The best dog beds for crates are rarely the beds that look best on a shelf. They are the pads that actually sit flat inside a fixed interior footprint, keep enough vertical clearance for a dog to stand, and survive hours of unsupervised attention. Crate floors are hard, cold and slippery, which is uncomfortable over elbows and hips, and a dog crated alone with a bed will absolutely test that bed.
Three things break most crate bed purchases. First, fit: owners on r/puppy101 and r/dogs keep describing well-reviewed beds that simply do not fit their crate interior. Second, thickness: a tall bolster makes the crate feel smaller, and some dogs stand and turn instead of settling. Third, durability: a crate dog is the highest-risk chewer in your home, because the bed is the only thing to chew during the hours you are away.
Should you put a dog bed in a crate? Yes, for most dogs. A crate bed insulates your dog from the hard tray, adds cushioning over joints and pressure points, gives the crate a defined sleeping spot that supports den behavior, and protects the tray from hair and drool. The one exception is a dog still being house-trained on pee pads, where a washable liner plus pads is the better setup.
The market splits into three archetypes. An indestructible framed pad removes chewable elements entirely. An orthopedic foam pad supports joints and senior dogs. A plush washable mat is cheap, soft and easy to replace. Our 12 picks cover all three, plus a reversible two-sided mat and a low-profile bolster for small crates.
Every bed below was judged on the same five criteria: whether it is sold in a size that matches a standard crate interior, how much standing headroom it leaves, whether the cover comes off and washes, whether any stuffing or zipper pull is exposed to a chewer, and what the published ratings and review counts say about durability over time. Last updated for 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Dog Beds for Crates in 2026
KSIIA Plush Crate Bed 35 x 23
- 3.5 inch polypropylene fill
- Plush rose velvet surface
- Machine washable
- Non-slip base
Bedsure Sherpa Bed 36 x 27
- Removable washable cover
- Egg-crate foam
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Rubberized base
EHEYCIGA XL Waterproof 44 inch
- Memory foam plus egg crate
- Waterproof film layer
- 3-sided bolster
- Removable cover
All 12 Dog Beds for Crates Compared Side by Side
This table is the fastest way to narrow the field. Every bed is listed with the specs that actually change the decision inside a crate: thickness, washability and durability tier.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| KSIIA Plush Crate Bed 35 x 23 |
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Check Latest Price |
| Bedsure Sherpa Bed 36 x 27 |
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| EHEYCIGA XL Waterproof Bed 44 inch |
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Check Latest Price |
 EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Bed 41 inch |
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 Comfort Expression XL Sofa Bed |
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 Laifug Memory Foam 50 x 36 |
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 K9 Ballistics Armored Crate Bed |
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 Sunheir Waterproof Bed 35 x 22 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Exsnugy Thin Crate Mat 36 x 23 |
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Check Latest Price |
 VERZEY Crate Pad 36 x 23 |
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Check Latest Price |
 EMPSIGN Reversible Mat Large |
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Check Latest Price |
 MidWest QuietTime XXS Bolster |
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Check Latest Price |
The 6 Types of Dog Bed That Go in a Crate
Before comparing brands, it helps to know that only six shapes make sense inside a crate.
Flat crate mat or pad — a thin washable rectangle with no bolster. Best for puppies, hot climates and any dog that needs standing headroom.
Bolster crate bed — a flat center with raised padded edges. Best for curled-up sleepers and small crates where vertical space is already tight.
Orthopedic crate bed — egg-crate or memory foam with a removable cover. Best for senior dogs, arthritic dogs and heavy breeds.
Chew-proof framed pad — an aluminum frame with a ballistic fabric sling and no exposed stuffing. Best for aggressive chewers.
Elevated cot — a raised fabric sling on legs. Best for wire crates in warm weather and dogs that run hot.
Reversible two-sided mat — plush on one face, canvas on the other. Best for four-season households.
1. KSIIA Plush Crate Bed 35 x 23 – Best Overall Dog Crate Bed
KSIIA Washable Dog Bed Medium Size Dog Crate Bed Plush Pet Mat 35″x23″ Gray
35 x 23 x 3.5 inches
3.5 inch polypropylene fill
Plush velvet surface
Machine washable
Pros
- Deep 3.5 inch cushioning
- Machine washable and holds shape
- Non-slip anti-scratch base
- Fits a true 36 inch crate footprint
- Over 33k reviews at 4.6 stars
Cons
- Shrinks 1-2 inches after washing
- No removable cover
- Too bulky for some washing machines
This is the pad we keep coming back to because it does the least amount of things wrong. At 35 by 23 inches it drops into a standard 36-inch crate without bunching against the walls, and the 3.5 inch profile is thick enough to be kind to elbows without turning the crate into a tunnel.
The fill is polypropylene fiber rather than foam, which matters more than the marketing suggests. Fiber compresses and rebounds quickly, so a dog that stands and circles before lying down does not have to fight her way through a crater to get comfortable.
Owners consistently report that dogs take to it within a day or two, even dogs who ignore plush beds elsewhere in the house. That matches what crate owners describe on r/puppy101: inside a den, a soft pad reads as bedding rather than as a toy, so it gets used instead of shredded.
The honest drawback is cleaning. There is no removable cover, so the whole pad goes into the washer, and reviewers report 1 to 2 inches of shrinkage on the first few cycles. Measure your washer drum before you order if you have a compact machine.
What to check before you buy
Confirm your crate interior is at least 35 by 23 inches, because the listed measurement is the pad itself and not the crate size it fits. A 36-inch crate usually gives you roughly 34 to 35 inches of usable interior length once door hardware and the tray lip are accounted for.
Also weigh the dog against the stated 60-pound ceiling. For a small dog, this pad is plush and warm; for a heavy hound on hard trays, an orthopedic core is the better buy.
Where it falls short
It will not survive a determined chewer. Polypropylene fiber is exposed inside the pad, and a dog that shreds bedding in a crate will pull it out and swallow it. For that case, read the chew-proof section first.
It is also the bulkiest wash in this roundup at 4 pounds, which adds to the annoyance of a whole-bed wash after a vomit or accident.
2. Bedsure Sherpa Dog Bed 36 x 27 – Top Rated Pick With a Removable Cover
Bedsure Washable Dog Beds Large Sized Dog with Comfy Sherpa, 36x27in Grey
36 x 27 x 3 inches
Removable sherpa cover
Egg-crate foam
CertiPUR-US certified
Pros
- Cover unzips for machine washing
- Egg-crate foam with certified foam
- Rubberized anti-slip base
- Over 30k reviews at 4.6 stars
Cons
- Higher cost than the mid-size fleece mats
- Cover is fiddly to refit after washing
- Some flattening reported over time
This is the one we recommend when the deciding factor is laundry. The 200gsm sherpa fleece cover unzips completely, so a soaked bed takes minutes to fix rather than a full machine cycle with a heavy wet pad inside.
Underneath is orthopedic egg-crate foam rather than fiberfill, which spreads pressure more evenly across the hips. That matters for older dogs and for breeds that spend their crate hours on one side.
The certification is worth noting: the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved. Those are formaldehyde and flame-retardant standards, and few budget crate pads carry them.
Owners point out the cover can be awkward to pull back over the foam after a wash, especially when it is slightly damp. Budget two minutes and a little patience the first time.
What to check before you buy
Size is the deciding detail. At 36 by 27 inches this is a square-ish pad, and it suits a 36-inch crate floor only if your crate interior is close to full width. In a long narrow 36-inch crate you will see exposed tray at one end.
At 3 inches thick it sits in the middle of the headroom range, so it works for most adult dogs in a crate that is at least 24 inches tall.
Where it falls short
It costs more than the mid-size fleece mats in this roundup, and a few owners report the foam flattening after extended daily use. If your dog is a chewer, this foam is exposed the moment the cover is chewed.
It is also not waterproof, so for an incontinent dog you would still want a liner underneath.
3. EHEYCIGA XL Waterproof Bed 44 Inch – Best for Large Dogs and Sprawlers
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Extra Large Dog Bed, Waterproof Washable XL Pet Bed 44″
44 x 32 x 6 inches
Memory foam plus egg crate
Waterproof film layer
3-sided bolster
Pros
- Best seller with over 22k reviews
- Liquid pools on the surface instead of soaking in
- Three-sided bolster supports head and neck
- Non-slip bottom
Cons
- Bolster sides are not waterproof
- Foam core cannot be machine washed
- Large cover is hard to fit back on
This is the pick for a big dog that sprawls rather than curls. At 44 by 32 inches it fills a 48-inch crate floor generously, and the three-sided bolster gives a dog that lies against the crate wall something to lean into.
The waterproof film sits between the fleece surface and the bottom fabric, which means accidents sit on top and can be blotted rather than absorbed. Owners with older, incontinent dogs rate that feature above all others.
Foam is a combination of memory foam and egg-crate, which is a softer, more pressure-relieving stack than egg-crate alone. Some owners find it less firm than the word orthopedic implies, which is worth knowing before you order for a very heavy dog.
At 6 inches tall including bolsters, this is one of the thicker beds here. In a crate with modest vertical clearance it will eat into standing room.
What to check before you buy
Only the horizontal surface is waterproof. Owners report that liquid can wick into the bolster sides, so a senior dog that sleeps pressed against the wall still needs a liner if accidents are frequent.
The foam core is not washable, so protect it. A washable liner under the bed is cheap insurance against a permanent smell.
Where it falls short
The size is the issue in smaller setups. At 44 by 32 inches it will not go into a 36 or 42-inch crate without folding, and a folded bed stops lying flat.
Refitting the cover after washing is the other common complaint, and a few owners report occasional flimsiness in the construction of this particular size.
4. EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Bed 41 Inch – Best Egg-Crate Support for a Large Crate
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed Large with Removable Washable Cover, 41IN Grey
44.09 x 31.89 x 3.54 inches
3.5 inch egg-crate foam
Removable zip cover
Non-skid base
Pros
- Genuine orthopedic egg-crate core
- Zip cover removes for washing
- Works well for large and senior dogs
- Non-skid base holds position
Cons
- Top sherpa fabric pills and mats with time
- Not water resistant despite the marketing
- Inner foam cannot be washed
Egg-crate foam is the most widely misunderstood material in dog bedding, and this bed shows exactly what it does well: the ridged surface spreads load across a wider area than flat fiberfill, which is why owners with senior dogs single this one out.
The cover unzips and washes, which puts it ahead of most orthopedic pads in this roundup. At 3.5 inches of foam depth, it also stays flatter than a sofa-style bed while still cushioning the elbows.
Allow 24 to 48 hours after unpacking for the foam to rebound to full height. A bed that looks thin in the box is normal, and owners who skip this step rate the bed as too soft.
One thing to be clear about: this is not a water-resistant bed despite how often that gets claimed in the category. Urine reaching the foam means replacing the core.
What to check before you buy
Check the actual pad measurement against your crate interior. The listed dimensions are 44.09 by 31.89 inches, which fits a 48-inch crate floor comfortably and will overhang a 42-inch crate.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, skip this one. There is exposed foam inside and the sherpa top pills with use, which is a sign the surface is weakening.
Where it falls short
Owners on the review side report the top fabric pilling and matting down over time, and that the cover traps hair and crumbs in the sherpa nap.
Because the foam is not washable, any accident is effectively permanent for the core. Add a waterproof liner if your dog is still house-trained.
5. Comfort Expression XL Sofa Bed – Best for Heavy Dogs up to 90 Pounds
Comfort Expression Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed for Extra Large Dogs
42 x 30 x 9 inches
5 inch side bolsters
Waterproof inner liner
CertiPUR-US egg crate
Pros
- Waterproof liner sits under the cover
- Separate zippers for cover and bolsters
- Certified foam and OEKO-TEX fabric
- Built for dogs up to 90 lb
Cons
- Base is thinner than the listed 3.5 inches
- Assembly required on first use
- Some quality variation between units
The distinguishing feature here is a waterproof inner liner, not just a waterproof cover. The liner sits between the cover and the foam, so even if a seam gives way the core stays dry, which is the failure owners complain about most often in this category.
The bolsters are 5 inches, the tallest in this roundup, and the base is a separate zippered section. Owners with Labradors and other heavy hounds say the shape gives the dog something to rest a head against without sliding.
Foam is CertiPUR-US certified egg-crate and the fabric carries OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. It arrives vacuum packed, and owners recommend leaving 48 hours for full expansion before judging the firmness.
Assembly is a small step: insert the base, then roll the bolsters into the pockets. It takes a minute the first time and none after.
What to check before you buy
Overall height is 9 inches. That is generous comfort but poor headroom economics, so it works best in a tall crate with a small or medium dog that stays low, or as a floor bed rather than a crate bed.
If your crate is 24 inches tall or under, this is not the pad to put inside it.
Where it falls short
Several owners report the base measuring closer to 2 inches once expanded rather than the listed 3.5, so a very heavy dog may compress it more than you expect.
There is some quality variation across units, with reports of compressed foam or a torn base arriving. Check the package on arrival.
6. Laifug Memory Foam Bed 50 x 36 – Best True Memory Foam Support
Laifug Orthopedic Dog Bed, Slate Grey 50”x36”x10”, Memory Foam
50 x 36.22 x 9.06 inches
7 inch 30D plus 40D foam
Waterproof inner liner
Dual pillow design
Pros
- Real memory foam rather than egg-crate
- Waterproof liner plus washable cover
- Dual pillows support head and neck
- No sagging reported by owners
Cons
- Most expensive bed in the roundup
- Weighs 17.6 lb so it is hard to move
- Needs a large crate and floor space
This is the deepest foam in the roundup at 7 inches, built from a 30D ultra-soft layer over a 40D high-density memory foam layer. That combination is what separates it from the egg-crate beds, which push up rather than contour down.
Owners of senior dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis describe it as the bed that finally let their dog settle comfortably. The waterproof inner lining protects the memory foam, which is the material most damaged by urine.
The SBS zipper on the cover is a detail worth noting. Most crate bed zippers are a single small plastic pull that a chewer can work loose, and this one is recessed into a longer tape.
Allow 24 to 48 hours for full expansion. Owners who skip this rate the bed as too hard in the first day and excellent afterward.
What to check before you buy
At 50 by 36 inches this is a floor bed first and a crate bed second. It suits a 54-inch crate for a giant breed, and it does not work in a 48-inch crate without folding.
At 9 inches tall and 17.6 pounds, this is a two-person lift. That is fine in a living room and awkward when the crate is in a bedroom closet.
Where it falls short
The cost is the first barrier. Owners who love the comfort still describe the price as the reason it is not in every room of the house.
Some owners with very heavy dogs find the foam density less supportive than hoped once the dog has been on it for months.
7. K9 Ballistics Armored Crate Bed – Best for Aggressive Chewers
K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Armored Padded Dog Crate Bed, L, Obsidian Black
41 x 27 x 1.5 inches
Solid aluminum frame
1200D ripstop ballistic sling
Converts to elevated bed
Pros
- Aluminum frame removes chewable foam entirely
- Water and odor resistant fabric
- Converts to an elevated bed with included legs
- Non-skid feet protect hard floors
Cons
- Highest cost in the roundup
- Only 1.5 inches of padding
- Requires diagonal installation in the crate
Every other bed in this roundup contains foam or fiber that a determined dog can reach. This one does not. The vulnerable spots are covered by a solid aluminum frame, and the surface is a 1200D ripstop ballistic fabric sling rather than a stitched fabric shell.
That is the whole design logic, and it is why owners who have already burned through BullyBeds, fabric kennel beds and even aramid covers end up here. The bed works by removing chewable material, not by being tougher fabric.
It installs diagonally in a standard wire crate, which uses the crate corners where a flat pad would leave bare tray. The included legs convert it to an elevated bed, which is useful in a warm room or over a floor that collects hair.
The fabric resists water, dirt, fur and odor, so a wiped-down pad stays clean without washing.
What to check before you buy
Confirm your crate is a wire crate. The diagonal install relies on the wire floor perimeter, and this is not the bed for a plastic kennel.
Also be honest about whether your dog needs this. Owners report the aluminum frame is uncomfortable for some dogs, and a dog that does not accept the bed will chew it out of habit rather than need.
Where it falls short
Padding is 1.5 inches. That is enough to take the edge off wire and hard tray, but it is not joint support, and older dogs with arthritis will be more comfortable elsewhere.
The review base is the smallest in this roundup at 826 ratings, so there is less long-term history here than the numbers suggest.
8. Sunheir Waterproof Orthopedic Bed 35 x 22 – Best Budget Waterproof Pick
Sunheir Washable Orthopedic Large Dog Bed with Removable Cover, Pet Bed Mat
35 x 22 x 3 inches
3 layer waterproof TPU cover
Egg-crate foam
Removable zip cover
Pros
- TPU barrier genuinely blocks liquid
- Removable cover is machine washable
- Egg-crate core at a budget price
- Lightweight at 1.1 lb
Cons
- Runs smaller and thinner than expected
- Fabric tears quickly for chewers
- Needs 48 hours to expand after unpacking
The useful thing about this bed is the three-layer cover with a TPU barrier built into it. That is a real waterproof membrane rather than a water-repellent finish, so accidents sit on the surface and the foam underneath stays clean.
For a house-training puppy or an older dog with occasional accidents, that single feature does more than twice the cost of the bed in a year of replacement cycles avoided.
The cover also has reinforced side fabric meant to resist scratching and biting, and it unzips for machine washing. Owners report the cover holds its waterproofing through repeated washes.
Because it arrives compressed, give it 48 hours to expand before judging the depth. A lot of the disappointment in the reviews traces back to judging it too early.
What to check before you buy
Owners report it runs smaller and thinner than the listed 35 by 22 inches once compressed foam rebounds, and that sizing varies between production runs. Measure your crate and add a margin if you are near the limit.
It suits a calm adult dog. Puppies and heavy chewers will find the side fabric too thin.
Where it falls short
This is the least durable bed in the roundup for the wrong kind of dog. Reviewers report the foam being shredded and the cover fabric tearing, so it is not a fit for a crate chewer.
It is also the lightest unit here at 1.1 pounds, which can slide on slick crate trays without the non-slip backing biting properly.
9. Exsnugy Thin Crate Mat 36 x 23 – Best Low-Profile Mat for Headroom
Exsnugy Washable Dog Bed Mat Medium Size Fluffy Pet Crate Pad 36×23
35 x 22 x 1.5 inches
300gsm plush surface
Machine washable
Anti-slip bottom
Pros
- Lowest profile that still cushions
- Machine washable and holds shape
- Not too hot in warm months
- Folds flat for travel crates
Cons
- Only 1.5 inches of cushioning
- Sheds fabric and debris
- Too thin for a large senior dog
Headroom is the reason to pick this one. At 1.5 inches it gives the dog a defined sleeping surface while leaving almost all of the crate interior vertical space, which is what short-legged breeds like a Dachshund or a Corgi need.
The 300gsm plush surface is described by owners as balanced rather than pillowy. Dogs that run warm in a crate tend to settle on it faster than on deeper fleece pads.
It folds down small for travel and hotel crates, which is a genuine advantage over the plushier beds here. Several owners use it as a house floor mat and a crate pad interchangeably.
Wash performance is the surprise. Owners report it holding its shape through repeated cycles better than thicker fleece mats, which tend to go flat in the dryer.
What to check before you buy
Be realistic about cushioning. At 1.5 inches there is very little between the dog and the tray, so this is a comfort and warmth mat rather than joint support.
If you are house-training, this works well as the top layer of a liner-plus-pad-plus-pad setup. It is not waterproof on its own.
Where it falls short
Several owners report fabric shedding and loose debris coming off the surface, which is unpleasant in a crate where everything collects.
Large or older dogs with joint problems will not find 1.5 inches meaningful, and some owners say the plushness is less than product photos suggest.
10. VERZEY Crate Pad 36 x 23 – Best Soft Mat Under 2 Inches
Dog Crate Pad Washable Dog Bed for Crate Medium Cozy Mat 36-Inch Gray
36 x 23 x 1 inches
Faux fur surface
Machine washable
Anti-slip dot base
Pros
- Softest surface in the budget group
- Machine washable and holds shape
- Anti-slip dots grip the tray
- Repeat buyers across crate and kennel use
Cons
- Only 1 inch of thickness
- Sheds fabric with use
- No removable cover
This is the softest surface in the roundup, and softness is the point. The faux fur is close to the MidWest bolster in feel at a fraction of the depth, and owners report dogs taking to it immediately.
At exactly 1 inch it is the thinnest option here, which makes it the safest choice for a short crate or a dog with limited headroom. It also fills a 36-inch crate floor neatly at 36 by 23 inches.
Owners use it for crates, kennels, cages and living room floors interchangeably. The anti-slip dot base grips a plastic tray better than most flat fleece mats.
There is no removable cover, so the whole pad washes. At 2.62 pounds it is light enough for a standard washer.
What to check before you buy
One inch is close to nothing in terms of joint support. If your dog is a senior, this is a warmth mat, not an orthopedic bed.
For a wire crate, check that 36 by 23 inches leaves the tray visible at one end on a narrow floor. That is a feature if you prefer a defined sleeping patch to a fully covered crate floor.
Where it falls short
Owners report fabric shedding, which means stray debris in the crate tray and on the wire floor underneath.
With one inch of fill there is almost no rebound, so a large dog pressing down feels the tray immediately.
11. EMPSIGN Reversible Mat Large – Best Two-Sided Mat for Four-Season Homes
EMPSIGN Dog Bed Mat Crate Pad Mattress, Ultra Soft Pet Kennel, Grey, Large
35.04 x 22.05 x 2.28 inches
Plush side and canvas side
Waterproof lining
Removable zip cover
Pros
- Flip between warm plush and cool canvas
- Waterproof lining protects the foam
- Firm high-density support
- Removable cover for washing
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Seams at the zipper can split over time
- Not durable against diggers or chewers
Two-sided construction solves a real problem: a plush mat is too warm in July and a flat canvas mat is too cold in January. Flipping the cover switches the surface without buying a second bed.
The waterproof lining sits under the removable zippered cover and protects the high-density foam core, which is the part that would otherwise absorb urine and hold the smell permanently.
Firmness is the distinguishing trait. Owners describe the support as closer to a firm mattress than a plush pad, which suits a dog that likes a flat sleeping surface rather than a depression.
It arrives vacuum packed and needs 24 to 48 hours to inflate. Several owners report being disappointed by the initial flatness before giving it time.
What to check before you buy
Hand wash only. That is the single biggest practical limitation here, because a crate bed takes accidents and needs a real wash, not a basin and a brush.
If you need a machine-washable bed for a house-training crate, pick a different option from this roundup.
Where it falls short
Owners report the seam at the zipper coming apart after extended use, and tearing within months in homes with diggers or chewers.
The canvas side makes some noise when a dog moves across it, which some dogs find unsettling at first.
12. MidWest QuietTime XXS Bolster 18 Inch – Best Small-Crate Bed with Straps
QuietTime by MidWest 18″ Dog Crate Bolster Bed, Gray, Toy Breeds
18 x 9 x 2.75 inches
Fits 18 inch crates
Elastic corner straps
Machine washable
Pros
- Sold in crate-matched sizes from small up
- Elastic straps anchor it to the tray
- Over 95k reviews at 4.2 stars
- Fully machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Faux fur sheds heavily in the wash
- Bottom is slick on hard floors
- Only rated for pets up to 10 lb
This is the oldest product in the roundup, on sale since 2007, and it is still the reference point for small crates. It is made in crate-matched sizes rather than generic bed sizes, which is exactly the fix for the fit problem that frustrates owners elsewhere.
The elastic corner straps are the detail that makes it work in a wire crate. The pad fastens to the tray at each corner, so it does not slide into a corner and get soiled, which is a complaint owners raise often with loose flat pads.
The bolster edges are filled with polyester and give a small dog something to rest a head against. It also works well for cats, which owners mention frequently.
Fully machine washable and dryer safe, and at 8.64 ounces it dries quickly. That matters for a bed that gets washed often.
What to check before you buy
This XXS size is listed for toy breeds up to 10 pounds and fits an 18-inch crate. Larger sizes run upward, but verify the interior measurement rather than assuming the crate label matches.
The straps need a crate tray with a lip or a suitable anchor point. On a bare wire floor without a tray, the anchors have nothing to catch.
Where it falls short
Faux fur shedding during a wash is the most reported complaint by far, and owners expect a heavy shed on the first few cycles.
The base is not heavily padded and can feel slick on a hard floor outside the crate, and a small plastic tag can be sharp for a very small puppy.
How to Choose a Dog Crate Bed That Actually Fits
Measure the crate interior, not the crate label
A 36-inch crate is not a 36-inch interior. The label is the external length, and the usable floor is shorter because of the door hardware, the tray lip and the wall thickness. Measure the inside width and the inside depth of the tray, then subtract an inch from each to leave room for the bed to sit flat without bunching.
A rough guide for common sizes: a 30-inch crate usually has an interior around 28 by 17 to 18 inches, a 36-inch crate around 34 by 22 to 23 inches, and a 48-inch crate around 46 by 28 to 30 inches. A bed listed at 36 by 23 inches fits a 36-inch crate snugly and overhangs a 30-inch one entirely.
If your crate is an unusual size, such as a 22 by 13 travel crate, the MidWest line is the safest bet because it is built around crate dimensions rather than bed dimensions.
Check headroom, not just length
A dog needs to stand, turn around and lie down in a crate. That requirement is why thickness is a trade-off rather than a feature. Every inch of bed height is subtracted from the space a dog has above it.
The practical rule is simple: stand your dog in the crate without the bed and note where the top of the head sits relative to the door. Anything that fills a quarter to a third of that gap is safe. A 4-inch sofa-style bolster in a 24-inch crate removes a meaningful chunk of standing room, which is why owners report dogs standing and turning rather than settling.
This is also why so many crate bed recommendations are flat pads. A low profile preserves den behavior, which is the whole point of the crate.
Durability tiers decoded
Indestructible — aluminum frame or hard shell, no exposed stuffing, no fabric seam a dog can reach into. Expect it to outlast several cheaper beds. K9 Ballistics sits here.
Chew-resistant — ripstop or ballistic fabric, reinforced corners, no exposed zipper pull, no loose fill. Better than standard, not permanent.
Standard — fleece, polyfill and quilted pads. Comfortable and washable, but a determined crate chewer will destroy them.
What to avoid is simple: dangling zipper pulls, exposed foam edges, a bed with no removable cover, and any product where the fill is visible through a seam. Owners on r/dogs report burning through brand after brand before finding that the deciding factor was the absence of exposed stuffing.
Product is only half the fix. A dog that chews a crate bed is often doing it because it is bored or because the bed arrived and no one taught the dog it was a place to settle. Conditioning your dog onto the new bed with treats before leaving it alone helps more than a tougher fabric.
Match the bed to your dog’s sleeping style
Sprawler — a dog that flops flat and takes up the whole floor wants a wide flat pad or lounger. Skip the bolster.
Curl or snuggler — a bolster bed or couch style gives a curled dog a rim to nest against.
Senior or arthritic dog — a couch-style bed with a low entry lip reduces the lift-over barrier, and orthopedic foam spreads pressure across the hips.
Dog that runs warm — a canvas side, a cooling surface, or an elevated cot in a wire crate.
Foam and fill without the hype
Memory foam contours under load and is the most pressure-relieving option. Egg-crate foam is ridged and pushes back, which is forgiving and durable but not true contouring. Polyester polyfill is the cheapest and softest, and it compresses fastest with daily use. Cooling gel adds a layer that feels cool for the first minutes rather than actively regulating temperature for hours.
One caveat worth repeating from the broader testing conversation in this category: orthopedic is a loosely used marketing word for dog bedding. There is no regulated definition, so treat it as a description of a thicker foam core rather than a clinical claim.
Washability, liners and pee pads
A removable, machine-washable cover is close to a dealbreaker. Beds without one force a whole-bed wash, and foam cores in this roundup are not washable at all, so a soaked core usually means replacement.
For a puppy crate, the layering system owners describe works well: a waterproof liner on the tray, the washable pad on top of that, and pee pads on the very top. You lift the pad, swap the pad, and the foam never sees moisture. Our puppy crate guide covers the sizing side of that setup.
Be precise about what stops liquid. A water-resistant finish beads on the surface. A waterproof liner or TPU membrane blocks it. A sealed foam core blocks it permanently. Those are three different levels of protection and they are not interchangeable.
Wire crate, plastic kennel or travel crate
Wire crates want a low-profile pad or an anchored bed with straps or corner loops, so it does not get pushed into a corner. Fringed or flanged edges help here, which is why crate-matched brands like MidWest fit wire crates so cleanly.
Plastic kennels have raised molded rims, so a flat pad that sits slightly small can tuck under the lip. A soft pad also protects the dog from the hard molded floor, which is colder than wire.
Travel crates and hotel crates need something that folds small and washes fast. A thin mat like the Exsnugy packs down to almost nothing and drys quickly.
Sizing a puppy bed for the adult dog
Buy the adult size and use a crate divider panel now. A puppy in an adult-size crate will corner the bed, soil the far end, or lose interest in a mat it can walk over. A divider keeps the sleeping area the right size while the dog grows, and it is the standard first step in puppy crate training.
If you have two dogs sharing one crate, size to the larger dog and add a second smaller pad rather than one bed for both. You can find crate sizing that handles larger breeds in our large dog crate guide, and if your dog is the kind that destroys bedding, the heavy-duty crate guide covers the crate side of that problem.
One more practical note: if you move your dog onto a new bed at the same time as a new crate location, keep the bed identical during the change. A dog that has to adjust to two new things at once is the reason many owners conclude their dog hates the crate rather than the crate bed. If the bed is at a different height, a ramp or dog stairs for beds make the move easier for an older dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put a dog bed in a crate?
Yes, for most dogs. A crate bed insulates your dog from the hard, cold tray, adds cushioning over joints and pressure points, gives the crate a defined sleeping spot, and protects the tray from hair and drool. Keep the bed low-profile so your dog can still stand and turn around. The exception is a puppy still being house-trained, where a washable liner plus pee pads works better.
Can you put a dog bed in a crate?
You can, and most dogs settle faster with one. The bed needs to be sold in a size that matches your crate interior rather than a generic dog bed size, and it needs to be low enough that your dog can stand without pressing into the cushion. Avoid anything with exposed stuffing or a dangling zipper pull if your dog is left alone in the crate.
What should you put in the bottom of a dog crate?
A washable waterproof liner on the tray, a low-profile crate mat or pad on top of it, and for a puppy, pee pads on the very top. That layering keeps accidents out of the foam core, which usually cannot be washed. In a wire crate, add a bed with elastic straps or corner loops so it does not slide into a corner. A bare tray is workable but hard, cold and slippery.
What size dog bed fits in a 36 inch crate?
A 36-inch crate usually has an interior floor around 34 by 22 to 23 inches, so look for a pad listed at roughly 35 by 22 or 35 by 23 inches. Measure the inside of your tray and subtract an inch on each side before ordering, because the label on the crate is the external length. Anything listed at 36 inches will bunch or overhang.
How thick should a dog crate bed be?
One to three inches suits most dogs. Keep the bed under about a quarter to a third of the space between the tray and the top of your dog’s head when standing, or the dog may stop settling. Puppies, short-legged breeds and dogs with separation anxiety generally do better on a thin pad, while senior dogs benefit from three inches of orthopedic foam.
Why does my dog chew the bed in the crate?
Most often it is boredom, frustration or lack of conditioning rather than taste. A crate bed should read as bedding, not a toy, and most dogs learn that quickly when you place a treat on the bed every time they settle. Leave the new bed in the crate while you are home first, and for a determined chewer choose a framed pad with no exposed stuffing.
Is it better for dogs to sleep in crates?
It depends on the dog. Crates work well as a den for crate-trained dogs and for short periods such as travel, vet visits or puppy training. Some dogs settle better in a bed in the same room as their people. If your dog shows distress such as panting, barking or destructive behavior, speak with a veterinarian or a certified trainer rather than extending crate time.
Which Dog Crate Bed Should You Buy?
If you only buy one, the KSIIA plush crate pad at 35 by 23 inches is the safest choice for most homes: it fits a standard 36-inch crate, washes whole, and has more than 33k ratings behind it at 4.6 stars.
Buy the Bedsure sherpa bed if laundry drives your decision, the Laifug memory foam bed if you have a senior dog with joint pain, and the K9 Ballistics armored pad if your dog has already destroyed everything soft you have left in a crate. For a house-training puppy, start with the Sunheir waterproof bed layered over a liner with pee pads on top.
Measure your crate interior first. That single step eliminates more bad purchases than any other advice on this page, and it is the reason the best dog beds for crates are chosen by size before they are chosen by feel.