The Best Dog Beds

Your dog needs a bed in the same way that you do. A bed is where your dog can spend alone time and get the rest he needs. Most people let their dogs sleep on the couch or floor, but if your dog does not have a designated and comfortable sleeping place, it can affect his mental and physical health.

There are many different types of dog beds available, and you want to choose the correct one for your dog’s sleeping requirements. In this buyer’s guide, we will take a look at some of the best dog beds as well as buying considerations, dog bed types, and general tips.

Keep reading to learn more.

The 8 Best Dog Beds in 2022

If you have a large dog, the features that the 7″ pillow from Big Barker offers may be perfect. This pillow is made of American therapeutic foam that will keep its shape for ten years or longer.

The Big Barker consists of a 3-inch H45 support foam layer that is sandwiched between two layers of 2-inch H10 comfort foam for optimal comfort and support. These foam layers keep your dog elevated from the ground to prevent pressure sores, and it is ideal for older dogs with joint or muscle problems.

The pillow also has a 100% microfiber cover and is machine washable. This orthopedic pillow looks great in any home, and you can choose from four colors, including charcoal grey, burgundy, chocolate, and Khaki.

Key Features:

• 10-year “won’t flatten” guarantee
• Layered American-made therapeutic foam
• Easy to clean
• Handmade in the United States
• Suitable for dogs of all ages

The Shag Donut Cuddler dog bed from Best Friends by Sheri has a round shape with a raised rim that gives your dog a sense of safety as well as neck and head support. The pillow also has a soft filling with deep crevasses for dogs that like burrowing. The faux shag fur cover gives the pillow a soft and luxurious feel as well as a natural sleeping place for your dog.

At the bottom of the pillow is a durable nylon fabric that protects it from dirt, abrasion, and moisture. The nylon fabric’s color matches that of the pillow’s faux fur. You can choose from two natural colors, namely, frost and taupe.

The Shag Donut Cuddler features dog-safe materials that you can clean using your mashing machine and dryer. The pillow is available in three sizes, including 23″ x 23″ for dogs up to 25 lbs, 30″ x 30″ for dogs up to 45 lbs, and 45″ x 45″ for dogs up to 150 lbs.

Key Features:

• Donut-shaped pillow with a raised rim
• Soft filling and faux shag fur cover
• Washing machine- and dryer-safe
• Available in three different sizes

The Frisco steel-framed elevated pet bed is the ideal solution to isolate your dog from extreme floor temperatures. The bed’s fabric is specially designed to allow for airflow around your dog’s body, which prevents it from overheating in the warm summer months.

Another benefit of the Frisco pet bed is that it is highly portable, and you can use it indoors and in outdoor settings, for example, when you are camping or enjoying an afternoon next to the pool with your dog. The bed’s fabric is PVC-coated to enhance its longevity, protect it against moisture, and provide your dog with optimal support.

If something happens to the bed’s fabric, you can easily replace it without having to buy a new frame. The steel frame has a protective powder-coating, and it is skid-resistant to prevent accidents.

Key Features:

• Durable steel frame with powder coating
• The PVC fabric is resistant to water and damage
• Elevation protects your dog from heat and cold
• The fabric is replaceable
• The design allows for airflow around your dog’s body

The PetFusion dog bed has a smart design that features a solid 4-inch memory foam base, bolsters that are stuffed with recycled materials, and a 65% polyester and 35% cotton twill. The base and bolsters are soft, yet firm to provide your dog with optimal comfort.

If your dog suffers from conditions like joint pain or arthritis, the foam base is ideal as it allows for sufficient blood flow while maintaining full-body support.

The dog bed is incredibly easy to clean. You can wash the removable cover with a washing machine. Additionally, spot cleaning and hair removal only take a few minutes.

This bed is ideal for messy and busy dogs. The bed inner is resistant to tears and moisture, and it has a non-skid bottom to ensure that it does not move around while your dog is finding the ideal sleeping position.

Key Features:

• Consists of a foam base and bolsters
• Soft twill for comfortable sleeping
• The dog bed is easy to clean
• No-skid bottom

Better World Pets’ orthopedic dog bed is rectangular and is 5 inches thick. The dog bed’s filling is shredded and compact foam that is as dense as regular memory foam. The bed cover is removable and washable, and it also has a waterproof inner liner.

The First-Quality dog bed is suitable for dogs of all sizes. The padding is durable, and the shredded memory foam is comfortable to older dogs that may be suffering from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain. 

The shredded foam tends to shift and form uncomfortable lumps. The First-Quality dog pillow consists of different sections to prevent lumping between baffles, keeping the shreds in place.

The dog bed is easy to clean. The cover has a heavy-duty zipper, and you can remove it and wash it in your washing machine.

Key Features:

• 5-inch thick dog bed
• The filling is shredded foam
• Removable cover
• Baffles prevent shreds from shifting and causing lumps

The 7-inch dog bed from KOPEKS is made of hypoallergenic premium memory foam and offers double-layer protection. It has a zippered cover that is removable and consists of a waterproof inner liner and a soft plush suede outer. At the bottom of the cover is an anti-slip surface to keep the bed in place at all times.

This dog bed is specially designed to give your dog all the support it needs. If your dog suffers from joint and muscle conditions, the therapeutic foam will alleviate pressure points and keep him comfortable while he sleeps. The 3-inch pillow provides additional support for your dog’s neck and head.

Another great feature of this bed is that it is easy to clean. Open the zipper, and remove the cover before throwing it into the wash. You can also clean the waterproof cover thoroughly by wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Key Features:

• 7-inch thick orthopedic memory foam
• Waterproof inner liner
• Removable plush suede cover
• The bed consists of hypoallergenic materials

The pillow-type rectangular pet bed from Frisco is suitable for cats and dogs, and it has bolsters to provide your pet with a sense of security while it sleeps. The bed is lower at the side of the entry, making it easy for older dogs to step in and out of their beds.

Inside the bed is a polyester fiber filling, and it has a soft faux suede cover to provide your dog with sufficient support and comfort without forming lumps. The cover is available in two colors, namely brown and khaki green. The bed comes in three sizes, and you can choose one that is suitable for your dog.

The bed will keep its shape for a long time, and the removable and machine washable cover makes it easy to clean.

Key Features:

• Bolsters to make your dog feel safe
• Polyester fiber filling
• Removable faux suede cover

The quilted fleece pet mats from Frisco are versatile and suitable for a wide range of settings. Frisco specially designed the mats to fit into various places, including crates, dog houses, and your car. You can also use the mat as a stand-alone pet bed.

These mats are available in several sizes, and you can choose one that fits your dog’s crate or kennel perfectly. The Frisco quilted pet mats feature non-slip bottoms, foam pads for added comfort, and soft quilted fleece covers. The bolsters are stuffed with polyester fiber to give structure to the mat as well as head support.

Another feature that pet owners love about Frisco quilted fleece mats is that they are suitable for all seasons and conditions. The beds allow for sufficient airflow to prevent overheating, but the quilted fleece also keeps your pet warm in the cold winter months.

The Frisco quilted fleece mat doesn’t have a removable cover, but the entire mat is machine washable.

Key Features:

• Suitable for use with crates, dog houses, and kennels
• Machine washable
• Fitted with a non-slip bottom
• Foam padding for added comfort and support

Buying Guide

Your dog’s sleeping requirements are unique and, just like you, he needs the perfect bed. There are many different beds to choose from. You want to be sure to choose one that meets all your dog’s sleeping needs.

In this buyer’s guide, we will take a look at the different types of dog beds as well as things to keep in mind when shopping for one.

What to Look for in a Dog Bed

Choosing the most affordable bed is not always the best way to save money. Cheap products may also not be suitable for your dog’s sleeping requirements. To find the perfect dog bed, you have to do some homework.

Let’s take a look at some of the crucial buying considerations when shopping for a dog bed.

Support and Comfort

Dogs typically have no problem sleeping on the floor. Over time, however, a dog may develop muscle and joint pains as a result of pressure points. If your dog sleeps on the floor every night, it can eventually result in debilitating conditions.

You want a dog bed that alleviates pressure points and keeps your dog comfortable so he can get quality sleep every night.

Your Dog’s Weight and Size

The dog bed you choose should be able to accommodate your dog’s weight and size. Keep an eye out for your dog’s breed in the listings. If you have a large and sensitive breed like a Great Dane, for example, you want a bed that is specially designed with his needs in mind.

If you have a heavy dog, stick to a high-quality, long-lasting dog bed. A bed that quickly loses its shape will not give your dog proper comfort and support. If you have a small breed, you ideally want a soft bed that is designed for comfort instead of support.

Materials

The type of materials in the bed determine the bed’s maintenance requirements and durability. Internal padding materials include things like memory foam, poly filler, egg-crate foam, and foam beading. As a rule, the heavier your dog, the more padding you need.

Covers are usually made of faux suede, faux fur, or quilted fleece. Select a cover material that is removable and soft. If your dog likes destroying his bed, select a hardened cover that is resistant to abrasion.

A non-slip bottom is also a high-value feature to keep the bed stationery and protect it from rugged flooring.

Design

A dog bed’s design is not as crucial as material types and dimensions, but you ideally want a dog bed that looks good in your home. There are dog beds that look like kennels, sofas, little houses, and mini human beds. Many of these designs are not entirely functional, however, and you will not be able to use them with a crate or move them between your living room and bedroom.

How Much Fur Does Your Dog Have?

Smooth cotton- and polyester blends are ideal for dogs that shed excessively. If your dog has shorter hair, however, soft fleece is perfect for providing them with warmth.

Bolsters and Burrowing

Some dogs are generally anxious, and they want a sleeping space where they feel safe. Dog bed features that keep a stressing dog calm include bolsters and deep crevasses for burrowing.

The bolsters and crevasses make the bed feel like a hiding or enclosed space. Bolsters also prevent draughts from reaching your dog and keep him warm.

Certified Foam

CertiPUR-US(R) certified foam doesn’t contain substances like mercury, toxic fire retardants, and metals that are harmful to your dog. If your dog’s bed has an eggshell filling, the certification is not necessary. Additionally, a certification indicates higher quality, as cheap products usually do not have the certifications.

Check the product listing for the certification or ask the seller. All the foam beds in our list have the CertiPUR-US(R) certificate.

Waterproofing

The waterproof lining is ideal if you have a Labrador Retriever that spends a lot of time in the swimming pool or around your lawn sprinklers. These liners are removable, easy to clean with a cloth, and replaceable.

The waterproof lining doesn’t only keep your dog’s mattress dry, but it also prevents dander, fur, and dirt from getting into the bed filling.

Elevated Beds

Select an elevated bed to raise your dog out of the cold draughts along the ground. If you have an aging dog with muscle pain or arthritis, he may find it easier to get in and out of an elevated bed. A higher bed with a steel frame is also great when you and your dog are outdoors, and you do not want his bed lying in the dirt.

Quality and Price

A poor-quality bed will show early signs of deterioration, and they are prone to form uncomfortable lumps and valleys. Instead of replacing your dog’s bed once every two months, purchase a high-quality bed that can last for years.

Types of Dog Beds

Pillow-Style

Pillow-style dog beds are the most basic type, and they can be stuffed with cotton, foam shreds, or polyester. Pillows are easy to move around or use with crates and dog houses. If you need a dog bed that offers orthopedic support, this type of bed may not be ideal.

Pads and Mats

Pads are ideal if you want to transport your dog in a crate or if you want a comfortable place for your dog while you eat dinner or watch television. Pads and mats can function as dog beds, but only if they have sufficient padding.

Orthopedic Dog Beds

If you have an aging dog or if your dog suffers from arthritis or hip dysplasia, an orthopedic bed may be your best option to keep your dog comfortable and ensure that he gets quality sleep. This type of bed usually consists of foam layers and an integrated pillow.

Bolster-style Dog Beds

Bolster-style dog beds have walled sides to make your dog feel safe. Some dogs like the bolsters as a resting place for their heads or necks.

Steel-framed or Outdoor Beds

These beds are ideal for surfaces like hot pavements, wet lawns, or rugged terrain. An elevated surface allows for airflow, which keeps your dog cool. Steel-framed beds usually feature nylon mesh fabric that is long-lasting, easy to clean, and water-resistant.

Getting Your Dog to Like Their Bed

Some dogs, especially anxious one, may be apprehensive about trying out their new beds. If you find that your dog keeps sleeping the floor or couch, put the bed at the place where he usually sleeps. Then, place a toy or blanket he likes in the bed so that it smells familiar.

If your dog still doesn’t want to sleep in his new bed, put him in the bed, and spend time with him. When your dog receives attention, treats, and praise while he is sitting on his bed, he will associate it with safety and happiness.

How to Wash Dog Beds

You can clean your dog’s bed by following a few simple steps:

• Vacuum the bed to remove dirt and fur
• Remove the cover and clean stains and debris from the mattress with a spot cleaner
• Machine wash the cover or entire bed if it is machine washable
• Rinse the cover thoroughly with hot water
• Hang the cover outside to let it dry in the sun

The steps listed above are general guidelines. Follow the washing instructions you receive with your dog bed carefully. Even if the cover or bed is machine washable, vacuum the bed before washing, so the fur and dander do not clog your machine’s filter.