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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Similar to a den, a dog crate offers a small enclosed space where your pup can feel safe and secure. But an empty kennel is less likely to entice your pup, especially when there are comfier options around. That’s where dog crate beds come in—providing a snug layer between the crate bottom and your pup.
A good crate bed can make the difference between a dog who’s happy to nap in their crate and one who can’t settle. It should also cater to your pup’s specific needs. For example, if you have a dog with mobility issues, they’ll need a crate bed that offers joint support and contours to their body. Super chewers will also need special elements, like an elevated frame or tear-resistant fabric. And puppies? They’ll definitely need a crate bed that’s easy to clean.
For more information on the different types of dog crate beds on the pet market, keep reading! We’ve rounded up our favorite crate beds, mats, and pads to help your furry friend stay comfy and cozy.
Our picks
Best Overall: MidWest Quiet Time Ombre Swirl Dog Crate Mat
MidWest is known for making quality dog crates, appearing in many of our kennel roundups. So it’s no surprise they’d top our list of crate beds too. Highly rated, the Quiet Time Ombre Swirl Crate Mat offers a simple but long-lasting bed that fits most standard crates. Pet parents like that the polyester material is soft and comfortable but won’t pill and shed like some fleece beds.
Some reviewers point out, however, that bigger dogs may need something with a little more padding. But for small to medium-sized dogs, the plushness fits the ticket.
Notable Features:
- Made by trusted crate brand MidWest
- Fits standard crates
- Made with soft polyester that won’t pill or shed
- Non-skid bottom
- Machine-washable (in a non-agitator machine)
Best Ultra-Plush: Vonabem Washable Dog Bed with Removable Cover
Vonabem Washable Dog Bed with Removable Cover
This ultra-plush dog crate bed comes with a removable waterproof cover.
For bigger dogs and pups who need more padding, this dog crate bed offers an ultra-plush option. Not only is it super soft, but it provides a solid balance of warmth and breathability.
Pet parents like the durability the thick inner lining provides, adding that the waterproof cover is pretty heavy-duty, withstanding weekly washings when needed. A convenient anti-slip bottom also keeps the crate bed in place to help prevent your dog from slipping.
Notable Features:
- Extra-plush dog crate bed
- Durable, thick inner lining
- Washable and waterproof cover with anti-slip bottom
- Available in multiple sizes for dogs up to 120 pounds
Best for Chewers: K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed
K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed
An elevated dog bed can keep fabric secure and thwart super-chewers.
Elevated dog beds are a smart crate choice if you have a serious chewer on your hands. Instead of using cushioning to get your dog off the hard plastic crate tray, this style lifts them off it, kind of like a hammock. Because the edges are inside the metal frame, they’re not available for chewing. (K9 Ballistics also makes an armored padded crate bed if you’d prefer the metal rim top without the elevation.)
While this crate bed is generally well-reviewed, there are pet parents who report their dogs were able to put a hole in it (nothing can ever be guaranteed fully dog-proof). But for added peace of mind, this bed comes with a 120-day chew-proof warranty.
Notable Features:
- Fabric edges are tucked inside a metal frame
- Comes with a 120-day warranty
- Available in five sizes
Best for Puppies: Gorilla Grip Reusable Puppy Pads
Crating a puppy can be a wonderful tool, providing them with a safe spot to rest and aiding in potty training. Still, accidents are bound to happen, which is why these reusable puppy pads are a good choice for your pup’s crate. Each pad has four layers to help contain messes and can be washed up to 300 times, according to the manufacturer. The strong cotton top layer helps keep the pad from tearing, two waterproof middle layers trap leaks, and the slip-resistant bottom has silicone dots to keep the mat in place.
Notable Features:
- Available in eight sizes to fit different crate needs
- Strong four-layered design to trap liquid
- Reusable and can be washed 300x
Best Waterproof: FurHaven Water-Resistant Foam Dog Bed
Let’s face it. Dogs can be pretty messy, tracking in all sorts of grime. This water-resistant bed by FurHaven has a removable polyester canvas cover that repels dirt, mud, and liquid. Pet parents like that the waterproof canvas is highly effective, keeping liquid from soaking into the foam—making it a perfect crate bed option for potty training puppies and senior dogs with incontinence.
Available in various sizes, this bed comes in orthopedic foam, cooling gel foam, and memory foam.
Notable Features:
- Water-resistant polyester canvas
- Cover is removable and easy to clean
- Available in five sizes for dogs up to 120 pounds
- Comes in different foam styles
Best for Senior Dogs: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Senior dogs will appreciate this orthopedic dog crate bed that provides optimal joint support.
Sometimes senior dogs and pups with joint pain need more support, and this orthopedic memory foam bed is a great choice for their crate. The cushion has two layers: a bottom support layer and a gel memory foam top that contours to your pup’s shape, distributing weight evenly and relieving joint pressure. The flat surface is also easy to access, and the non-skid bottom helps prevent slipping.
Like the FurHaven above, this Bedsure dog crate bed has an absorbent and waterproof cover and an inside lining that protects the memory foam cushion from water and accidents.
Notable Features:
- Double-layer memory foam dog crate mat
- Waterproof cover and inner lining
- Non-skid bottom
- Available in six sizes for dogs up to 90 pounds
Best Self-Warming: FurHaven ThermaNAP Quilted Self-Warming Pet Mat
Some pups, like short-haired dogs and smaller breeds, need a little extra warmth, and that’s where a self-warming bed comes in handy. This FurHaven mat is electricity-free, so you don’t need to worry about chewed-up wires or overheating (though it’s a good idea to make sure your pup has enough space in the crate to move off the mat).
Designed with mylar material, this dog crate bed reflects body heat to keep your pup warm as they sleep. The thermal blanket also features quilted fabric for added softness.
Notable Features:
- Mylar material reflects body heat
- Quilted fabric adds softness
- Machine washable
Best Value: Amazon Basics Plush Pet Bed
Amazon Basics Plush Pet Bed
A simple option, this plush dog crate bed is stylish, soft, and affordable.
Budget-friendly beds are ideal if your dog doesn’t use their crate a lot or you’re testing the waters to see how they’ll do with a bed in their kennel. (Will they or won’t they like it/destroy it?) This Amazon Basics bed keeps things simple and affordable. It’s also often marked down for an even better price.
The polyester filling and tufted design provide cushioned support, though it does come compressed in a vacuum-sealed package and will need some time to fluff up.
Notable Features:
- Affordably priced bed
- Soft polyester filling and tufted design
- Machine washable and dryable
- Available in five sizes
Best Premium Choice: Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed (Verified Review)
On the other end of the spectrum, investing in a premium dog crate bed can be a smart move if your dog enjoys and gets a lot of kennel time. Casper’s dog bed is made by the same makers as the brand’s beloved human mattress, so it’s no wonder that many dog guardians rave about it, including our testers.
Supportive bolsters surround the memory foam bed, creating a comfy spot for dogs to lay their heads. The microfiber blended material is durable and rip-resistant, and the top has extra material to protect against digging and scratching.
Notable Features:
- Two-layer foam construction
- Cover is removable and machine washable
- Microfiber material designed to withstand digging and scratching
- Available in three sizes
Best Memory Foam: Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
This popular memory foam dog crate provides ultimate support with its two-layer mattress. A combination of temperature-regulating gel memory foam and pressure relieving foam are reported to provide cooling support for dogs with joint pain, hip dysplasia, and arthritis.
The bed has a removable cover that’s water-resistant and machine washable when it needs an easy, breezy cleaning. It does arrive rolled up, however, and takes 24 to 72 hours to expand and flatten fully.
Notable Features:
- Two-layer foam mattress
- Zippered, removable cover
- Available in five sizes
Best Bolster: MidWest Homes Double Bolster Dog Crate Bed
Bolster beds are great for dogs needing head support or pups who like an extra security barrier. This dog crate bed by MidWest features a double bolster siding that unrolls around the perimeter of your pup’s kennel. Four elastic straps secure it to the crate, preventing it from getting bunched up.
Fitting most standard-sized kennels, this bed has soft fleece and a poly-fiber cushioned base.
Notable Features:
- Bolstered sides for head support
- Elastic straps secure the bed to the crate
- Machine washable
- Available in a wide range of sizes
Best Cushioned Pad: Hero Dog Bed Crate Pad
Hero Dog Bed Crate Pad
This low-maintenance crate pad is easy to move, making it ideal for training and travel.
This lightweight, easy-to-remove pad is convenient for travel and training. Use it outside the kennel for mat work and relaxation techniques, then move it into the crate to build positive associations. Reviewers like that it’s soft but stuffing-free, making it harder to destroy. The quilted texture and thick padding also offer a cushy spot that many dogs love. Plus, it’s machine washable when you need to freshen it up.
Notable Features:
- Lightweight, portable crate pad
- Durable but soft quilted design
- Machine washable (cold) and dryer safe
Most Stylish: Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover
While not technically a dog crate bed, this cover is a stylish choice to spice up your dog’s crate. Fill it with another crate mat or towels and blankets to add some cushion. Stuffing it with your old clothes can also give anxious pups an extra sense of security.
Available in various colors, designs, and shapes, these covers are made from 100% cotton that’s machine washable for easy cleanup.
Notable Features:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly cover
- Fill the cover with old clothes and towels
- Stylish designs add a pop of color to the crate
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized dog crate beds that were comfortable, durable, and versatile. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.