Choosing the right pet supplies — from crates and beds to feeding stations and playpens — affects your pet's comfort, safety, and wellbeing every day. This guide covers the essential buying considerations for dog and cat supplies, with practical sizing guides and material recommendations.

From RaDEWAY, a US-based pet and home brand founded in 2016, with a growing line of pet-safe, durable pet supplies for dogs and cats of all sizes.

How to Choose a Dog Crate

Dog crates provide safety, comfort, and a personal space for your dog. The key is choosing the right size and type:

Sizing by Breed Weight

• Small (24"): Up to 25 lbs — Chihuahua, Maltese, small Dachshund
• Medium (30"): 26–40 lbs — Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog
• Large (36"): 41–70 lbs — Labrador, Boxer, Husky
• XL (42"): 71–90 lbs — German Shepherd, Golden Retriever
• XXL (48"): 90+ lbs — Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard

Size rule: Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too large and the crate loses the den-like security dogs prefer; too small and it's uncomfortable.

Crate Types

• Wire crates: Best for ventilation, visibility, and temperature control. Most include a divider panel to resize as puppies grow. Radeway wire crates fold flat for storage.
• Plastic travel crates: Best for travel, vet visits, and dogs that feel more secure in enclosed spaces. Airlines often require IATA-approved hard plastic crates.
• Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable, but not escape-proof — suitable only for calm, trained dogs.
• Heavy-duty crates: For dogs that chew or dig — welded steel construction with reinforced latches. Radeway heavy-duty crates are escape-proof for high-energy breeds.

Safety Features

• Double-door latches (side and front) for security
• Smooth interior edges — no sharp protrusions
• Removable, washable tray at the bottom
• Non-toxic powder-coat finish safe for pets

How to Choose a Pet Bed

A good pet bed supports joint health (especially important for large breeds and senior dogs) and provides a comfortable retreat:

Size Guide

Measure your pet from nose to tail base and add 8–10 inches for the bed length. A dog that curls when sleeping can use a smaller bed; one that sprawls needs a bed longer than its full stretch.

Fill & Support

• Memory foam: Best for senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with joint issues
• Bolster/donut: Great for dogs that curl up and like to rest their head on an edge
• Flat mat: Works for dogs that like to sprawl; easy to move between rooms

Cover Material

• Machine-washable covers are essential — dog beds get dirty fast
• Water-resistant lining protects the foam from accidents
• Non-slip bottom keeps the bed in place on hard floors

Feeding Stations & Water Fountains

Elevated feeding stations reduce neck strain for large dogs and help prevent bloat (a serious condition in deep-chested breeds like Great Danes). Key specs:

• Height: Should position bowl at your dog's lower chest level (not floor level, not above shoulder)
• Bowl material: Stainless steel is the most hygienic — it doesn't harbor bacteria the way plastic does
• Non-slip base: Essential on tile or hardwood floors

Pet Playpens & Exercise Pens

Playpens let puppies and small dogs explore safely without full house access. For puppies, look for panel heights of at least 24 inches (30+ for jumpers). The number of panels determines the enclosure size — most RaDEWAY configurations create 16–28 sq ft of safe play space.

RaDEWAY Pet Supplies

• Pet Supplies — Crates, beds, feeding stations, playpens, and accessories for dogs and cats

All Radeway pet products use pet-safe, non-toxic materials. Free shipping on all US orders. 30-day returns. Ships in 1–5 business days from US warehouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dog crate do I need for a Labrador?
Most adult Labradors (55–80 lbs) need a large 36-inch crate. For puppies, use a crate with a divider panel — start small and expand as they grow to avoid using the excess space as a bathroom. Radeway 36" crates include a divider panel for puppy use.

Are Radeway dog crates escape-proof?
Radeway standard wire crates are suitable for most dogs and include double-door latches. For dogs that persistently try to escape (diggers, chewers, anxiety-prone dogs), look for Radeway's heavy-duty crate line with reinforced welded steel construction.

What material is safest for dog bowls?
Stainless steel is the safest and most hygienic option — it doesn't crack, harbor bacteria, or leach chemicals like plastic can. Ceramic is a good alternative for stationary bowls. Radeway elevated feeding stations include stainless steel bowls.

How often should I wash a pet bed?
Wash pet bed covers weekly for dogs and every 2 weeks for cats — more frequently if your pet is muddy, sheds heavily, or has allergies. All Radeway pet bed covers are machine-washable. The foam insert should be spot-cleaned and fully aired out monthly.

📖 Read our full Pet Supplies Buying Guide or browse the Pet Supplies collection.