What Should You Put in a Puppy Crate? Bedding, Water, Toys & Chews Explained
Once you've chosen the right crate, the next question is often:
What should actually go inside it?
Should your puppy have a bed? Do they need water overnight? Is it safe to leave a KONG in the crate? Should you put puppy pads underneath the bedding? What about chews, blankets and cuddly toys?
There isn't one perfect crate setup for every puppy.
A puppy who settles quietly and has never destroyed a toy may be perfectly happy with a soft bed and enrichment toy. A puppy who enthusiastically shreds and swallows fabric needs a very different setup.
The best puppy crate setup balances three things:
Comfort + Safety + Practicality
This guide explains what you can put inside a puppy or adult dog's crate, what may be better left out, and how your setup may need to change as your puppy grows.
If you're just beginning crate training, start with our complete guide:
How to Crate Train a Puppy or Adult Dog: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
What Should Be in a Puppy Crate?
Depending on your puppy's age, behaviour and how long they're using the crate, you might consider:
- A suitable dog bed or crate mat
- Vet bedding
- A blanket
- Fresh water where appropriate
- A securely attached water bowl
- A suitable food-filled enrichment toy
- A puppy-safe chew
- A familiar comfort item
However, this doesn't mean every puppy should have all of these things at once.
Anything left with an unattended puppy needs to be assessed according to that individual puppy's behaviour.
Some puppies sleep happily surrounded by soft bedding.
Others see a £50 dog bed and immediately think:
"Excellent. Something new to disembowel."
If your puppy is likely to tear, chew or swallow something, don't leave it with them unsupervised simply because another puppy can safely have one.
Does a Puppy Need a Bed in Their Crate?
Many puppies appreciate having a comfortable sleeping surface.
Options include:
- Dog beds
- Crate mats
- Vet bedding
- Fleece bedding
- Blankets
- Washable pads
The best choice depends on the puppy.
For a puppy that reliably sleeps without destroying bedding, a comfortable bed can help make the crate an inviting resting area.
Browse Dog Beds & Crate Bedding
What If My Puppy Chews Their Crate Bed?
If your puppy begins:
- Pulling stuffing out
- Shredding fabric
- Eating foam
- Swallowing fibres
- Chewing zips
- Pulling bedding through crate bars
remove the unsafe bedding.
Swallowing pieces of bedding isn't merely inconvenient. Ingested fabric or stuffing can potentially cause gastrointestinal problems, including obstruction.
A simpler setup may be safer while you work on the behaviour.
You can experiment with more durable or less tempting bedding, but there is no bed that's guaranteed to withstand every dog.
Is It Cruel to Have a Puppy Crate Without a Bed?
Not automatically.
Comfort matters, but safety matters more than appearances.
If a puppy repeatedly eats every bed provided, temporarily using a simpler safe sleeping surface can be more sensible than continually giving them material they may swallow.
Consider why the puppy is destroying bedding too.
It may be:
- Normal exploratory chewing
- Teething
- Boredom
- Over-arousal
- A preference for chewing fabric
- Frustration
- Distress associated with confinement
A puppy calmly chewing the corner of a bed is different from a dog frantically destroying bedding whenever you leave.
Is Vet Bedding Good for Puppy Crates?
Vet bedding is popular for puppies because it's comfortable, washable and can be cut to fit many sleeping areas.
It's often particularly useful for:
- Puppy crates
- Whelping areas
- Kennels
- Carriers
- Recovery areas
However, it still isn't chew-proof.
If your puppy pulls fibres from it or attempts to eat it, remove it when you cannot supervise.
Should I Put a Blanket in My Puppy's Crate?
You can, provided your puppy uses it safely.
Some dogs love rearranging blankets before settling down.
Others:
- Shred them
- Eat pieces
- Pull them through crate bars
- Become too warm underneath them
Start under supervision and observe what your puppy actually does.
Can I Put a Blanket Over the Crate?
That's a slightly different question.
Some dogs settle more easily when the sides of a wire crate are partially covered because this reduces visual stimulation.
If you cover a crate:
- Maintain plenty of ventilation
- Monitor the temperature
- Keep fabric away from heaters
- Make sure the dog cannot pull it through the bars
- Don't completely seal the crate
Some dogs prefer a covered crate.
Others become more unsettled when they cannot see what's happening.
Use your dog's behaviour as your guide.
Should a Puppy Have Water in Their Crate?
Dogs need appropriate access to fresh drinking water.
Whether a water bowl needs to remain inside the crate throughout a particular period depends on factors such as:
- Age
- Temperature
- Health
- Diet
- Duration
- Activity
- Individual drinking behaviour
- Veterinary advice
The answer shouldn't simply be:
"Remove all water so the puppy won't pee."
Restricting hydration purely to make toilet training more convenient isn't a good approach.
Instead, establish a sensible feeding, drinking and toilet routine.
What Is the Best Water Bowl for a Dog Crate?
A normal floor bowl can quickly become:
water bowl → paddling pool → wet puppy → wet bed.
A securely attached crate bowl can be particularly useful because it's less likely to be:
- Knocked over
- Stepped in
- Dragged around
- Emptied over bedding
Position it at a comfortable height and make sure the attachment itself doesn't create a snagging or chewing hazard.
Browse Dog Bowls & Feeding Accessories
Should a Puppy Have Water in Their Crate Overnight?
There isn't one answer appropriate for every puppy.
Consider:
- How young the puppy is
- Room temperature
- Health
- Diet
- How long they'll be sleeping
- Whether they can access water appropriately before bed
- Any veterinary recommendations
Don't deliberately leave a thirsty puppy without water simply to avoid a night-time toilet trip.
If your puppy drinks overnight, remember that they may subsequently need to toilet.
Should I Put Food in My Puppy's Crate?
Food can be extremely useful for creating a positive association with the crate.
In fact, feeding meals inside the crate is one of the simplest crate-training exercises.
Initially:
- Secure the crate door open.
- Place the food bowl inside.
- Allow your puppy to enter voluntarily.
- Let them eat without shutting them in.
- Gradually introduce the door later.
This teaches:
Crate = good things happen here.
Read our full training process:
Complete Puppy & Dog Crate Training Guide
Can I Feed All My Puppy's Meals in the Crate?
Yes, if it works for your puppy.
Feeding regular meals inside can be an excellent way of building a strong positive association.
You don't necessarily need to feed every meal there forever.
Once your puppy is happily entering and relaxing, you can feed wherever suits your routine.
Can I Put Treats in My Puppy's Crate?
Absolutely.
Small training treats are particularly useful for:
- Rewarding approaching the crate
- Rewarding voluntary entry
- Teaching a crate cue
- Rewarding calm behaviour
- Practising short door closures
- Teaching the puppy to remain inside when the door opens
Rather than physically pushing a reluctant puppy inside, make entering worthwhile.
Can I Put a KONG in My Puppy's Crate?
A suitably sized KONG can be extremely useful for crate training.
Instead of the puppy entering, eating one treat and immediately looking for the exit, a stuffed KONG can provide a longer-lasting activity.
It can help create the association:
Crate = settle down and work on something enjoyable.
You can use suitable foods your puppy already eats to fill the toy.
Once your puppy understands how to use it, an appropriately filled and frozen KONG may last longer.
Shop KONG Dog Toys & Enrichment
Is It Safe to Leave a Puppy Alone With a KONG?
No toy should automatically be assumed safe for every dog simply because it's designed for dogs.
Choose:
- The correct size
- An appropriate strength
- A toy suited to the dog's chewing behaviour
Supervise your puppy with a new toy before deciding whether you're comfortable leaving it with them.
Inspect toys regularly and replace damaged items.
A powerful chewer may require a different product from a gentle puppy.
Can I Leave Toys in My Puppy's Crate?
Potentially, but be selective.
A crate doesn't need to become a toy box.
The purpose of crating is often to encourage rest and relaxation, particularly around nap time.
One appropriate enrichment item may be more useful than filling the crate with:
- Balls
- Squeaky toys
- Tug toys
- Plush toys
- Chews
- Puzzle toys
Some of these may actually encourage your puppy to stay awake and become more excited.
Think about what you're trying to achieve.
For nap time:
calm enrichment → rest
is generally more useful than:
crate → PARTY!
Can I Leave a Squeaky Toy in the Crate?
If you're trying to encourage sleep, a squeaky toy may not be the most useful choice.
More importantly, many squeaky toys contain internal components that shouldn't be swallowed.
If your puppy destroys toys, don't leave a plush or squeaky toy unattended.
Can My Puppy Have a Cuddly Toy in Their Crate?
Some puppies find a soft toy comforting.
This may be particularly helpful during the first nights after leaving their litter.
But again, assess the individual puppy.
A plush toy is only useful if your puppy:
cuddles it rather than eats it.
If they rip toys open and remove stuffing or squeakers, don't leave one unattended.
Should I Put Something That Smells Like Me in the Puppy Crate?
A familiar scent may help some newly arrived puppies settle.
However, be careful with the common suggestion of putting an old T-shirt inside.
If your puppy is likely to shred and swallow fabric, your favourite old T-shirt isn't an appropriate unattended comfort item.
Safety still comes first.
Should I Put Something From the Breeder in the Crate?
If your breeder provides a safe blanket or item carrying familiar scents from the puppy's previous environment, some puppies may find this reassuring during the transition.
Check that it's safe for your individual puppy and isn't being chewed or swallowed.
What Chews Can I Leave in a Puppy Crate?
Chewing can be relaxing, particularly during teething, but unattended chews need careful consideration.
Potential risks vary between products and dogs and can include:
- Choking
- Swallowing large pieces
- Dental damage
- Gastrointestinal problems
Introduce chews under supervision before deciding whether they're appropriate for your individual dog.
Should I Leave a Puppy With a Long-Lasting Chew While I'm Out?
Don't assume that "long-lasting" means "safe to leave unattended".
Some dogs gradually work on a chew.
Others attempt to swallow the final piece whole.
Supervise your dog with a new type of chew first and follow the manufacturer's guidance.
Should I Put Puppy Pads in the Crate?
For an ordinary sleeping crate used during toilet training, generally not as a default setup.
One reason appropriately sized crates can be useful during toilet training is that many dogs naturally prefer not to toilet where they sleep.
Putting a toilet pad immediately beside the bed can send a mixed message:
This is your sleeping area AND your toilet.
For very young puppies that cannot reasonably remain clean for the required duration, a larger puppy pen arrangement with separate areas may be more appropriate.
For example:
Sleeping crate/bed → play area → separate toilet area
Read our detailed comparison:
Puppy Pen vs Dog Crate: Which Should You Use?
What If I Have to Leave My Puppy Longer Than They Can Hold Their Bladder?
Don't expect the crate to somehow increase the puppy's physical bladder capacity.
If a puppy cannot reasonably remain clean for the required period, options might include:
- Someone providing a toilet break
- A pet sitter
- Adjusting your schedule
- A suitable puppy pen setup with separate areas
Repeatedly forcing a puppy to toilet in their sleeping crate can make toilet training more difficult.
Should I Put Newspaper in a Puppy Crate?
For an ordinary sleeping crate, newspaper generally isn't necessary.
It can also become an excellent shredding activity for some puppies.
If your goal is toilet training, focus on providing sufficiently frequent opportunities to toilet in the correct location rather than lining the sleeping crate in anticipation of accidents.
Should I Put a Food Bowl in the Crate Overnight?
Usually there is no need to leave a bowl of ordinary food in the crate all night for a healthy puppy following a normal feeding schedule.
Meal timing should suit:
- Puppy age
- Diet
- Daily routine
- Individual nutritional needs
If your puppy has a medical condition requiring a particular feeding schedule, follow veterinary advice.
Should I Put a Crate Mat Under the Plastic Tray?
Be careful about putting materials underneath a wire crate if the puppy can reach them through the bars.
Some determined puppies can pull:
- Carpet
- Rugs
- Mats
- Blankets
through surprisingly small gaps.
If you're protecting your flooring, choose a setup the puppy cannot access and chew.
Should I Put the Crate on Carpet?
You can, but consider accidents and spilled water.
A waterproof or easily cleaned protective surface underneath the crate may be useful during puppyhood.
Make sure anything underneath cannot be pulled through and eaten.
Should I Put a Dog Bed Beside the Crate Too?
You can.
Some dogs enjoy having several resting options.
Once crate training is established, you might leave the crate door open and allow the dog to choose between:
- Crate
- Dog bed
- Floor
- Sofa, if permitted
A dog voluntarily choosing to return to their open crate is a very good indication that it has become a comfortable resting place.
Should I Put the Crate in My Bedroom?
For a young puppy, particularly during the first nights, this can be extremely useful.
Positioning the crate beside your bed allows you to:
- Hear when the puppy wakes
- Respond to genuine toilet needs
- Provide reassurance
- Monitor settling
- Avoid complete isolation immediately after leaving littermates
If you eventually want the crate elsewhere, it can be moved gradually.
For much more detail, read:
Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night: What Should You Do?
What Should Go in a Puppy Crate at Night?
A simple night-time setup may be all that's required.
For a puppy that doesn't destroy bedding:
- Appropriately sized crate
- Comfortable bedding
- Water where appropriate
- Safe comfort/enrichment item if suitable
You don't need to fill every available centimetre with accessories.
Night-time should become associated with rest.
What Should Go in a Puppy Crate During the Day?
Daytime crate sessions can be more useful for active training and enrichment.
Depending on the session, you might use:
- Meals
- Training treats
- Stuffed KONG
- Appropriate enrichment
- Safe chew
- Comfortable bedding
Remember that crate training should include periods where the puppy learns to do absolutely nothing too.
You don't want to accidentally teach:
"I can only remain in a crate if I'm continuously eating."
Food helps establish the behaviour.
Relaxation is the eventual goal.
What Should I Put in an Adult Dog's Crate?
The same general principles apply.
Many adult dogs enjoy:
- Comfortable bed
- Blanket
- Water where appropriate
- Occasional food enrichment
An established crate-trained adult may need very little encouragement.
Some will voluntarily disappear into an open crate whenever they want to sleep.
What Should I Put in a Rescue Dog's Crate?
Don't assume an adult rescue dog's previous crate experiences were positive.
Initially, keep things simple.
Secure the door open and allow voluntary exploration.
You can use:
- Food
- Treats
- Comfortable bedding
- Suitable enrichment
to create positive associations.
Don't force the dog inside simply because the crate contains comfortable things.
Read:
Complete Puppy & Dog Crate Training Guide
What Should I Put in a Crate for Car Travel?
Travel creates different considerations from sleeping at home.
Keep the interior:
- Comfortable
- Uncluttered
- Safe
- Appropriate for the temperature
Avoid filling the crate with loose heavy objects that could move around during sudden braking.
Remember that an ordinary home wire crate isn't automatically a crash-tested vehicle restraint system.
What Should I Put in an Aviation Crate?
Air travel has much more specific requirements.
Don't assume that the setup you use in your puppy's bedroom is automatically appropriate for an aircraft.
Requirements can vary by:
- Airline
- Route
- Aircraft
- Animal
- Destination
- Cargo agent
Dogs travelling in the hold or as manifested cargo will normally require an appropriate rigid aviation carrier rather than a folding home wire crate.
Shop Petmode Aviation Carriers
For sizing:
How to Choose the Correct Size Aviation Crate for Your Dog:
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/how-to-choose-the-correct-size-aviation-crate-for-your-dog
For the complete process:
Flying With Dogs: Complete Guide to Airline Travel:
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/flying-with-dogs-the-complete-guide-to-airline-travel-with-your-pet
Don't Forget Crate Size
No combination of expensive bedding and enrichment will make an incorrectly sized crate appropriate.
Your puppy should be able to:
- Stand naturally
- Sit comfortably
- Turn around
- Lie naturally
- Change sleeping position
We've created a detailed guide including common crate sizes and breed examples:
What Size Dog Crate Do I Need? Complete Dog Crate Size Guide
Wire vs Plastic Crates
What you put inside may also depend on the type of crate.
A wire crate generally provides:
- Greater visibility
- Excellent airflow
- Easy attachment points for compatible crate bowls
- Fold-flat storage
A rigid plastic crate provides:
- More enclosed sides
- Reduced visual stimulation
- Different options for travel
- A den-like environment some dogs prefer
We've compared them here:
Wire vs Plastic Dog Crates: Which Is Best?
Puppy Crate Safety Checklist
Before leaving your puppy in their crate, check:
Crate
Is it the correct size and securely assembled?
Temperature
Is the puppy comfortably cool/warm with adequate ventilation?
Bedding
Does the puppy sleep on it rather than eat it?
Water
Does your puppy have appropriate access to water for the circumstances?
Toys
Have you established that any toy left inside is suitable for this individual puppy?
Chews
Are you confident the chew is appropriate for the situation and dog's chewing behaviour?
Collar and harness
Could anything worn by the puppy become caught on the crate?
Surroundings
Can the puppy reach electrical cables, curtains, blinds, rugs or other objects through the crate?
Location
Is the crate away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and draughts?
Toilet
Has the puppy had an appropriate opportunity to toilet?
Duration
Are you asking the puppy to remain confined for an appropriate period?
Should a Puppy Wear a Collar in Their Crate?
This is easily overlooked.
Collars, harnesses and hanging ID tags can potentially become caught on wire crate components.
If a dog will be unattended in a wire crate, consider removing equipment that could snag.
Always assess your individual crate and setup.
Keep Things Away From the Outside of the Crate Too
Crate safety isn't only about what's inside.
Dogs can pull objects through wire bars.
Check for nearby:
- Electrical cables
- Curtains
- Blind cords
- Clothing
- Towels
- Rugs
- Bags
- Houseplants
- Children's toys
- Other pet equipment
A determined puppy can have a surprisingly long reach.
Signs Something in the Crate Isn't Suitable
Review your setup if your puppy:
- Regularly destroys bedding
- Eats fabric or stuffing
- Repeatedly spills water
- Gets excessively hot
- Becomes tangled in bedding
- Swallows pieces of toys
- Guards items placed inside
- Becomes more aroused rather than calmer
- Frantically destroys items when left alone
Don't simply replace destroyed items indefinitely without considering why they're being destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to put in the bottom of a puppy crate?
For many puppies, comfortable washable bedding or a crate mat works well.
For puppies that chew and swallow bedding, a simpler safe surface may temporarily be more appropriate.
Does a puppy need bedding in a crate?
Comfortable bedding is desirable when the puppy can use it safely, but don't leave bedding with a puppy that persistently eats it.
Should puppies have water in their crate?
Dogs need appropriate access to fresh water. Whether a bowl needs to remain in the crate throughout a specific period depends on the puppy's age, health, temperature, duration and circumstances.
Don't deliberately dehydrate a puppy to make toilet training easier.
What water bowl is best for a dog crate?
A securely attached crate bowl can reduce spills and prevent the puppy from moving the bowl around.
Should you put puppy pads in a crate?
Generally not as the standard setup for a sleeping crate.
If a puppy needs a separate indoor toilet area, a larger pen arrangement with distinct sleeping and toilet zones may be more suitable.
Can I leave a KONG in my puppy's crate?
A correctly sized, appropriate KONG can be very useful for crate training. Supervise your puppy with it first and inspect it regularly for damage.
Can I leave a chew in my puppy's crate?
Only if you've established that the chew is suitable for that individual dog and situation. Some chews require supervision.
Can I leave a plush toy in my puppy's crate overnight?
Only if your puppy doesn't destroy and ingest plush toys. Puppies that remove stuffing or squeakers shouldn't be left unattended with them.
Should I put food in the crate?
Feeding meals inside the crate can be an excellent way to establish a positive association.
Should I put treats in the crate?
Yes. Treats are extremely useful for rewarding voluntary entry and calm crate behaviour.
Should I cover my puppy's crate?
Some puppies relax better in a partially covered crate. Maintain excellent ventilation and make sure the puppy cannot pull the cover through the bars.
Should I put a blanket in the crate?
Yes, if your puppy uses blankets safely and doesn't shred or swallow them.
What should I put in a puppy crate on the first night?
Keep it simple: an appropriately sized crate, safe comfortable bedding where appropriate, access to water according to the circumstances and perhaps a safe familiar comfort item.
Positioning the crate close to you can also help a young puppy settle.
Should I leave toys in the crate when I go to work?
Only leave items you've established are appropriate for your individual dog's unsupervised use.
Also remember that a crate isn't intended as a substitute for appropriate toilet breaks, exercise, enrichment and interaction during a long working day.
Should I put a bed and puppy pad together in the crate?
Usually not.
This creates a sleeping area and toilet area within the same small space.
If a puppy needs an indoor toilet area, consider an appropriately designed puppy pen setup instead.
Can I put a crate bowl on the door?
A compatible securely attached bowl may be positioned on crate bars or a door depending on its design, provided it doesn't interfere with safe operation of the door or create a snagging hazard.
Why does my puppy destroy everything in the crate?
Possibilities include normal puppy chewing, teething, boredom, frustration, over-arousal or distress.
If destruction happens particularly when the puppy is left alone and is accompanied by panting, drooling, frantic escape attempts or persistent vocalisation, investigate possible separation-related distress rather than simply providing tougher objects.
The Best Puppy Crate Setup Is the One That's Safe for Your Puppy
There isn't a photograph of a "perfect puppy crate" that everyone needs to recreate.
One puppy may safely sleep with:
Plush bed + blanket + cuddly toy
while another puppy may attempt to eat all three within ten minutes.
Start with your puppy's actual needs.
Provide appropriate comfort.
Provide water according to their needs and circumstances.
Use food and enrichment to create positive associations.
Choose toys and chews carefully.
Remove anything your puppy attempts to swallow.
And remember that the ultimate objective isn't to keep your puppy permanently entertained inside the crate.
It's to teach them:
"This is a safe, comfortable place where I can switch off and rest."
Continue Reading: Complete Crate Training Series
How to Crate Train a Puppy or Adult Dog: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
https://www.petconnection.ie/pages/crate-training
What Size Dog Crate Do I Need? Complete Dog Crate Size Guide
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/what-size-dog-crate-do-i-need
Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night: What Should You Do?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/puppy-crying-in-crate-at-night
Puppy Pen vs Dog Crate: Which Should You Use?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/puppy-pen-vs-dog-crate
Wire vs Plastic Dog Crates: Which Is Best?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/wire-vs-plastic-dog-crates
Shop Crate Training Essentials at Pet Connection
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