Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
Every dog parent should have a dog crate. They’re useful for training, travel, and simply giving your pooch a space in the home to call his own.
If you’ve used a crate before, you’ll be well aware of all the little things you need to consider. Size, material, and aesthetics of the crate are all important factors.
But if you want an easy clean-up and your pup’s paws to be as safe as possible, you’ll need a good pan or tray on the floor of the crate.
We’ll be checking out the best dog crate trays, pans, and pads so you can choose the best thing for your pet’s comfort and safety.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Dog Crate Trays
- Pinnacle Systems Chew-Proof, Crack-Proof Replacement Tray For Dog Crate
- MidWest Homes For Pets Replacement Pan
- K&H Odour Control Crate Pad
- Paws & Pals Plastic Pan Floor Liner
- Yangbaga Washable Pee Pad Extra Thick
- DogBuddy Non-Slip, Washable Mat
- Everila Heavy Duty Galvanised Steel Replacement Tray
- You & Me Replacement Dog Crate Pan
- Prevue Pet Products Tinkle Turf
- Wee-Wee Pee Pads For Larger or Multiple Dogs
- Pinnacle Systems Chew-Proof, Crack-Proof Replacement Tray For Dog Crate
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- Why do I need a dog crate tray or pan when I use a crate?
- What type of materials are available when looking at the best dog crate trays and pans?
- Are dog crate trays and pans safe for my dog?
- How do I know what size tray or pan to get?
- What’s the difference between a dog crate tray, a pan, and a pad?
- Why do I need a dog crate tray or pan when I use a crate?
10 Best Dog Crate Trays
Pinnacle Systems Chew-Proof, Crack-Proof Replacement Tray For Dog Crate
Best Metal Pan
PROS
- Water-resistant and rust-resistant
- Chew-proof and crack-proof, making it one of the most durable out there
- No sharp edges or chemicals, so it’s super safe for your pet
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
CONS
- Quite a bit more pricey than others (but it lasts longer, so it’s understandable)
If your dog is a chewer, this pan is for you. It’s made of pretty solid steel (you can select galvanised or stainless steel), but you don’t have to worry about your little chewer injuring himself trying to get his teeth on it. The metal edges have been folded over to only expose smooth, safe parts to your pup.
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Built To Last
Although this dog crate tray is a little more pricey than others, the price is more than acceptable because you won’t need to replace this for a long, long time, if ever.
It’s water-resistant, rust-proof, odour-resistant, and impossible to chew. It’s also seriously strong, so it can withstand being bounced on, flopped on, dragged around, and more by dogs of all sizes.
Both material options are steel, and you can choose between galvanised steel or stainless steel. The basic difference here is that stainless steel is made with added chromium, while galvanised steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc to increase durability.
Safety First
Unlike many other metal trays, this one is quite safe for your pup. On others, the sharp metal edges can be a worry, especially if there’s a chance your pooch may try and chew on it. This tray, though, is created with safety in mind – the metal edges are folded over to expose only smooth sides and edges, leaving very little danger.
MidWest Homes For Pets Replacement Pan
Premium Option
PROS
- Available in many sizes (and can be used on crates other than MidWest crates)
- Serves multiple purposes, very versatile
- Well priced for a household name product
- Durable, odour-resistant, and easy to clean
CONS
- May not be safe if your pup likes to chew
MidWest Homes For Pets creates puppy and kitty homes, as their name suggests. It goes without saying, then, that they create great accessories for these homes too, which is why they fill our top spot for dog crate trays and pans.
Their trays are made from polypropylene plastic, which is one of the most durable and safe plastics out there today. There’s nothing overly fancy about this pan, but it’s available in many sizes, will get the job done, and is really easy to remove and clean.
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Multiple Uses
One of the great things about dog crate trays is that they can be used for so many things. Stick it in the crate when your pup is in there to prevent spills and give them a firm standing surface. Place it under your pup’s food and water bowls to catch mess. Put your pet’s bed on top of it to prevent accidents.
Well-Designed
In addition to being made from tough, safe material, these pans are injection-moulded, which increases their strength even more. They’re durable, odour-proof, and lipped, which keeps messes contained and makes them even easier to clean.
K&H Odour Control Crate Pad
Best for Odour Control
PROS
- Slit-corner design and size variety makes it easy to fit to any crate
- Charcoal-infused foam inside helps to eliminate odours
- Soft, comfy, and machine-washable (happy pet and happy parent)
- Non-slip bottom for extra safety
CONS
- Might not be as durable as others, especially for chewers
When messes happen, odour happens (especially if you’re unable to clean up straight away). If you need something that is going to serve as a dog crate tray but also helps reduce odours, this is the one to try.
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Pad, As Opposed To Pan Or Tray
The alternative to a solid pan or tray is a pad. Pads are helpful in many ways, although they don’t provide as solid a surface as a tray. They’re absorbent, for one thing, which makes a big difference when it comes to odour.
While metal and plastic pans are generally odour-resistant, this simply means that they don’t absorb odours and will smell like nothing once cleaned. It doesn’t mean you won’t smell that distinctive pee smell when you walk into the house, which is what this pad is meant to do – reduce that immediate scent.
How It Works
The foam core is infused with charcoal, which helps neutralise smells. The liquid is quickly absorbed, meaning your pooch also has far less chance of stepping or lying in it, which just compounds the odour problem.
It’s soft, available in various sizes, well-designed to fit easily in a crate, and super easy to clean – just throw it in the washing machine.
Paws & Pals Plastic Pan Floor Liner
Best Plastic Tray
PROS
- Although this is a plastic tray, the lipped design makes it harder for dogs to chew on
- Lightweight and constructed from thick ABS plastic
- Super easy to clean
- Available in multiple sizes that should fit just about any crate
CONS
- Slightly more pricey than others
If your pooch doesn’t do the chewing thing, a plastic tray is perfect for your needs. Even if your pup does chew sometimes, the way this plastic tray is designed makes it impossible for him to get his mouth around it, especially if it’s in a crate.
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Lightweight But Durable
Plastic trays are naturally more lightweight than metal ones, which is totally fine if you aren’t going to putting it through anything too strenuous. The lipped design makes it more durable than many others, and the thick ABS plastic it’s made from is designed to be heavy-duty.
It’s also really simple to take care of. Rinse off the waste and wash it down with soap and water and you’re good to go. It’s durable enough to be given a proper scrub as well, if necessary.
Yangbaga Washable Pee Pad Extra Thick
Best For Seniors
PROS
- Four-layered design is absorbent and non-leaking
- Non-slip bottom for extra safety
- Machine washable and reusable for up to 30 washes
- Extra large, so can be folded to add an extra layer or two
CONS
- No size options, although it’s thin enough to fold to fit most crates
An older pup needs a comfy, soft bed, but a simple tray underneath it may not quite do the trick when it comes to reducing mess. None of us want our pup to be lying on a wet bed! This pee pad is perfect for seniors as its top layer is made from cotton, making it perfect to place on top of your dog’s bed to absorb any accidental liquid.
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Four-Layered Design
This pad is not only comfy to lie on, it’s super absorbent, odour-controlling, leak-proof, and non-slip. How much more perfect could you get for an older pooch?
The top layer absorbs urine and dries quickly, leaving your pup comfy and dry. Layer number two is made from absorbent cotton, which holds the urine and prevents odour. Next we have a layer of premium velvet, which prevents leakage, and lastly, a non-slip, leak-proof rubber layer.
DogBuddy Non-Slip, Washable Mat
Best Silicon Tray
PROS
- Non-slip and free from dangerous chemicals, making this a super safe choice
- Very easy to clean
- Multi-purpose, can be used outside the crate as well
- Available in a few different sizes and colours
CONS
- May be easily chewed to pieces if your pooch has a chewing habit!
This is a great option for dogs who don’t chew on things. Silicon is safe, fairly durable, and super safe. It only comes in two sizes (small and large), so it may not fit every crate, but if it fits your non-chewer’s crate then it’s a fantastic choice.
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Why Silicon?
Silicon is free from BPA, phthalate, and PVC, making it a chemically-safe product. It also doesn’t bring the same dangers as a plastic tray does in terms of breakage and potential for injury.
In addition to that, it’s non-slip while still being bouncy, making it quite comfortable for a pup to stand on. The lipped design helps catch any and all mess, while being very easy to clean.
Everila Heavy Duty Galvanised Steel Replacement Tray
Most Durable
PROS
- Very heavy-duty tray that won’t bend, crack, or be chewed
- Various sizes available in their Amazon store
- Rust-resistant
CONS
- Slightly pricey, but is long-lasting
- May be potential for injury as the edges are not smoothed over
If your dog is one of those who manages to destroy most things, this is the tray that will finally have them beat. Made from rust-resistant, heavy-duty galvanised steel, your pooch won’t be able to rip this apart, and it will most likely be the longest-lasting dog product you ever buy.
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Durable Galvanised Steel
Steel is already a pretty heavy-duty material, and galvanising it means a layer of zinc is added to increase strength and prevent rust. That makes this one more durable than most, if not all, others on the market.
Potential Problem With Edges
While this is a seriously tough tray, it could possibly be a problem if your pet is going to try and chew on it anyway. Unlike our top pick for a metal tray, the edges on this are simply cut metal, and while this isn’t necessarily an issue, if your pup is going to try and chew on it anyway (consistently, at least), there is some potential for injury to their mouth and teeth.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider this product though – most dogs will get the point and stop chewing fairly quickly.
You & Me Replacement Dog Crate Pan
Best Value For Money
PROS
- Quite affordable and gets the job done
- Available in three different sizes
- Features a non-slip surface and bevelled edges for safety
- Very easy to clean and store when not in use
CONS
- Chewable
If you’re looking for something simple but effective, that won’t cost an arm and a paw, this crate tray would suit you well. It’s made from plastic, which may result in it being chewed if your pooch gets bored, but it’s well-priced and does the job as it should.
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Protects Floors
The purpose of a crate tray, really, is to protect your floors (and your pup’s paws). While we all have to deal with a mess on the floor once in a while, none of us want that to become the norm, and so the crate tray was born.
This one does exactly that – it stops messes from reaching your carpet, wood, or tiles and leaving stains and odours. It has bevelled, lipped edges for containing liquid, and a non-slip bottom to prevent the tray itself from causing damage.
Prevue Pet Products Tinkle Turf
Best For Puppy Potty Training
PROS
- A tray with a difference, specifically aimed at potty training
- Has antimicrobial odour-control
- Certified lead-free, for extra safety
- Comes in a few different sizes
CONS
- Slightly pricey
A tray is a tray, but when it comes to potty training a puppy (especially if you’re using a crate for training purposes), this Tinkle turf training tray is a perfect choice. It’s a two-piece tray that includes the bottom plastic piece that catches the mess, and the grassy piece that teaches your puppy exactly where he needs to go.
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How It Works
This is a tray just like others, with a synthetic grassy bit that sits on top of it. Your little one will soon begin to understand exactly where he can and can’t go, and once he is actually trained, you can simply remove the grassy piece and have a perfectly good pan.
Cleaning may be slightly more difficult than your average tray, especially when it comes to poop, which may be harder to get out of the grass. But it’s really a simple matter of scooping, throwing away, and rinsing off, like any other pan.
Wee-Wee Pee Pads For Larger or Multiple Dogs
Best Disposable Option
PROS
- Great for all dogs, from puppies to seniors
- No need to wash or dry, simply dispose of them when used
- 5-layered leak-proof material
- Feature a quilted top and gel layer, which also make them super comfy for your pup if they’re used in a crate
CONS
- You may find yourself needing to replace these fairly often, especially if your dog spends quite a bit of time in a crate
Sometimes, a disposable product may work better for you and your fluff. You can’t really buy a new tray every week or so, which is why pee pads come in handy. They’re good for dogs of all ages and sizes, and are leak-proof (and backed by a leak-proof guarantee).
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Five-Layered Design
The top layer is absorbent and quick-drying, so your dog’s comfort is not compromised. The middle layer is a polymer layer that is highly absorbent, which is what stores any liquid. The is sandwiched between two reinforcing layers to keep any liquid from escaping, and a leak-proof bottom layer to protect the floor.
Attractive To Dogs
These pads contain certain pheromones as part of their design, which attract dogs to them when they need to go. Their super absorbency also helps contain odours, and with 75 in a packet, this is worth the buy if you’re going for something disposable.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – Safety
No matter what product you’re looking at getting for your pooch, safety should be concern number one. A product, no matter how cool, useful, or convenient, shouldn’t be considered at all if there’s a chance of your pup being unsafe with it.
Of course, things can happen (such as chewing), but we’ve done our best to make sure the dog crate trays and pans we’ve reviewed are as safe as possible for your pet.
Things we’ve considered here include the materials they’re made of and any coating that may be present (to ensure there is nothing toxic in there), and the design of the pan (to make sure there are no sharp parts or potential for injury).
Criteria 2 – Durability
There are few things worse than buying a brand new product and having to replace it a very short while later because it was chewed to pieces, dropped and broken, or simply has a high amount of wear and tear in a short period of time.
We’ve checked out how long-lasting these trays and pans are, so you can be sure you’re getting something that is high-quality and won’t fall to pieces any time soon.
The material that it’s made of will have an effect on how durable the product is, but the manufacturing quality also makes a difference. We’ve tried to make sure the things we’ve reviewed here are not only durable, but last a good long while without compromising safety along the way.
Criteria 3 – Effectiveness
Another thing nobody wants is to spend money on a product and get home only to discover that it doesn’t really serve the purpose it’s supposed to.
While it’s not possible for us to physically test every single one of the products we have reviewed here, we’ve done a good amount of research and pored over customer reviews to make sure we’re bringing you products that accomplish their purpose properly.
Of course, it also depends on what exactly you’re going to be using the tray or pan for. Some are designed simply to catch waste and prevent stuff from going all over the place, while others are designed for more specific purposes, such as odour reduction.
We’ve rated the products based on their general ability to serve the basic purpose of a pan or tray, as well as their ability to do anything else they may claim to. Bear in mind that if you use a tray that is not designed for what you want – ie. using a metal tray to try and reduce the odour of waste – you are unlikely to be impressed with its effectiveness!
Criteria 4 – Size Options
A chihuahua is definitely not going to need the same size crate as a German Shepherd. If the tray or pan you like comes in only German Shepherd size, then you’ll have to make do with something else.
Options are great. Apart from the fact that the product should cater for any dog, any size, it’s super helpful if you happen to be the parent of multiple dogs who vary in size, and you want the same high-quality tray for all crates.
We’ve checked out how many sizes these products are available in so that no matter the size of your pup or their crate, there’ll be an option for you. Those with less choice when it comes to size will get a lower rating, but we aren’t going to exclude them if their quality is still good.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
As always, we aim to please dogs and their parents alike, and this criterion definitely benefits the pup parent more than the pet.
We understand that having a pet can take a toll on the bank balance, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from experiencing the joy of being a pet parent! It also shouldn’t mean that the poor pooch eats sub-standard food or has to go without useful and comfort-creating accessories.
We believe honesty is always the best policy, so we aren’t afraid to rate products a little lower if we believe they are more on the pricey side. We also have a Best Value For Money option, so there’s something for everyone on this list.
Don’t be afraid to go for a slightly more pricey option if you can afford it and you like a particular one. While a lower price may seem to indicate a worse product, all of the dog crate trays and pans we’ve chosen for this list are of comparable quality, so you’ll be getting something awesome no matter what.
Questions & Answers
Why do I need a dog crate tray or pan when I use a crate?
Dog crate trays and pans can serve a few different purposes, not always exclusive to using a crate, but they are certainly useful when you do have to leave your pup confined.
Firstly, if your dog has to spend any extended periods of time in their crate, chances are they’re going to need to go at some point. Your pup’s tray will ensure that there is no leakage, because cleaning up spills is bad enough when they’re contained – nobody wants to clean up half the living room!
Trays keep liquid contained, which is invaluable when you are coming home to a possible mess. We do advise making sure that your pooch has enough space in their crate to allow for messes while still having dry space to sit in.
Apart from this, they give your pup’s paws a solid surface to stand on when in their crate. It can’t be comfy for pups to have a metal grid under them while in their crate, even if they have a bed, so giving them a firm surface can make your pet’s crate experience far more comfortable.
What type of materials are available when looking at the best dog crate trays and pans?
There are generally three options when it comes to materials – metal, plastic, or rubber. It really depends on what you and your dog need as to which would be best for you.
If your dog is a serious chewer, a metal tray might be the best plan. If they don’t chew too badly, a plastic one is perfectly adequate. A rubber tray is great for comfort but may be slightly less effective in terms of keeping liquid in.
Steel trays tend to be far more durable, but plastic ones are more lightweight. You’ll need to put some thought into which one would work best for you and your pet, but they’re all great quality.
Are dog crate trays and pans safe for my dog?
Generally, yes. We’ve also made an effort to be sure the ones we have chosen for this list are as safe as possible, because there’s no point buying something for your pooch if there’s a chance of them being injured or becoming ill while using it.
If your dog likes to chew, you may want to avoid a plastic or rubber tray as there’s a risk of them swallowing pieces of it and injuring themselves. If they keep chewing a metal tray, well, you will need to make another plan! If you’re using a metal tray, make sure to choose one that has no sharp edges.
Some products may contain chemicals that aren’t great for your pet, so it’s best to do your research before buying. We’ve tried to keep this list as safe as possible.
As long as you choose the right material and make sure there’s nothing chemically dangerous for your pup in it, a tray or pan is as safe as can be.
How do I know what size tray or pan to get?
It’s hugely frustrating when you buy a product and it doesn’t end up fitting where you need it to go. If you’ve forgotten what size crate your dog has, it’s as simple as measuring its dimensions to get an idea of what size tray to get.
When you look at buying a crate, all you need to do is match up the measurements of the pan to the measurements of your crate. It’s that easy!
What’s the difference between a dog crate tray, a pan, and a pad?
Trays and pans are pretty much exactly the same things just with a different name. A pad, however, is something else.
A tray or pan’s main purpose is to prevent leakage, and a pad does the same thing, but in a different way. A pad is made of absorbent material, and so, as you can imagine, the liquid is not simply prevented from flowing away but is actually absorbed into the material.
They’re also more comfy than a simple plastic or metal tray, although it depends on whether or not your pup has a bed in their crate as to whether or not this makes a difference. Disposable pads may need to be placed in a tray for stability.
A pad will need to be washed in the machine as regularly as necessary – if you don’t wash it when it needs to be, you’ll most likely start noticing the smell, even for odor-reducing pads. A tray or pan simply requires a splash under running water.
Again, the choice to go for a pad over a tray or pan is yours and will depend on what your pet really needs.