Are you looking for a comfortable and affordable dog crate tray alternative for your dog? If you own a dog but find regular crate trays uncomfortable or too costly, it’s apparent that you’ll need an ideal dog tray alternative to offer your dog a flat, comfortable area to lay on. While most dog crate designs come with an inbuilt base, others require a separate tray that can slide in and out. However, finding the right dog tray alternative can be tricky.
Luckily for you, this guide outlines some of the best dog tray alternatives available on the market. Without further ado, let’s roll forward and see them.
Why Look for Dog Crate Tray Alternative?
Top 5 Dog Crate Tray Alternative
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#1. Best Overall: DERICOR Dog Crate Pad
The DERICOR Dog Crate Pad is available in 4 sizes; 30 × 19 inches, 24 × 18 inches, 42 × 28 inches, and 36 × 23 inches. Its material is made up of polyester that enhances comfort for your pup. Besides, it is machine washable.
The DERICOR Dog Bed Pad is padded with approximately 1 inch of a comfortable layer. Although it’s not very thick, it acts as both a mat and a bed. Your dog can spend a comfortable night’s rest on the soft fabric mat. Additionally, the DERICOR Dog Crate Pad is double-sided, making it suitable for carriers, dog crates, vehicles, and Dog houses.
Outstanding Features
- Machine washable and can dry at a low temperature
- Made of polyester material that ensures comfortability to your dog
- Perfect for all crate sizes
- Approximately 1 inch in thickness
- A double-sided option is available
#2. Best Runner Up: Bone Dry Machine Washable, Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat
If you’re looking for an ideal pad for spills, the Bone Dry Machine Washable, Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat is your perfect product. It has an ideal weight and measures 14 inches × 24 inches. Its absorbance is designed to prevent your canine companion from sloshing around in spilled water.
The Bone Dry Machine Washable, Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat is entirely made up of microfiber. Its material is machine washable.
As the name suggests, the Bone Dry Machine Washable, Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat is ultra-absorbent and durable. It is ideal for absorbing any food stains and water splash. Its back surface is non-slip, preventing the mat from sliding through any smooth surfaces like your floor.
Outstanding Features
- It is ultra-absorbent
- It is lightweight
- Machine washable
- Fashionable
- It has dimensions of 14 × 24 × 0.25 inches
#3. Best For Medium and Large Pups: Hero DOG Anti Slip DOG Bed Mat
Hero DOG Anti Slip DOG Bed Mat is large and provides enough space for your dog. It has an anti-slip design and comes with a plush fleece which is durable and hard to break. You can find Hero DOG Anti Slip DOG Bed Mat in various colors, and it can be machine-washed.
The mat regains its primary shape even after washing it several times. It is an ideal mat for elderly and ailing dogs. It keeps your dog safe and comfortable all night long due to its fantastic soft surface. Hero DOG Anti Slip DOG Bed Mat is 42 inches, and it is thick enough to offer comfort for your dog.
Outstanding Features
It is large enough to suit dogs ranging from small to medium to large size - It has an anti-slip surface
- Machine washable
- It has a fleece cover
- Portable design
#4. Best For Travelling: K&H PET PRODUCTS Self-Warming Crate Pad
This dog crate tray alternative has a self-warming technology that records your dog’s body temperature. K&H PET PRODUCTS Self-Warming Crate Pad is featured to fit any crate. It also has anti-slip bottom to promote mat stability.
The pad has a soft microfleece surface creating a cozy, warm, and comfortable surface for your dog to sleep. Its thin plush of polyester acts as an ultimate cushion for your dog. This product is multipurpose and self-warming. You can use it outside a crate or as a stand-alone bed. Moreover, it has an ideal weight, and it is machine washable. K&H PET PRODUCTS Self-Warming Crate Pad has adjustable sizes enabling it to fit into various crate sizes.
Outstanding Features
- Micro-fleece top to provide comfort
- Its bottom is made of anti-slip fabric material
- Corner slits are suitable for all size crate
- It is machine washable
- It’s versatile and multipurpose
- Self-warming pad
#5. Best For Non-Chewing Dogs: DogBuddy Dog Food Mat – Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat
Outstanding Features
- Waterproof
- Spill-proof
- Its entirely made up of silicon
- It has super high edges
- Non-slip
Buyer’s Guide for Dog Crate Tray Alternatives
There are various dog crate tray alternatives in the market, and picking the ideal option can be grueling. Every buyer has a valid reason to prefer a particular design for a dog crate tray alternative over the other. But in general, here are some of the factors you’ll want to consider before making your decision and spending your cash.
When To Use A Dog Crate Tray Alternative
Aside from a dog tray alternative functioning as a potty pad, you can also use a dog tray alternative as a feeding pad where you place water and food for your dog. A dog tray alternative provides a safe platform since most of them absorb splashed water and food stains. Luckily, if they get dirty, you can always throw them into a washing machine and dry them for later use.
Merits Of Using Dog Crate Tray Alternative
There are many advantages of having a dog crate tray alternative at the bottom of your crate. First, you don’t want your pup to sit directly on the floor or your mat. Imagine your dog pooping on your expensive carpet? Jeez!
Here are some of the merits of buying a dog crate tray alternative:
- A dog crate tray alternative serves as a bowl for your dog to drop his poop.
- Serves as a safe surface for placing a feeding bowl for your pup
- Ensures tidiness in your home since no food or water spills on the floor
- Offers comfort to your dog while resting
- Aids in keeping your dog crate clean
Demerits Of Using Dog Crate Tray Alternative
Some people dislike dog crate tray alternatives because they tend to stink over time. If you happen to use your dog crate tray alternative as a serving bowl, you’ll want to ensure that you maintain high hygiene. It means that you have to clean it often. Fortunately, dog crate tray alternatives absorb water and splashed soup, making it easier to keep your home clean.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Dog Crate Tray Alternative
Whether you want to replace your old dog crate tray or get a new dog crate tray alternative, it’s critical to consider the following factors before settling on your favorite choice:
1. Size
Size is the primary factor that you should consider when buying a dog crate tray alternative. The rationale is that, just as dogs vary in size, all dog crates have different sizes. The kind of dog crate tray alternative you buy should match your crate’s size. It is wise to ensure that you take the dimensions of your dog crate before embarking on your journey to buying the ideal dog crate tray for your pup. You can find more information about the size from the product specs sheet.
2. Durability
Some buyers often complain about their dog’s crate tray alternative getting worn out over a short period or being too fragile. It usually results from buying a poorly manufactured product or choosing the wrong size for your dog. Big, active dogs rarely take rest. So, if you have such a destructive dog, you should consider a sturdier product such as the Hero DOG Anti Slip DOG Bed Mat. It provides ample space for your dog and lasts longer.
Also, if your dog is a notorious chewer, consider going for a dog crate tray alternative that is non-chewable. It is because chewing dogs may end up chewing and destroying the dog crate tray over a short period. You don’t want to get stressed about regular additional maintenance costs.
3. Hygiene
Of course, hygiene is a crucial factor to look at while buying a dog crate tray alternative. Consider picking a product that does not quickly absorb moisture and stink. Dog crate tray alternatives that are waterproof are ideal if you need to maintain top hygiene. Also, regular washing of your dog crate tray alternative is recommended to maintain proper hygiene for your dog. Always pick a dog crate tray alternative that is easy to wash. You don’t want to expose your pet and yourself to pathogenic infections like ringworm infection.
4. Comfort
Your pup ought to be comfortable while resting on the dog crate tray alternative. It’s always a wise idea to choose the one with more thickness to ensure optimum comfort for your dog. Some dog crate tray alternative comprises soft, smooth fabric bottoms to improve your dog’s comfort level. Also, others have an absorbing characteristic that ensures it sucks any wetness from the surface, ensuring a comfortable dry surface for your dog to rest on. Also, pick a product that makes it simple for your pup to rest.
5. Portability
Before buying a dog crate tray, make sure to check its weight from the manufacturer’s specs sheet. If you like traveling around with your pup in your vehicle or love moving the crate from one area to another within your house, you’ll want to choose a dog crate tray alternative that is lightweight and convenient to move around.
6. Brand
The brand goes hand in hand with the quality of the product. Like every other product on the market, there are a lot of different brands of dog crate tray alternatives available in the market. All you need to do is to pick a reputable brand. The type of material they use to manufacture their products is a great reference point to distinguish quality brands from poor brands.
7. Budget
Lastly, you’ll want to check the price for the dog crate tray alternative before making your final decision. The quality of the product should determine the amount of money you should spend on a dog crate tray alternative. If you can’t afford high-end products, consider choosing the most budget-friendly tool for the task.
FAQs:
1. How Can You Distinguish Between a Dog Crate and A Pad?
Both a dog crate and a pad prevent spillage. However, pads are uniquely designed to prevent more spillage as they are absorbent.
2. Should You Get Worried About Weather While Buying a Dog Crate Tray Alternative?
Yeah! The weather changes determine the type of dog crate tray alternative to opt for. For instance, you’ll need to buy a thicker dog crate tray alternative that can provide more warmth during colder seasons.
3. Is It Comfortable to Use Crate Mats?
Yes! Crate mats offer a cushion to your dog and optimize comfortability.
Final Thoughts
We recommend the DERICOR Dog Bed Crate Pad as our top pick due to its thickness and comfortability. But if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you may want to consider the Bone Dry Machine Washable, Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat. It is fun and fashionable. But, remember you need to take note of the various factors listed above before deciding your ideal dog crate tray alternative.
