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The 8 Best Dog Crate Beds

Dog cages are essential tools for pet parents, not just for traveling but also for training. Dog cages can provide a secure, pleasant environment for your dog to relax and spend time alone.

However, dog cages are not necessarily the most comfortable beds for your canine, and you will most likely need to add a cushion or bed to make it more comfortable.

Dog crates are pens that are generally constructed of plastic or metal and are just large enough for your dog to stand up and lie down in.

They can come in handy when there is no one around to oversee them. They are also necessary for travel and vet appointments, and, contrary to common misconception, they are not harsh or serve as a "prison cell" for your dog. Crates, on the other hand, are quite the contrary, and most dogs grow to adore their safe, comfy crate.

You'll need to add a crate bed or cushion to make your dog's crate as comfy as possible. There are several of these beds on the market, some of which are better than others, making it difficult to choose the best one. Fortunately, you've arrived at the correct spot! 

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has whittled the options down to eight of our favorites and given each one a thorough evaluation to help you find the best dog crate bed for your pup. Let's get started!

Reviews

Best Overall: Dog Crate Mat MidWest Quiet Time Fleece

  • Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 2.6 inches
  • Material: Fleece
  • Gray, Natural, and Cinnamon

The MidWest Quiet Time Dog Crate Mat is our top option since it is machine washable and constructed of plush, soft, and snuggly fleece. The stain-resistant fleece is constructed of ultra-soft synthetic sheepskin with plush polyester bolsters and a cushioned polyester and cotton foundation.

The fleece will keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer and is available in 8 different sizes and 3 different colors to fit your dog’s specific size and personality. The rectangle form is appropriate for most dog kennels and also serves as an excellent sleeping pad outside of their box!

Unfortunately, this bed sheds fleece after a while, and numerous buyers noted that the fleece worn rapidly where their dog rested the most.

Pros

  • Washable by machine
  • Made with a soft fleece cover
  • bolsters made of polyester
  • There are eight sizes available.

Cons

  • The fleece fabric sheds readily.

Best Value: Self-Warming Pad by K&H Pet Products

  • Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 1 inch
  • Fabric: Microfiber Fleece
  • Gray/Black and Oatmeal/Chocolate

The K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pad is an excellent buy and the greatest dog crate bed money can buy. The pad is comprised of one-of-a-kind, layered self-warming polymers that collect and reflect your dog’s body heat to keep them warm – no energy necessary.

The pad is double-sided, so you can just turn it over to get the color you desire, and it is machine washable. The pad is lab-tested for pet safety and produced with green, bio-based foam polyfill from recycled bottles.

Unfortunately, this cushion is only available in one size, which is insufficient for large dog breeds. Also, if your dog is a chewer, they’ll destroy this bed quickly because it shreds and rips readily.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Technology for self-warming
  • Microfiber fleece for comfort
  • Double-sided
  • Made with environmentally friendly materials

Cons

  • There is just one size available.
  • Easily rips

Brown Stripe Tan Paw Dog Crate Mat by Drymate

  • Dimensions: 42 x 27 x 0.125 inches (Large)
  • Material: Polyester
  • Colors: Brown

The Drymate Dog Crate Mat is lightweight, suitable for hot weather, and available in two sizes. It’s composed of strong polyester with a waterproof, non-slip bottom that absorbs liquids rapidly if your dog has an accident in his cage. If your dog does leave a mess, the mat is machine washable and easy to clean. It’s constructed in the USA and is a great lightweight option for your dog’s crate.

While the primary selling feature of this mat is its lightweight and small form, it will not keep your dog warm and does not give much cushioning. This also makes the mat easily chewable if your dog enjoys chewing!

Pros

  • Design is lightweight and slender.
  • Made of durable polyester
  • Bottom is waterproof and non-slip.
  • Absorbent
  • Washable by machine

Cons

  • Not particularly soft or warm.
  • Not particularly chew-resistant

Sleep-eez Plush Reversible Dog Crate Mat by Pet Dreams

  • Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 1.5 inches
  • Material: Fleece
  • Pink, Ivory, Graphite, and Blue

The Sleep-eez Plush Dog Crate Mat from Pet Dreams is a comfy alternative for your canine, with a double-layer of high-density stuffing. With 8-10 stitches per inch and over 1,000 stitches per pad, the mat is extremely durable! It’s also machine washable and may be easily reversed if one side becomes soiled to lessen the frequency of washing.

The premium, high-density fiber filling will not bunch or get lumpy after washing, unlike many other beds, and it is available in four distinct colors and six different sizes to accommodate any dog.

While this does not lump after washing, numerous buyers have observed that it shrunk and lost form. It’s also rather thin, so it won’t give much comfort for your dog.

Pros

  • Design that is long-lasting
  • Completely machine washable
  • Reversible
  • Filling made of high-density fibers

Cons

  • Washing may cause shrinkage.
  • Not very properly cushioned

QuietTime Couture from the Midwest Reversible Paxton Crate Mat

  • Dimensions: 47.75 x 30.5 x 2.25 inches (X-Large)
  • Material: Fleece and Polyester
  • Blue, Mushroom, and Plum

The MidWest QuietTime Couture Paxton Dog Cage Mat is cushioned with soft foam to keep your dog’s crate comfy and warm. The cover is reversible, with one side being white and the other having a beautiful diamond design, and it is detachable with a concealed zipper and machine washable. It is available in five different sizes to accommodate practically any crate and may also be used as a freestanding bed.

Many consumers complained that this bed has a strong chemical odor, even after cleaning, and that the foam cushion breaks easily. It’s also not waterproof, so if your dog has an accident, the liquid will soak right into the foam.

Pros

  • Reversible style
  • Cover is removable and machine washable.
  • There are five distinct sizes available.

Cons

  • Chemical odor is really strong.
  • The foam cushion simply tears.
  • It is not waterproof.

Choosing the Best Dog Crate Beds: A Buyer's Guide

Crate mats are almost as diverse as dog beds, with plush, thick alternatives as well as thin, lightweight ones and everything in between. This might make selecting the appropriate one difficult, as there are various things to consider. Let’s have a look at some of these aspects in more detail below:

Material for Dog Crate Beds

The material of your dog cage bed is an essential factor. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want something thicker, warmer, and cozier; self-warming mats are also an option. In the summer, something lighter and thinner may be a better alternative to save your dog from overheating. Furthermore, the thickness you select will be determined by your dog. If you have a large or older dog with joint concerns, tiny crate bedding will be unpleasant, so go for something a little thicker.

Durability of Dog Crate Bed

Naturally, you’ll want the thing you’re investing your money on to be as long-lasting and sturdy as possible. In most cases, you get what you paid for, but this is not always the case. The exterior cover should be composed of a robust material, such as polyester, and should have a sturdy non-slip bottom as well as durable memory foam on the inside. Orthopedic foam is more durable and lasts longer than sponge mattresses. It also retains its form after washing.

Cleaning a Dog Crate Bed

Machine washable beds are the most convenient to clean. Some crate beds have fragile liners that must be hand-washed or foam interiors that cannot be machine-washed without deforming, so if the entire bed is machine washable, this is a significant benefit. Also, some dogs may become terrified when traveling and stain their crate bed, in which case it should be machine washable!

Portability of a Dog Crate Bed

Thin, lightweight mats are naturally the most portable, but not the most comfortable. Depending on your specific scenario, you’ll need to strike a balance between mobility and comfort. If you frequently travel with your dog, a portable, thinner bed may be the best option. If you’re traveling on a lengthy journey, a comfy bed is the greatest option. Even if you do not travel much, having one of each is a good idea.

Size of a Dog Crate Bed

The final consideration is size. The mat should be large enough to accommodate your dog comfortably while also being the correct size for your crate. Most crate beds are designed to fit inside conventional crates, however it’s a good idea to measure first. Crate mattresses that are too small for the crate may slip and slide around, while too large beds can bunch up and be unpleasant for your dog.

Conclusion

The MidWest Quiet Time Dog Crate Mat is our overall favorite. It’s machine washable and constructed of soft, plush fleece that’s stain-resistant, with polyester bolsters and a cushioned polyester and cotton foundation.

According to our study, the K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pad is the best dog crate bed for the money. The pad is double-sided, constructed of multi-layered self-warming materials, and is machine washable.

If you’re searching for a high-quality dog crate bed, the Gorilla Dura-Vel Orthopedic bed is an excellent choice. The bed has a soft velvet top and a strong Cordura bottom. It also has a cover that can be taken off and washed in the machine and anchoring hooks to keep it from falling over.

A dog cage should be a comfortable, safe environment for your pet, and the best dog crate beds are a must-have item to make this a reality. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our in-depth evaluations have helped you narrow down your selections and choose the ideal alternative for your dog!

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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