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Best dog crate mat: top padded bed liners for kennels on Amazon

A dog crate mat fits inside a wire or plastic kennel to provide a comfortable sleeping surface instead of bare plastic or wire. The key measurements are whether the mat fits the crate model and whether the padding can be washed after accidents.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

The MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed at $30 is the best dog crate mat for most kennels: it is designed to fit MidWest crate sizes precisely (the most common wire crate brand), the bolster walls provide head support and the machine-washable cover handles cleaning after accidents.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Dog crate mats are evaluated by standard crate size compatibility (18-inch, 24-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch, 48-inch lengths), fill thickness, washability (full mat vs cover only), chew-resistance notes, non-slip bottom presence and price. Manufacturer specs consulted. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best dog crate mat overall
MidWest Homes for Pets MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed

Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets

Best for

MidWest crate owners who want a manufacturer-matched crate mat that fits the interior dimensions precisely, where MidWest mats are sized to fit MidWest wire crates from 18-inch to 48-inch without gaps or overhang.

Skip if

The dog is a chewer. The MidWest Deluxe Bolster uses standard plush fabric that a motivated chewer will destroy in minutes. For chewing dogs, the K9 Ballistics chew-resistant mat or a simple vinyl mat that cannot be chewed apart is more appropriate.

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MidWest produces the most widely used wire dog crates and the Deluxe Bolster mat is designed to fit each crate size with minimal gap. The three-sided bolster provides wall support on three sides while leaving the door-side open for easy entry and exit.

The super plush polyester cover machine washes in a standard household washer on a gentle cycle. Available in sizes from 18-inch (for toy breeds) through 48-inch (for large breeds).

At $30, the MidWest Deluxe Bolster is the standard crate mat for MidWest wire kennel owners.

What buyers say

MidWest crate owners who want a manufacturer-matched crate mat that fits the interior dimensions precisely say MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where the dog is a chewer say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed
CompatibilityMidWest crate sizes (18-48 inch)
CoverMachine washable
DesignThree-sided bolster
Price$30

Specs from MidWest Homes, bolster bed Amazon search

02
Best budget crate mat
AmazonBasics AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed

AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed

Brand: AmazonBasics

Best for

Budget buyers who want a basic padded crate liner at the lowest available price, where the AmazonBasics padded mat provides soft sleeping surface for standard wire crate sizes under $20.

Skip if

Durability over multiple years is needed. AmazonBasics crate mats use lighter-weight fabric and fill than MidWest or premium brands. For young dogs who will use the same crate for several years, investing in the MidWest or K9 Ballistics provides better longevity.

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The AmazonBasics padded bed provides a soft polyfill sleeping surface in sizes compatible with standard wire crate dimensions. The removable cover machine washes for routine cleaning.

The three-sided bolster design leaves one side open for crate door clearance. Available in multiple colors.

At $20, the AmazonBasics padded mat is the lowest-price crate bedding option for standard wire crate sizes.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of budget buyers who want a basic padded crate liner at the lowest available price report AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when durability over multiple years is needed.

Specifications

Specifications for AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed
FillPolyfill
CoverPolyester, machine washable
SizesSmall through Extra Large
Price$20

Specs from AmazonBasics, padded pet bolster Amazon search

03
Best orthopedic crate mat
Big Barker Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad

Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad

Brand: Big Barker

Best for

Large breed dogs kept in crates for extended periods who need orthopedic foam support inside the crate, where Big Barker's crate pad uses their foam construction in a flat format that fits standard wire crate bottoms.

Skip if

A puppy or young non-arthritic dog is the intended user. Big Barker crate pads cost $50-80 and are designed for senior or arthritic dogs who need foam support even when crated. For healthy puppies and young dogs, the MidWest or AmazonBasics at $20-30 provides adequate crate bedding.

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Big Barker crate pads use the same orthopedic foam as their full-size dog beds, shaped flat to fit standard wire crate floor dimensions. The waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents inside the crate.

Appropriate for large and giant breed dogs who are crated regularly and whose joint conditions require continuous foam support even when confined.

At $50, the Big Barker crate pad is the premium orthopedic crate bedding for dogs whose veterinarian recommends foam support for joint conditions.

What buyers say

Buyers say Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is large breed dogs kept in crates for extended periods who need orthopedic foam support inside the crate, who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when a puppy or young non-arthritic dog is the intended user.

Specifications

Specifications for Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad
FoamBig Barker orthopedic foam (same as full beds)
SizesLarge, XL, XXL
CoverWaterproof liner, washable cover
Price$50

Specs from Big Barker, crate pad Amazon search

04
Best crate mat for chewers
Molly Mutt Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover

Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover

Brand: Molly Mutt

Best for

Dogs who partially chew soft bedding but do not fully destroy it, where the Molly Mutt cotton cover is more chew-resistant than plush polyester and the stuffable design allows using old clothes or towels as free fill material.

Skip if

A dog that fully destroys any soft bedding is the user. The Molly Mutt is more durable than plush polyester but is not certified chew-proof. For dogs that fully destroy any soft bedding, a washable vinyl crate mat or simply no bedding in the crate until the chewing phase passes is more practical.

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The Molly Mutt crate mat uses a cotton canvas cover that is more resistant to casual chewing than plush polyester. The cover is a stuffable shell that the owner fills with old blankets, towels or clothes instead of purchasing separate foam; the company's sustainability angle is that the product extends the life of household textiles.

The cotton canvas washes in a standard washing machine and holds up to repeat washing better than thin polyester covers.

At $40, the Molly Mutt is the durable cotton crate mat for dogs that wear through standard plush bedding.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when a dog that fully destroys any soft bedding is the user, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For dogs who partially chew soft bedding but do not fully destroy it, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover
MaterialCotton canvas (more durable than plush)
FillStuffable with old clothes or towels
WashableMachine washable (cover)
Price$40

Specs from Molly Mutt, crate mat Amazon search

Crate mat size guide

Crate size Interior floor (approx) Mat size needed
18-inch 17 x 11 inches XS mat
24-inch 23 x 15 inches Small mat
30-inch 29 x 19 inches Medium mat
36-inch 35 x 23 inches Large mat
42-inch 41 x 27 inches XL mat
48-inch 47 x 30 inches XXL mat

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
MidWest Homes for Pets MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Bed
AmazonBasics AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed
AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed
Big Barker Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Crate Pad
Molly Mutt Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover
Molly Mutt Crate Mat and Cover
Our verdictBest dog crate mat overallBest budget crate matBest orthopedic crate matBest crate mat for chewers
CompatibilityMidWest crate sizes (18-48 inch)Not listedNot listedNot listed
CoverMachine washablePolyester, machine washableWaterproof liner, washable coverNot listed
DesignThree-sided bolsterNot listedNot listedNot listed
Price$30$20$50$40
FillNot listedPolyfillNot listedStuffable with old clothes or towels
SizesNot listedSmall through Extra LargeLarge, XL, XXLNot listed
FoamNot listedNot listedBig Barker orthopedic foam (same as full beds)Not listed
MaterialNot listedNot listedNot listedCotton canvas (more durable than plush)
WashableNot listedNot listedNot listedMachine washable (cover)
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

What size crate mat fits a 36-inch crate?

A 36-inch dog crate interior measures approximately 35 x 23 inches. A large crate mat sized at 35 x 23 or 36 x 24 inches fits this crate correctly. MidWest sizes their Deluxe Bolster bed large at 35 x 23 to fit the MidWest 36-inch iCrate. When purchasing from non-MidWest brands, measure the crate interior floor dimensions rather than relying on size labels (small, medium, large) which vary by brand. Most 36-inch wire crates fit dogs from 50-70 lbs including Labradors, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.

Should puppies have bedding in their crate?

Puppies in the early housetraining period (under 12 weeks) often chew and shred bedding and urinate on it, making thick foam and plush bedding counterproductive in the crate. A simple thin washable mat or several layers of newspaper in the crate during the accident-prone housetraining stage is easier to replace than expensive foam bedding. Once a puppy has reliable bladder control (typically 4-6 months depending on breed) and has stopped chewing crate contents, introducing proper crate bedding is appropriate. Older dogs and dogs with established crate routines benefit from soft bedding from the start.

Can dog crate mats be used outside the crate?

Dog crate mats function as small flat dog beds and can be used outside the crate as portable sleeping pads in cars, at dog-friendly hotels or in other locations where a full-size dog bed is impractical. The crate mat dimensions are smaller than typical flat dog beds, which limits them to smaller dogs when used as standalone beds for stretched-out sleeping. For dogs that sleep curled, crate mats provide adequate surface area outside the crate. The non-slip bottom on most crate mats works on hard floor surfaces outside the crate.

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