The Best Dog Crate Pads

If you use a dog crate while traveling or at home, you’ve probably noticed that dog crates are not that comfortable for dogs. they are made out of hard, durable materials that are not comfortable to lay on. Fortunately, there are many dog crate pads and mats that you can choose from to make your dog’s crate more comfortable. (If you need a crate, be sure to check out our reviews of the best small dog crates and the best large dog crates.)

We reviewed dozens of dog crate pads to identify the best of the best. There are many factors that can change the value of a crate pad from what it is stuffed with to its care methods. Finding the right pad or mat depends on your needs, your dog breed, and where you want to use the crate pad.

Top Pick

MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed

Make your dog’s crate his or her favorite hangout spot with the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed.

Our top pick, the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed, offers the best combination of uses, care methods, and comfort options for your dog. There are many variations of it so that you can find the one that fits your dog’s needs the best. It is super soft and comfortable for your dog while remaining durable and easy to care for.

The 5 Top-Rated Dog Crate Pads & Mats

Editor’s Picks Brand Rating
Best Overall MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed 4.0
Runner Up MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds – Ideal for Dog Crates 4.2
Best Budget Buy K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets 4.3
Best Orthopedic Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed 4.2
Best Reversible Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed 4.4

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Our Top Pick: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed

The MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed is our top pick for dog crate pads. When it comes to dog crate beds, it is one of the most popular and well-reviewed available. Plus, it has the best combination of comfort features, care methods, and cost value. You can get it in common crate sizes all the way up to 54 inches making it easier to find the right one for your dog’s crate.

One of the best features of the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed is its versatile design. It works best in folding cage-style crates since its soft internal structure and low profile let you keep it in most crates when they are folded. The bolster cushion around the edge protects your dog from hard edges around the crate and doubles as a head and neck support system.

Taking care of this bed is easy as well. It is a single piece, so you don’t have to worry about taking a cover off. Just through the whole thing into the washing machine. You can also put it in the dryer for faster drying. That way, it stays clean on a regular basis, keeping pet hair out of your house.

MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed Key Features: 

  • Machine washable and dryer friendly
  • Fits perfectly in most common crate sizes
  • Designed for cage-style crates
  • Soft and durable design

Our Runner Up Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds – Ideal for Dog Crates

Runner Up

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds – Ideal for Dog Crates

Offer more support for all dogs with this super plush, deluxe pet bed that’s ideal for dog crates.

This MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds – Ideal for Dog Crates is our runner up pick for dog crate pads. With its combination of features, it is a comfortable option for most dogs. Plus it works well inside and outside of dog crates.

One of the best features of the MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds | Super Plush Dog & Cat Beds Ideal for Dog Crates is its thickness. It has a much thicker design, which makes it useable for large and small dogs. Dogs over 90 lbs can use it and be comfortable making it an even better choice for small dogs. Despite its thickness, it still fits well in crates of multiple sizes.

Dogs enjoy the MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds | Super Plush Dog & Cat Beds Ideal for Dog Crates for its soft cover. The cover is made out of synthetic fur that has a soft feel but a more durable and eco-friendly build. It is also overstuffed to give it more supportive padding.

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Beds – Ideal for Dog Crates Key Features: 

  • Anti-slip gel dots on the bottom
  • Best for large dogs (over 90 lbs)
  • Thick overstuffed design
  • Soft synthetic fur

Best Budget Pick: K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets

Best for Budget

K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets

Make your dog’s crate more comfortable on a budget with this cozy crate pad.

K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets is our best budget pick for dog crate beds. When you need to make your dog’s crate more comfortable quickly and on a tight budget, it is the best option available at just $10, you can greatly improve how comfortable your dog’s crate is.

The best feature of the K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets is its versatility. It comes in a warming option of an odor control option. There are also six sizes to choose from to get a better fit in the crate. The corners have slits that will let it match the corners of the crate exactly for a secure fit. Plus, the bottom has an anti-slip system to keep it firmly in place.

The K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets can be an effective choice if you want something relatively simple. It is a single piece that is machine washable. With its thin profile, you can leave it in the crate even when it is folded so that it is always there and ready for your dog.

K&H Pet Products Crate Pad for Pets Key Features: 

  • Thin profile and slit corners for a better fit
  • Odor control and warming variants
  • Anti-slip bottom
  • Microfleece top for softness

Best Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad: Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed

Best Orthopedic

Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed

Help a dog with special comfort needs feel better with this orthopedic dog crate pad.

The Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed is our best orthopedic dog crate pad pick. While all dogs can benefit from a little added support, some dogs need more support than normal dog beds provide. Orthopedic dog crate pads can help relieve the stress on your dog’s joints, spine, and pressure points, making him or her instantly more comfortable.

The best feature of the Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed is its orthopedic insert. The padding is provided by shredded orthopedic foam. It provides exceptional padding and support combined with the orthopedic benefits of memory foam. Because of its size and a full three inches of padding, this pad works well for dogs of any size.

Brindle Soft Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed with Removable Washable Cover Key Features: 

  • Three-inches of padding
  • Orthopedic foam padding
  • Machine washable cover
  • Lightweight and easy to transport

Best Reversible Dog Crate Pad: Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed

Best Reversible

Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed

Add versatility and comfort to your dog’s crate with this reversible crate pad.

The Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed is our best reversible dog crate pad pick. In some cases, your dog can benefit from multiple pad options. This Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed in Blue & White Synthetic Fur for Dogs & Cats gives you two options to choose from. The top side has a smooth blue print design that is fun to look at and offers a moderate level of softness. The other side is covered in fleece for a softer feel and a warming effect.

The best feature of this Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed in Blue & White Synthetic Fur for Dogs & Cats is its reversible options. The fleece side can be a more comfortable option when the weather is colder outside. The warming aspect of the fleece helps keep your dog at the right temperature even when it is cold outside. The print side is more breathable and helps your dog stay cool in warmer weather. It comes in a variety of sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your dog’s needs.

Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed in Blue & White Synthetic Fur for Dogs & Cats Key Features: 

  • Fleece reverse side
  • Thick padding
  • Machine washable
  • Made from synthetic fur

Who Should Buy a Dog Crate Pad

Dog crate pads are useful for any dog owner that uses crates. Dog crates, particularly the cage-style crates, have hard bottoms that are not comfortable to lay on for long periods of time. Some crates have removable bottoms which are even less comfortable to lay on and are made of less sturdy materials. Adding a dog crate pad can significantly improve your dog’s comfort while in the crate.

Dog crate pads offer other benefits as well. For example, orthopedic pads can help your dog be happier and healthier throughout the day. If your dog spends long periods of time in a crate during trips or while you are at work, then a dog crate pad is a good investment in your dog’s happiness and health.

Top Pick

MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed

Make your dog’s crate his or her favorite hangout spot with the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed.

Important Features to Consider

There are many features that determine the value of a crate pad. Here are some of the features that we considered when choosing the best dog crate pads:

  • Padding type. Dog crate pads can be stuffed with a variety of padding types. Depending on the type of padding, each pad has different features. For example, orthopedic pads use different versions of orthopedic foam to provide superior support. Memory foam, cotton stuffing, and polyester are other common padding types.
  • Thickness. The thickness of the pad determines how supportive it can be, and how well it fits in crates. Some pads are thin enough to be left in a crate when it is collapsed for transport, others may be too thick for small dogs to get onto easily.
  • Care methods. The method of cleaning the pad is important. Many have removable covers that are machine washable and dryer friendly. Others can have the entire pad washed at the same time.
  • Weight. Padding types and pad sizes can determine how heavy a pad is. Thicker pads, especially the ones with foam inserts, are heavier and harder to transport by hand.
  • Size. The size of the pad measured by the length, width, and sometimes the height if it is thicker. The size of the pad must closely match the dimensions of the crate to be fully useful.
  • Materials. Pads are made from a variety of materials that have different durabilities and textures. Polyester is commonly used for its durability and its soft texture.
  • Special features. Some pads have special features like reversible construction methods or waterproof liners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog crate pad?

A dog crate pad is a pad designed to go inside a dog crate. Many dog owners prefer them because the floor of a dog crate is not comfortable for a dog to lay on. They are often made out of metal or hard plastic, which can place a lot of pressure on a dog when laying down. So, a soft pad is inserted into the crate to make it more comfortable.

Are crate pads waterproof?

The level of waterproofing for a crate often depends on its cover, although there are pads designed to absorb or have water pass right through it. Most waterproof pads have a special lining in the cover that repels water. Some pads are made with internal structures that let water flow through without being absorbed. Other pads soak up water and keep it trapped inside so that your dog stays drier.

How do you clean a dog crate pad?

The cleaning method depends on the pad. Many pads come with a removable cover, and most covers or single-piece pads are machine washable. Not all pads are dryer friendly though, so it is important to check the care instructions first. the vast majority of foam inserts (memory, orthopedic, or otherwise) or special structure pads are not machine washable or dryer friendly. If they are placed in either machine, it is likely that they will be ruined or become hazardous for you and your household.

What size dog crate pad do I need? 

To find the right size dog pad, check the measurements of your dog crate. Dog crate pads are designed to fit the most common crate sizes. These measurements may be an inch off. For example, a 50-inch by 25-inch crate can fit a pad that is 49-inches by 24-inches, although it will likely be rated as a 50-inch pad with the size adjustment already being made by the manufacturer.