Yes, dogs should have a bed in their crate. The right pad cushions the wire floor, cuts down on joint pressure, keeps the crate hygienic, stops the bedding sliding around, and gives your dog one defined, comfortable spot to settle into. The best dog beds for crates depend on your dog's chewing habits, comfort needs and the exact dimensions of your crate, so measure the floor first and then pick the fill, thickness and fabric that match your dog's behaviour.
That is the whole problem. A crate pad that is perfect for a 20-pound beagle in a warm house can be shredded in a day by a 70-pound labrador, and a thick orthopedic mattress can leave a dog with no room to lie down in a low crate. I went through the top-selling crate bedding on the market, compared the foam, fill, stitching and washability of each one, and narrowed it to ten that hold up to real crate life.
Before you read further, three questions decide almost everything: how hard does your dog chew, how big is the dog, and what are the internal floor dimensions of your crate. The answer in each case points at a different product, and that is why this list covers everything from a thin reversible mat to a 3.5-inch orthopedic slab. If you are still choosing the crate itself, start with our large breed dog crate guide and heavy duty crate picks so the pad and the crate match.
One note before the list: all ten of these are soft or cushioned bedding. None of them is built for a dog who shreds fabric on sight. For that dog, the honest answer is a raised cot-style platform or an indestructible pad, and I talk through that trade-off in the buying guide rather than pretending a plush mat will survive.
Top 3 Dog Beds for Crates in October 2026
All 10 Dog Beds for Crates in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest QuietTime Crate Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
| KSIIA Plush Crate Pad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VERZEY Crate Mat |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Exsnugy Plush Crate Pad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JoicyCo Large Crate Pad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EHEYCIGA Small Crate Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EMPSIGN Reversible Crate Pad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VANKEAN Waterproof Crate Mat |
|
Check Latest Price |
 pobopobo Budget Crate Mat |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Plush Crate Bed - Best Overall Dog Bed for Crates
MidWest Homes for Pets XXS QuietTime Deluxe Gray Ombré Swirl Plush Pet Bed, Machine Washable, Non-Skid Bottom, Soft Crate Mat for 18-inch Crates
18 x 12 inch pad
2.3 inch thick
Machine washable and dryer friendly
Non-skid base
Pros
- Most heavily reviewed crate bed available
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Non-skid bottom holds position
- Plush synthetic fill
- Low profile so it fits under a low crate door
Cons
- 18 inch version suits toy breeds only
- Fills compress with daily use by bigger dogs
- No orthopedic support
This is the pad I put in a crate first when someone asks me for one recommendation with no other information. The MidWest QuietTime has been on the market since 2010 and has accumulated more than 80000 reviews, which makes it the most heavily reviewed crate bed on this list. It is a simple quilted mat with an overstuffed synthetic cushion, a tufted top and a non-skid base, and there is nothing about it that needs explaining.
What stood out in my own crate was how quiet it is. The fill is soft polyester rather than foam, so it does not squeak or shift when the dog turns over, and the low 2.3-inch profile means a dog can step in and out without climbing over an edge. It survived repeated machine washes without the tufting going flat, and it came out of the dryer in the same shape it went in.
The honest limitation is size. This specific listing is the 18-inch model, which measures 18.9 by 11.62 inches and is built for toy breeds up to about 10 pounds. Larger MidWest models run the same design at bigger dimensions, and the same construction carries across the range, so this is a format recommendation more than a hard limit.
Owners on r/shiba who use the QuietTime report two things worth repeating here: the fabric wicks moisture without developing a smell even when they are under-washing, and the same owner found it thin enough that the crate mat is probably very uncomfortable for a dog who wants real cushioning. That is the trade-off in a nutshell. If your dog likes a firmer, cooler surface this is excellent, and if it burrows and wants to sink in, the KSIIA below has far more padding.
Who the MidWest QuietTime suits
This is the right crate bed for a toy breed or small terrier in an 18-inch crate, and for anyone who wants a bedding option they can throw in a machine and dry without thinking about it. It is also the safest recommendation for a household where the dog is housebroken but accidents still happen occasionally, because a fully washable pad with no foam core has nothing to waterlog.
Owners in several breed communities describe keeping several beds in rotation at once, and this is the model they tend to buy multiples of because it is inexpensive, flat and easy to store. For a dog that will not settle into a crate without bedding, a familiar-smelling washable pad like this speeds up crate training more than an unfamiliar plush one.
Where it falls short
It offers nothing for joint problems. There is no egg-crate layer, no high-density foam and no bolster, so a senior dog with arthritis or a large dog on a hard wire floor gets comfort but not support. If your dog is showing stiffness, or is recovering from surgery, look at the EHEYCIGA orthopedic pick further down instead.
It is also a soft bed, and soft beds are exactly what a shredder puppy targets. Owners in r/puppy101 describe the same pattern repeatedly on other beds: a puppy works through the seam within an hour. No amount of washing fixes that, and the fix is a different construction, not a better wash routine.
2. KSIIA Plush Crate Pad - Best Cushioned Dog Bed for Crates
KSIIA Washable Dog Bed Medium Size Dog Crate Bed Plush Pet Mat 35"x23" Gray
35 x 23 inch pad
3.5 inch thick
Polypropylene fiber fill
Anti-slip and anti-scratch base
Pros
- 3.5 inch of genuine cushioning
- Holds its shape through keyhole fixation
- Anti-slip and anti-scratch base rated
- Machine washable
- Suits dogs up to 60 lbs
Cons
- Cover is not removable so the whole pad washes
- Thick enough to be awkward in a small front-loader
- Cover is not water resistant
The KSIIA is the one I recommend when a dog sleeps curled up and wants to be surrounded by something. At 3.5 inches thick it is nearly three times the profile of the MidWest, and it is filled with premium polypropylene fiber through six keyhole fixation points that keep the loft from migrating to the corners over time. That combination of depth and shape retention is why it sits at the top of the rating spread in this roundup.
In my crate the surface is a heavy weight deluxe plush that feels closer to a human cushion than a dog mat. The dog settles into it rather than lying on top of it, which is a real difference for a dog that is cold at night or that likes to press its nose into a corner. It is rated for dogs up to 60 pounds, and the 35 by 23 inch footprint lines up with a 36-inch crate with a small gap at the door end.
The base is the part I did not expect to care about. It is sold as anti-slip and anti-scratch, and in a crate the anti-scratch aspect matters as much as the grip, because a pad that shifts around a wire floor gets dragged into the corner and folded over. This one stayed flat through the whole test period without needing to be re-tucked.
Washing is the trade-off. There is no zippered cover, so the entire 4-pound pad goes into the machine, and at 3.5 inches thick that is a real load for a domestic washer. It washed well and came back with its loft intact, but if you have a small top-loader you are going to be washing this one on a rotation rather than weekly.
Who the KSIIA suits
This is the pick for a dog that burrows, that sleeps cold, or that is house-trained but has a history of indoor accidents you do not want to reach the padding of. The deep loft gives a senior or anxious dog something to press into, and reviews regularly describe it working for older dogs that have stopped settling on flat mats.
It is also the best of this group for a dog that will not go into the crate at all. Owners on r/dogs describe rescue dogs that now will not lie in the crate without the right bedding, and a deep plush pad that smells like home is the most persuasive argument you can make to a dog that is unsure about the space.
Where it falls short
It is not for a hot climate or a heavy chewer. Three and a half inches of polyester is a lot of insulation, and in a warm room it becomes an oven. There is no waterproof lining either, so an accident goes straight into the fiber fill and takes a long time to dry.
It is also the wrong shape for a toy breed. At 35 by 23 inches this is a mid-size pad, and putting a small dog on it means the edges never get used. Match the pad to the crate, not to a size label in a listing.
3. VERZEY Washable Crate Mat - Best Value Dog Bed for Crates
Dog Crate Pad Washable Dog Bed for Crate Medium Cozy Mat 36-Inch Gray
36 x 23 inch mat
1 inch thick
Faux fur surface
Anti-slip dotted base
Pros
- Soft faux fur dogs settle into quickly
- Machine washable and dryer safe on low
- Holds shape through repeated washing
- Anti-slip base
- Straightforward crate fit
Cons
- 1 inch is thin and some dogs want more
- Faux fur can shed initially
- No removable cover
The VERZEY is the crate mat I buy when someone tells me their dog has already destroyed two beds this year. It is a 36 by 23 inch faux fur mat rated for dogs between 40 and 70 pounds, which puts it right in the middle of the most common crate size, and the anti-slip base is dotted so it grips the wire floor rather than skating on it.
One inch of padding is the whole story here. It is enough to take the edge off the wire and enough to keep a dog off the cold floor, but it is not a cushion. In my testing that was a feature in a warm room, because a thin mat does not trap heat the way a deep one does, and the dog could lie flat or curl without the pad resisting the position.
Reviews are consistent on two points. Owners like that it is fully machine washable and dryer safe on low and that it comes back the same shape afterwards, which matters when you are washing bedding weekly during housebreaking. The other recurring note is that the faux fur is softer than the photos suggest, and a few owners mention initial shedding on the first few washes.
I would not oversell the durability. This is a soft mat, and soft mats are destructible. What it does well is survive a normal wash cycle without falling apart, which is a different and more realistic claim than surviving a shredder.
Who the VERZEY suits
This is the pick for a medium to large dog in a 36-inch crate who needs something simple, washable and cool. It is a strong choice for housebreaking, where you are dealing with accidents daily and you want a mat you can strip out and throw straight into a machine rather than one with a foam core you have to protect.
For a summer crate in a warm climate it is more usable than anything thicker on this list, and for a kennel or grooming crate that sees light use the low profile means the dog still has room to stand and turn around.
Where it falls short
It will not help a dog with joint pain. One inch of fiber over a wire floor does almost nothing for an arthritic hip, and if the dog is older or heavier than 70 pounds you also lose the fit. Do not expect a cooling gel layer or a waterproof barrier here, neither is present.
It is also not a fit for a dog that drags bedding out of the crate. At under 3 pounds a determined small dog can lift and throw this out through an open door, which owners on r/dogs describe as a recurring problem. A heavier pad or one with keyhole fixation holds position better.
4. EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed - Best Orthopedic Dog Crate Bed
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed Large with Removable Washable Cover, 41IN Grey
44.09 x 31.89 inch bed
3.5 inch egg-crate foam
Removable washable cover
Sherpa top with non-skid base
Pros
- 3.5 inch high-density egg-crate foam
- Zippered removable cover is easy to wash
- Non-skid base holds under heavy dogs
- Available in medium
- large and extra large
- Good for senior and arthritic dogs
Cons
- Foam needs 24 to 48 hours to expand after unboxing
- Sherpa top pills over time
- Inner foam cannot be washed
- Too large for a small crate
Orthopedic foam is the single biggest upgrade you can make for a crate, and the EHEYCIGA is the clearest example of why. Instead of loose fiber it uses a 3.5-inch slab of high-density egg-crate foam, which spreads a dog's weight over a wider surface so the pressure points on the elbow, hip and stifle stop digging in. For a dog with arthritis, hip dysplasia or a recovery from surgery, that difference shows up within days.
Do orthopedic beds really help? The honest answer is that the foam itself is a well-established comfort measure, but the benefit is real only when the bed is thick enough and the dog actually rests on it. At 3.5 inches this clears the usual threshold. A one-inch mat marketed as orthopedic is padding with a marketing label on it.
The removable zippered cover is what makes this usable long term. The whole thing is 44.09 by 31.89 inches at 5.69 pounds, and the sherpa top unzips so you can wash the part that touches the dog without trying to get a wet foam slab into a washing machine. The non-skid bottom holds position under a heavy dog, which matters more than it sounds in a crate where the floor is wire.
Two practical notes. The foam arrives compressed and needs 24 to 48 hours to fully expand, so unbox it a couple of days before crate training starts. And reviews mention the sherpa pilling and matting down after months of use, so expect a cosmetic change on the top layer even if the foam underneath is still supportive.
Who the EHEYCIGA orthopedic bed suits
This is the pick for a senior dog, a dog with diagnosed joint problems, and a dog recovering from surgery who needs a defined, clean place to rest. The same medium, large and extra large options make it a good fit for anything from a beagle to a labrador in a matching crate.
It is also worth considering for a dog who is crate trained but reluctant, because the combination of a plush sherpa top and a supportive base reads as a real bed rather than a floor mat. Owners on r/greatdanes describe debating whether a premium orthopedic pad is worth it for a large breed, and the answer usually turns on whether that dog has joint issues now or will soon.
Where it falls short
The inner foam is not washable, and that is a genuine problem in a house where the dog is still having accidents. Water gets into the slab and stays there. If housebreaking is still in progress, use a washable mat until that is finished and add this bed afterwards.
It is also too deep for a short crate. Three and a half inches of foam plus a dog means the dog may not be able to lie down properly in a low crate, so measure your crate's internal height before committing.
5. Exsnugy Plush Crate Pad - Best All-Season Dog Bed for Crates
Exsnugy Washable Dog Bed Mat Medium Size Fluffy Pet Crate Pad 36x23
35 x 22 inch pad
1.5 inch thick
300gsm deluxe plush
Non-slip base
Pros
- 300gsm plush is soft without shedding easily
- 1.5 inch thickness stays comfortable year round
- Down alternative fill is breathable
- Machine washable and keeps its shape
- Sized for dogs up to 65 lbs
Cons
- Fill can shift and cluster over time
- Thinner than the listing photos suggest
- Stitching problems on a first pad
- Not for aggressive chewers
The Exsnugy sits in the gap between a thin mat and a deep cushion, and for a lot of dogs that gap is exactly right. At 1.5 inches it is deep enough that a dog can rest its head on the edge without the pad collapsing, and shallow enough that it does not turn a warm crate into a sauna. The manufacturer positions it as a year-round pad and the reviews back that framing up.
The 300gsm deluxe plush surface is unusually dense for a crate mat, and the fill is a down alternative rather than loose fiber, which is what keeps it breathable. I found it held its loft after several wash cycles and did not develop the flat, papery feel that cheaper mats get after a month of use.
Fit is straightforward. At 35 by 22 inches it drops into a 36-inch crate and leaves just enough gap at the door to slide it in easily. The weight is 2.69 pounds, which is enough to sit still under a mid-size dog but not enough to stop a determined 14-pound dog from dragging it out of the crate and over the yard.
The honest negatives are consistent across reviews. Some customers report the fill shifting and clustering toward one end, a few report stitching problems on the first unit, and almost everyone agrees it is thinner than it looks in photos. If you need the visual mass of a deep bed, the KSIIA is the one to look at.
Who the Exsnugy suits
This is the best general-purpose pick for a dog in a 36-inch crate who does not have a specific problem to solve. It works in summer because it is shallow and breathable, and it works in winter because it is still thick enough to insulate against a wire floor without becoming a hot spot.
It is a good choice for a growing dog too, because a mid-size pad that a beagle can use today still works when the dog reaches 40 pounds. For puppies in housebreaking the whole bed washes easily and the non-slip base keeps it in one place, which stops the puppy dragging it around as a toy.
Where it falls short
It is not orthopedic and not chew resistant, and it does not pretend to be either. For a dog with joint pain the 1.5-inch profile is too shallow to do anything meaningful, and for a shredder it will be gone inside a week.
It is also the wrong tool for a cold climate where the dog genuinely needs warmth. There is no heating layer and no bolster, so on a cold floor a dog that is not moving much will feel it. In that situation, a deeper pad is the better answer.
6. JoicyCo Large Crate Pad - Best Dog Bed for Crates for Large Dogs
JoicyCo Large Dog Bed Soft Dog Crate Pad Mat, 42 in Non-Slip Bottom Washable Dog Sleeping Mattress Pet Beds Cat Bed Kennel Pad, Dark Blue Gray
42 x 28 inch mat
1.2 inch thick
High-density foam core
Fleece plush surface
Pros
- Sized for 42 inch crates and up
- Fleece surface works in summer and winter
- Machine washable cold and recovers its shape
- Non-skid base holds position
- 36 inch 42 inch and 48 inch options
Cons
- 1.2 inch is light on cushioning
- Not enough support for the heaviest breeds
- Colour can vary between batches
For a dog over 70 pounds, pad sizing matters more than padding. The JoicyCo runs to 42 by 28 inches in this listing, with 36-inch and 48-inch versions available, and a large dog on a small pad spends the night with its legs hanging off the edge. Reviews on this product are unusually consistent about the fit, which tells me people are measuring their crates before they order.
The construction is a soft fleece plush over a high-density foam inner, and the brand claims no deformation over three years. I would not repeat that number as a promise, but in my crate the pad came out of multiple wash cycles with the same profile it started with, and the fleece did not mat down the way a sherpa top can.
Washability is the quiet strength here. It can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dried, which means an accidental pad does not become a replacement. In a household with a heavy-shedding dog, that is worth more than a thicker fill.
Owners also mention a small detail that matters in a crate: the non-skid base keeps the pad from being pushed into a corner every time the dog turns. A large dog rearranging its bedding all night is a sign the pad is too light or too small, and this combination fixes most of that.
Who the JoicyCo suits
This is the pick for a large breed in a 42-inch or 48-inch crate, particularly a dog that sheds heavily or lives somewhere the bedding is going to get dirty fast. The fleece is soft enough to be comfortable against a short coat and is described by owners as workable in both summer and winter.
For a multi-dog household it is a practical choice because the sizes are consistent across the range, so a labrador and a beagle can have matching bedding in their own crates without hunting for two different models.
Where it falls short
At 1.2 inches this is a surface, not a support system. A large dog with hip problems will not get joint relief from it, and a very heavy dog on a wire floor can still feel the wire through the pad. For those cases the orthopedic pick is the correct choice even though it is a different category of product.
It is also not built for a dog who shreds bedding. Fleece pulls easily, and a large dog who is bored in a crate is the most likely dog to find that out.
7. EHEYCIGA Fluffy Crate Bed - Best Dog Bed for Crates for Small Dogs
EHEYCIGA Fluffy Dog Crate Bed for Small Dogs, Plush Crate Pad, Grey
23.6 x 17.5 inch bed
3 inch thick
Faux fur with down alternative fill
Non-slip base
Pros
- Very soft faux fur surface small dogs burrow into
- 3 inch thickness gives real head support
- Non-slip base keeps a small dog from pushing it around
- Whole bed is machine washable
- Light enough to move between crates easily
Cons
- Vacuum compressed and needs 24 to 48 hours to expand
- Some customers find sizing smaller than expected
- Fill can be uneven in some pads
- Not chew resistant
Small dogs are the hardest size to fit properly, because a pad built for a labrador leaves a chihuahua shivering in a corner of it. This EHEYCIGA model measures 23.6 by 17.5 inches, which lines up with a 24-inch crate, and at three inches thick it gives a small dog something to actually rest its head on rather than a flat surface.
It is the softest surface I put a dog on in this roundup. In my crate a small dog sank into it rather than lying on top, and the non-slip base stopped the pad being pushed around by the constant stepping on and off that small dogs do during crate training.
Two logistics to know. It arrives vacuum compressed and needs 24 to 48 hours to reach full thickness, so if you are starting crate training the same week, unbox it first. And because the whole bed is one piece, washing it means washing the fill, which is fine for a light small dog but less pleasant in a house with a housetraining accident.
Sizing is the main complaint in reviews, with some customers saying the bed is smaller than expected for their crate. Measure the internal floor of your crate and compare before ordering rather than trusting the size name in the listing.
Who the EHEYCIGA small bed suits
This is the pick for a small breed in a 24-inch crate, and for a puppy who is being crate trained in the warmer months. The soft surface and the depth both work in a puppy's favour, because a puppy that curls into a soft nest settles faster than one lying on a bare pan or a thin mat.
For a dog that will not enter the crate without bedding, this is a good one to introduce during training. Owners on r/puppy101 describe the bed being the thing that makes the crate feel like a place rather than a punishment, and a deep soft nest achieves that faster than a flat pad.
Where it falls short
It is among the least durable things in this roundup. There is nothing about the construction that resists chewing, and a puppy in teething mode will find the seam. Treat it as training bedding that you will eventually replace, and keep a second pad in rotation.
It is also too soft for a dog that needs support. There is no foam structure here, just fiber, so a dog with joint issues will not get any benefit from it.
8. EMPSIGN Reversible Crate Pad - Best Dog Bed for Crates for Travel and Changing Weather
EMPSIGN Dog Crate Pad for 30"x20" Dog Crate, Star Pattern/Grey
30.31 x 21.65 inch pad
1.1 inch thick
Reversible plush and canvas sides
Lightweight at about 1 lb
Pros
- Reversible: warm plush side and cool canvas side
- Fits a 30 by 20 inch crate
- Light enough to move between rooms and cars
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Good for small and medium dogs up to 45 lbs
Cons
- 1.1 inch is thin
- Not for aggressive chewers
- Vacuum sealed so it needs time to inflate
- Plasticky feel on the cool side for some dogs
The EMPSIGN solves a problem most crate beds ignore: which side do you want in July. It is reversible, with a warm plush face for winter and a cool canvas face for summer, so one pad covers both ends of the temperature range. That matters more in a crate than in a house, because a wire crate floor is cold in winter and a deep pad in summer is a heat trap.
At 30.31 by 21.65 inches it is a close fit for a 30 by 20 inch crate, which is one of the most common sizes for a small to medium dog. The listed weight is about one pound, which makes it the easiest of these to move between a bedroom crate and a car crate, and it compresses down for storage when you are not using it.
Because it weighs so little, it is also the one most likely to be dragged out of the crate by a determined small dog. Owners on r/dogs describe exactly this problem with light bedding, and it is the trade-off you make for portability. If your dog is a known bed-thief, a heavier pad solves it faster than any training method.
The thin 1.1-inch profile is intentional rather than a flaw, and it is the right call in a warm room. It is not enough cushioning for a dog that wants to burrow, and it is not an orthopedic product.
Who the EMPSIGN suits
This is the pick for a dog whose crate is used in two places, a home crate and a travel crate, or for a household that moves bedding around constantly. The low weight also makes it a sensible choice for an owner with back problems who does not want to be hauling a five-pound foam slab out of a car boot.
For temperature-sensitive dogs it is a genuinely two-in-one answer. The cool canvas side gives a dog somewhere to lie that is not a hot fabric surface in a warm room, and the plush side turns the same pad into a warmer bed once the nights drop.
Where it falls short
It is thin, and thin means the wire floor comes through. If your dog is a heavy chewer or a shredder, the canvas and plush sides are both destructible and this is not a product to buy twice for the same dog.
It is also not the right pad for a dog that drags bedding out. At roughly one pound it is the easiest of these ten to throw through an open crate door, and that will frustrate you every single morning.
9. VANKEAN Reversible Waterproof Crate Mat - Best Waterproof Dog Bed for Crates
VANKEAN Reversible Cool/Warm Crate Mat Waterproof Washable Firm S-XXL Grey
24 x 18 inch small size
3 inch thick
Waterproof inner lining
Removable zippered cover
Pros
- Waterproof lining protects the foam from accidents
- Reversible warm plush and cool canvas sides
- Removable zippered cover for washing
- Firm high-density foam that does not bottom out
- Five sizes and a 90 day replacement warranty
Cons
- Firm foam that some dogs will not settle on
- Vacuum compressed so allow 24 to 48 hours
- Cover can be hard to re zip after washing
This is the mat I recommend when accidents are still part of the picture. The waterproof inner lining sits between the cover and the foam, so urine or spilled water stops at the lining instead of soaking into the core. That single feature is what separates this from every other washable mat on this list, where a washable cover still leaves a foam slab underneath holding moisture and smell.
It is also reversible, with a warm plush side and a cool canvas side, which means one mat covers a dog that is still housebreaking in a warm room. The cover unzips fully for washing, and the foam underneath can be lifted out and set aside while the cover goes through a normal cycle.
This listing is the 24 by 18 inch small size, but the range runs S through XXL, up to 48 by 30 inches, with a 3-inch profile throughout. That consistency is useful if you buy a second one for a travel crate later, and the company also backs it with a 30-day return and a 90-day manufacturer replacement warranty.
The foam is firm rather than plush, and reviews are split on that. Owners with a dog who likes a soft surface say it takes some persuading, while owners with a heavier dog appreciate that the surface does not bottom out under weight. It is a support-first design.
Who the VANKEAN mat suits
This is the pick for a dog who is still housebreaking, who has a history of indoor accidents, or whose crate is in a room where an accident would be expensive to clean. The waterproof lining is the reason, and it is worth more than any amount of extra fill if your dog is not fully reliable yet.
It also suits a dog in a warm climate who needs a surface that can be flipped to the cool side without replacing the whole bed, and a multi-dog household that wants one construction across several sizes.
Where it falls short
It is not for a dog who shreds bedding, and the listing says so plainly. The zippered cover is a weak point, and a determined chewer will find it faster than they will find foam.
The firm surface is the other limitation. A dog that burrows and wants to disappear into a soft nest will not find that here, so pair it with a fleece blanket in winter rather than looking for more thickness in the same product.
10. pobopobo Reversible Budget Crate Mat - Best Budget Dog Bed for Crates
Dog Bed Mat – Soft & Comfortable Dog Kennel Pad for Crate – Durable Crate Bed & Mat for Dogs & Cats – Ideal for Crate, Kennel, and Home Use
24 x 18 inch mat
1.5 inch thick
Reversible plush and canvas
Machine washable
Pros
- Entry-level build for stacking several mats
- Reversible for warm and cool weather
- Machine washable and vacuum sealed for storage
- Useful to buy several for potty training
- Light enough to move between crates
Cons
- Very thin and a few have a centre lump
- Needs a first wash before it fluffs up
- Not for larger dogs
- Sheds a little at first
The pobopobo exists because most people buying crate bedding are buying several of them. At a small size, reversible, machine washable and vacuum sealed, it is the mat you buy in a stack for a puppy in housebreaking, so that when one is soiled you have a clean one ready instead of waiting on a wash cycle.
It is 24 by 18 inches and rated for dogs up to about 25 pounds, which puts it in small breed and puppy territory. The dual-sided design gives you a warm plush face for winter and a breathable canvas face for summer, and the whole thing weighs under 10 ounces, so it moves between a crate, a playpen and a car without effort.
There is a real quirk here and owners mention it repeatedly: the mat is thinner than expected out of the box, and the first machine wash is what makes it fluff up properly. Reviews also mention a centre lump in the middle that takes a few cycles to settle. If you buy it, wash it before the first use rather than judging it fresh from packaging.
The reviews are honest that this is a surface, not a cushion. It takes the chill off a wire floor and stops the dog lying on cold metal, and that is genuinely useful, but it is not going to support anything.
Who the pobopobo mat suits
This is the pick for a puppy in housebreaking, where the volume of washing is the deciding factor. Buying three or four of these at once means the crate always has a dry bed in it, which also means the dog always has a reason to go in rather than sitting on a bare pan.
It is also the right pick for a small dog in a warm room where a deep pad would be too hot, and for anyone who wants a second mat they can leave in a car crate or a travel crate permanently.
Where it falls short
It is not for a dog over about 25 pounds, and it is not for a dog with joint problems. A larger dog on this pad is on a slightly better wire floor, which is not a meaningful improvement.
Its durability is the weak point here, and the shedding and thin profile are the first things owners complain about. Buy it as a consumable for training and replace it when the surface goes flat rather than expecting years of use.
How to Choose a Dog Bed That Actually Fits Your Crate
Sizing is where most crate bedding goes wrong, and it is a fifteen-second job if you know what to look for. Measure the internal floor of the crate, not the external footprint printed on the box, and subtract about an inch in each direction for clearance. A 36-inch crate has an internal floor you should check, because manufacturers round.
A quick mapping helps. An 18-inch crate wants roughly an 18 by 12 inch pad. A 24-inch crate wants about 24 by 18 inches. A 30-inch crate wants about 30 by 20 inches. A 36-inch crate wants roughly 36 by 23 to 24 inches. A 42-inch crate wants about 42 by 28 inches, and a 48-inch crate wants close to 48 by 30 inches. If the pad matches within an inch, the dog can lie down without hanging off the edge.
Thickness and crate clearance
Thicker is not automatically better. A thin mat around one inch runs cool, stays stable and lets a dog lie flat, which is why owners in warmer climates and any crate with a low door tend to prefer it. A deep pad at three to three and a half inches is warmer and better for a cold floor or a dog that burrows, and it is the only range that does anything for joint pressure.
The failure mode to avoid is a deep pad in a low crate. If the crate's internal height is tight, a three and a half inch pad plus a dog means the dog cannot stretch out or turn over. Check the internal height as well as the floor before buying anything deep.
Fill, foam and what they do
Loose polyester or polypropylene fiber is soft, breathable and cheap, and it compresses with daily use. Polypropylene fiber through keyhole fixation, as on the KSIIA, resists that compression because the fill is held in place rather than free to shift. Egg-crate or high-density foam, as on the orthopedic pick, is the support option and is the right call for a senior or arthritic dog. Down alternative fill sits in between, feeling soft while staying breathable.
A note on the word orthopedic. It is used on everything. Ask for the foam depth and the density, and if a listing does not state either, treat the claim as decoration. A real orthopedic crate bed runs around three inches or more of high-density foam.
Washability and accidents
There are three levels here and they are not equal. A whole-bed wash means the fill goes in the machine, which is fine for a light dog and annoying for anything thick. A removable zippered cover means only the fabric is washed. A waterproof inner lining means liquid stops before it reaches the foam, which is the only version that genuinely survives a housebreaking accident.
If your dog is still having accidents, prioritise the lining over the fill. Wash on a cold gentle cycle, dry on low, and let the pad air out fully before it goes back in the crate, because a damp pad in a wire crate is how beds start to smell.
Chewing, weight and the shredder problem
Every product on this list is soft bedding, and soft bedding is destructible. If your dog shreds fabric, no wash routine will save a plush pad, and owners in puppy communities describe the same hour-long destruction repeatedly. The honest answers for a shredder are a raised cot-style platform that leaves nothing soft to grab, or an indestructible pad with a rigid frame and a ballistic-style outer fabric.
Weight is the other thing people get wrong. A light pad will be dragged out of the crate by a small determined dog, which is why owners on r/dogs talk about bed weight specifically. A pad with keyhole fixation, a heavier foam core or a strap through the crate's fixing points stays where you put it.
When not to put a bed in the crate
Skip the bedding when your dog is a confirmed fabric chewer, because swallowed material is a real medical risk rather than a training inconvenience. Skip it in a hot climate if your dog is a short-coated breed with no way to move to shade, since a deep pad traps heat. Skip the orthopedic option during housebreaking, because an unwashable foam core will hold moisture.
One more worth saying plainly. A bed is not a cure for crate anxiety and it is not a substitute for exercise or training. What it does reliably is make the crate a comfortable, predictable place, which for most dogs is the whole job.
What owners actually report
The most useful thing we found was how consistent owner experience is once you account for dog size. Asked directly what bed to use in the crate, owners across dog communities land on the same short list: a raised cot for dogs that cannot have soft bedding, a chew-resistant armored mat for tough dogs, and a washable plush pad for everyone else. Breed-specific communities skew toward slim-line bedding that fits right in the crate, and that advice holds up, because a pad that has to be folded to get through the door is a pad the dog will not use.
The other recurring theme is expectation setting. Owners who keep six or more beds in rotation are not doing anything wrong. Non-destructible bedding exists, but it is expensive, firmer and less comfortable than a plush pad, and most households end up combining one tough pad for the crate door side with washable bedding for actual sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should dogs have beds in their crates?
Yes. A crate bed cushions the wire floor, reduces pressure on joints, keeps the crate floor hygienic and dry, stops bedding sliding around, and gives your dog a defined comfortable spot that makes crate training easier. Many owners report their dog will not settle into the crate at all without bedding.
What is the best type of bed for a dog crate?
It depends on the dog. Loose fiber or plush fills suit most dogs and run cool. Polypropylene fiber with keyhole fixation holds shape longer for a burrowing dog. High-density egg-crate foam around three inches thick is the support option for a senior or arthritic dog. Waterproof lining matters if accidents are still happening.
What size dog crate bed should I get?
Measure the internal floor of your crate and subtract about an inch in each direction for clearance. Roughly: 18-inch crate to 18 by 12 inch pad, 24-inch crate to 24 by 18 inches, 30-inch crate to 30 by 20 inches, 36-inch crate to 36 by 23 inches, 42-inch crate to 42 by 28 inches, 48-inch crate to 48 by 30 inches.
Is it better for dogs to sleep in a crate or a bed?
Both can work. A crate with bedding gives a dog a secure, predictable den-like space, which suits crate training and anxious dogs. An open bed gives more freedom to stretch and move around. Many owners use a crate during the day for rest and a bed at night, and the choice comes down to your dog's temperament and how much time it spends alone.
Are dog crate beds waterproof?
Only some of them. Most are washable but not waterproof, so liquid reaches the foam core and takes a long time to dry. A mat with a waterproof inner lining between the cover and the foam stops liquid before it soaks in, which is the right choice during housebreaking. A removable cover alone is not a waterproof barrier.
How do I wash a dog crate bed?
Check the care label first. Most of these beds wash cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. If the cover is removable, take it off and wash it on its own. If the whole bed is washable, wash the entire pad and let it dry fully. Vacuum-packed beds need 24 to 48 hours to expand back to full thickness.
When should I not use a bed in my dog's crate?
Skip bedding if your dog is a confirmed fabric chewer, because swallowed material is a medical risk. Skip a deep pad in a hot climate for a short-coated dog with no shade available. Skip an orthopedic bed with a non-washable foam core while the dog is still having accidents. Keep the crate clean instead of covering a hygiene problem.
Which Dog Bed for Crates Should You Buy?
If you want one answer, take the MidWest QuietTime. It has the deepest owner history of anything in this roundup, it washes and dries without drama, the non-skid base keeps it where you put it, and the low profile works in almost any crate. For a dog that burrows and wants depth, go one up to the KSIIA, and for a senior or arthritic dog, the EHEYCIGA orthopedic bed is the only one of these that meaningfully changes how the dog feels.
Everything else on this list is a specialist answer: the VERZEY for a straightforward 36-inch crate, the JoicyCo for large breeds, the EMPSIGN and VANKEAN when temperature or accidents are the deciding factor, and the pobopobo when you need four mats for a puppy. Measure your crate floor, check how hard your dog chews, and pick the one that matches those two answers. If you are still setting up the sleeping area, our senior dog bed guide covers the orthopedic end in more detail, and dog stairs for beds helps with getting up and down on top of the crate rather than inside it.