As any owner knows, dog beds can get pricey. Many times, you do get what you pay for. But if you have a destructive puppy or an adult dog that seems to rip up everything that you give them, you might not want to dish out the extra cash. Or if you are traveling, need a kennel cushion, or just want an extra bed around the house, you aim to save.
To help you find value, we rounded up the best dog beds that you can find for under $25. These reviews should give you a good idea of what to expect. Let’s take a look!
The Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed is our very favorite for so many reasons. These beds are fantastic for training, as well as for destructive dogs. The elevated design serves as a hammock for your pet without the need for internal fillers.
The fabric is tightly fitting, durable, and breathable. It comes in both small, medium, or large, so you can size it to your breed. There are five color selections: brown, terracotta, green, gray, and metallic gray. The aesthetics can match the environment, or you can just buy your favorite look.
The combination of solid metal framing, no-sag fabric, and anti-skid feet gives this dog bed all of the long-lasting qualities you’d look for in a dog bed. We think it’s worth the money, giving it a big thumbs up.
If you have a smaller breed and want to save some cash, check out the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. The price goes up depending on your dog’s size, but it is a great value dog bed.
It’s made with a soft, plush Sherpa on the bed with a corduroy exterior. The inside is filled with comfy polyfill to give it an excellent cushion. This bed is self-heating, meaning it will keep your shivery pup toasty on chilly nights. It’s comparable to space blankets, with no plugs or electricity required.
The entire design is incredibly lightweight, so you can move it with no strain. However, its non-slip bottom keeps it in place when you want it in a stationary position. Since this material should never be ingested, you should steer clear if you have a destructive pup.
The incredibly impressive Armarkat Cave Shape Covered Cat & Dog Bed has an excellent composition—sturdy and cozy. It has a semi-enclosed design to help your pup feel safe and secure while giving them the freedom to see all the happenings around the house.
The exterior is a velvety, waterproof material that can wipe down easily. The padding is extra thick polyester for optimal comfort. The fabric is machine washable, so you know it will hold up longer than some selections.
While the entire structure is sound, it only works for small dog breeds and ordinary house cats. It’s only available in one size.
Check out the Aspen Pet Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. This cozy little sofa is attractive and fully functional. The entire design can fit in virtually any room of the house because it’s stylish, mimicking a human sofa. We think you’ll appreciate the look of it.
The interior is lined with Sherpa, making it incredibly soft and cozy. The exterior is made of suede material. It’s ultra-padded with a sturdy polyfill that doesn’t break down or lose shape easily.
The best part is that it’s totally machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about tough cleaning, odors, or losing shape. This bed is only appropriate for small or toy breeds. It might now work for your pooch.
The simplistic Precision Pet Products SnooZZy Round Shearling Bolster Dog Bed gives you all the basics you look for in a dog bed. Its round circular design cups their body for optimal comfort. You can toss this little bed in the car, the foot of your bed, or any place of your choosing.
The entire design is lightweight and space-friendly, with a bolstered perimeter where your dog can rest their head. It’s made of cloud-soft material. The whole bed is machine washable, plus you can toss it in the dryer without shrinking or losing shape.
The bed is insulated for terrific temperature control—in both hot and cold weather. It fits in most small dog kennels, and this option is fantastic for puppies and small breeds.
If your dog prefers to hide away, you can check out the Frisco Igloo Covered Dog Bed. It’s perfect for puppies and small breeds alike—the family cat might even climb in for a snooze. It gives a nice private hideaway to slip off to when your pup is tuckered out.
This design will look great in your home, donned in earth tone colors blend in with any environment. The entire bed is lightweight, so you can move it around your home or take it with you on the go. It fits in a corner or center space of the home, making it versatile.
The bottom cushion is highly padded and removable—you can toss it into the wash to keep it fresh. The cave design can collapse for easy storage but maintain its shape while it is up for use.
If you have a dog who loves chewing, this bed is not chew-resistant— so you might be better off with another selection.
Straight to the point, the ASPCA Microtech Cuddler Dog Bed it’s a practical selection for your pooch. This bed is rectangular with bolstered sides all the way around the design, which are shorter in the front for easy entry. It’s specifically designed to be easier for senior dogs to use as well.
For padding, this dog bed is entirely polyester and the cover is machine washable. It only comes in one color selection, which is navy and cream. It would go with most design choices unless you were looking for something to match a specific theme.
There is only one size, making it suitable for puppies or small breeds only. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that serves a primary purpose. Your dog will think it’s comfortable, and you can save some cash, too.
The MidWest Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed that’s an ideal choice for dogs who have trouble with their joints and need a little extra support. It comes in five different size choices, but only the smallest bed is under the $25 threshold.
The design comes with a stylish olive green and cream cover with a geometric pattern. The interior is plush fleece with bolstered sides keeping your pet cozy inside with an egg crate cushion base. The cover comes off for easy cleaning, and it’s machine washable.
This bed comes with a nonslip grip on the bottom so you won’t have to worry about sliding on slick floors. It is a terrific bed that supports your dog from puppyhood to senior years. You might not be too thrilled with color choices, but we think the overall function is noteworthy.
The American Kennel Club Bolster Dog Bed It’s a stylish selection coming in four different color choices. You can select sage, brown, black, or tan, adding a natural look to your home. It’s made of natural polyester, so it’s entirely machine washable—but it isn’t as durable as we’d like.
Don’t get us wrong, it serves its purpose. It’s a cozy place to nap for your four-legged buddy. The bed is nicely padded with plush cushioning. Bolstered sides help cradle your dog’s head, so they have their very own built-in pillows.
You can wash this design easily, but it loses shape quickly. It gets a little bit flimsy and slouchy—so, it doesn’t hold up like some others might. However, it’s still a comfy area for your dog to take a snooze. It can fit small to medium-sized dogs, depending on weight.
Pros
Many colors
Comfy bolster pillows
Washable
Cons
Loses shape quickly
Not as durable as some
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re looking for dog beds under $25, your big objective is going to be saving money. But this doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. You want to look for things to ensure that your purchase is going to be worth it.
Let’s discuss a few aspects of dog beds so you can figure out exactly how to purchase the best option for your pup.
Quality Dog Beds
If you’re spending less on a dog bed, you want to make sure you’re getting quality. After all, who doesn’t like getting the biggest bang for their buck? There are a few different aspects of quality that you can consider to get the most value out of your purchase.
Solid Material
Material is a huge factor when you’re looking to purchase. There are many different types that hold up well under the right circumstances.
Exterior — The outside of the bed should be secure and durable to prevent tearing or breakage. Many common materials include corduroy, polyester, and cotton.
Interior — The bed’s interior should give your pup plenty of cushioning to make their sleeping and lounging experience more enjoyable. Common fillers include polyfill and memory foam.
Bedding Portions — The bedding of the design should provide optimal comfort for your pup. Many common materials used are Sherpa, velvet, and plush fabric.
Fabric — Some elevated beds have a sturdy, non-stretch fabric for comfort and durability.
Adequate Stitching in the Design
Weak stitching can cause the bed to develop holes or tears, which can diminish the bed’s life. Double stitching and cross-stitching are two ideal options that keep the bed better composed. If a bed has single stitching, it can rip with little force or fall apart in the wash.
Internal Components of the Bed
If you have ever owned a destructive puppy or dog, you’ve probably come home to shreds ripped across your house. Standard sewing stuffing can create quite a mess!
Getting other options, such as foam or a solid piece of fabric, can prevent this issue. You also don’t want your dog ingesting materials that can cause intestinal blockages.
Image Credit: Pixabay
The Size of the Bed vs. the Size of Your Dog
Before you buy, you have to consider your dog and their growth. If your dog is just a puppy, they might not use the bed for long as they develop. This might not be a big deal if you are just buying a bed for temporary use. But if you’re looking for something that’s more sustainable for the long term, you need to buy the breed’s correct size.
Satisfaction Guarantees From Companies
It’s always reassuring to see companies that want to take accountability for their products. Satisfaction guarantees are ideal for ensuring that your purchase counts for something. If you are not happy with the bed for any reason, knowing that there is an option to return it for a refund can bring you peace of mind.
Reasons to Look For Cheaper Alternatives
There are a few good reasons that searching for a cheaper dog bed is a good idea. After all, you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a bed if it isn’t going to hold up. Here’s why cheaper beds are better in certain cases.
Destructive Dogs
If you have a dog that rips apart every toy or bed that you give them, it can put a damper on your willingness to spend money on new products. Until they calm down or learn better obedience, getting a $25 bed will keep your pet cozy for a while and not rack up expensive costs.
Kennel Additions
You might just be looking for a bed to throw in the kennel to keep your dog cozy while you’re away from home. It might not be their main bed in the household, so there’s no reason to spend excessive amounts of money on it.
Image Credit: Audreycmk, Shutterstock
Travel Beds
If your pup is coming on a car ride, you might want to have a little bed to throw in the car for the drive. Still, always make sure to secure your dog in the vehicle safely, as typical dog beds do not come with reinforcements.
Temporary Beds
If you have a puppy that’s going to get much bigger, you might want to get a bed that works for now but is not meant to last. Since dogs grow at such a rapid pace, saving money now will be your friend in the long run.
Training
Many trainers swear by elevated, fabric-based beds. They are incredibly durable and efficient and hold up with hard use. These beds are also easier to clean, which is especially important if your pup is still in the process of house training.
Bargain Shopping
You might just be a person who enjoys finding a good bargain—and there’s nothing wrong with that. As long as your dog is supported, save all the cash you wish!
Conclusion
We absolutely love the Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed because we think it’s the best option for most canines. Whether your dog is destructive, undergoing training, or just needs something durable, this bed will hold up over the test of time. We think that it’s definitely worth the money.
If you’re looking for the cheapest bed possible, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed is probably your best bet. It’s self-warming, super snuggly, and quite comfortable. It will only work for puppies or small breeds, so keep that in mind before you buy.
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs....Read more
