the bed is stylistically rather plain. However, what it lacks in aesthetic appeal it makes up for in comfort. This crate pad is usually the first that our dogs run to when we have multiple laid out, mostly because it’s so plush, thick, and warm. For this reason, it may not be an ideal crate pad if you live in a hot climate.

The thickness of this crate pad is probably the first thing that will stand out in your mind when you pick this product up. Although it may be a bit too heavy for some machine washers, it still fits well in just about any machine if you fold it correctly. However, it seems to wick away scents and moisture, so it tends not to smell bad unless left out for many months unwashed.

In our opinion, the AmazonBasics Bolster Bed might be for you if you want a nothing-fancy piece of furniture for your four-legged friend. There’s no flashiness with this product. However, it seems to get the job done when it comes to comfort and safety and, really, is there anything more important than that?

We love that this budget-friendly bolster pad has a huge surface area that’s suitable for dogs of all sizes.  It’s more affordable than other brands, and it’s also incredibly lightweight for easier transportation.  It’s a perfect bed to throw in the back of your SUV for longer trips with your pup.

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Made by the pet experts at Mora Pets, the Mora Pets Ultra Soft Pet Bed is one of the cutest and most plush dog beds available today. Unlike some competitor beds, you won’t have to choose between boring, pastel colors, because the Mora Pets bed is available in four vibrant designs that each appeal to a different personality type.

As you expect from a premium-grade crate bed, this product is machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer in a pinch (although preferably air-dried). On the top of the bed is colorful flannel, and on the bottom is a soft fleece cushion for sleeping or lazing about during the day.

When we first removed this crate bed from its packaging, we were shocked when we felt how comfortable and plush the bedding was. Plus, it folds up easily into a rolled form so it can be transported to and from the car without any hassles.

Ultimately, we suggest giving this crate bed a shot if you have pets that shed a lot. The fleece material that the bed is made of is resistant to hair, so you won’t have to spend hours plucking hairs out of it. For this reason, we think you should consider this bed if you have small or medium-sized pets with a tendency to shed.

We love that the Mora Pets Ultra Soft Bed is resistant to hair strands and easy to clean. The soft double-sided material makes it usable no matter how it’s laid down.  It’s also easy to throw in the wash if you don’t feel like rinsing it down with a hose.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You asked us, and we’ve got answers. Below, we’ve listed some of the most commonly asked questions that our customers ask us about finding the best dog crate beds, and how to get the most value out of their product.

Are Dog Crate Beds Waterproof?

Since cotton figures prominently in most dog crate beds, they are not waterproof. However, there are some waterproof dog crate beds available on the market, however at a higher price point. Usually, liquids are not absorbed by the bed, and instead, they tend to seep through onto the floor of the crate (which makes for easier cleaning).

Do Thin Pads Prevent Overheating?

Yes. If you live in a hot climate, we suggest looking into a thinner, less-plush dog crate bed without memory foam. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your dog is comfortable in its crate without risking overheating or discomfort due to heat exposure.

Are Dog Crate Beds Machine Washable?

Yes, most commercial dog crate pads are machine washable. If you’re worried that your crate pad may be too big to fit in your washing machine, check to see if the mat includes a zip-up cover. Most large crate mats come with a mattress cover that can be taken off and thrown in the wash with ease.

Do Orthopedic Crate Mattresses Help with Joint Issues?

Yes, orthopedic and memory foam-based crate beds offer additional support for older dogs with bone and joint problems. As dogs get older, they become more susceptible to arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, or osteochondritis. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in an orthopedic crate mattress as a preventive measure.

Our Favorite Crate Pad

After scouring the market for the best all-around dog crate bed, we finally settled on the Hero Dog Crate Pad. Unlike other brands, this crate mattress is thin and doesn’t cause your dog to sink into it in the middle. Consequently, your dog won’t overheat in it or find it difficult to move while laying on it.

The Hero Dog Crate Pad ranks among the best dog crate beds for dogs of all breeds and sizes. We suggest checking out this crate pad if you have a dog under 55 pounds that tends to get a little too hot when in their crate.

Plus, the anti-slip technology on the bottom of the mat will make sure your precious pup doesn’t slide around while in their crate—instead, they’ll be safe, sound, and secure on their Hero Dog bed.