Buying a new bed for your dog is almost like looking for a new mattress for yourself. You want your best friend to be completely comfortable and maybe even keep him off your own bed or couch! Did you know that an adult dog sleeps for an average of 12 to 14 hours every day? That’s a lot of snoozing! This makes finding the right dog bed even more important.
You need to consider a number of factors before you start shopping for a dog bed. How large is your dog, how old is he, and what are his sleeping habits? Dog beds should be comfy, but they also need to be quite durable. But we will look into these essential details in our buying guide found later in this article.
We know how time-consuming it can be when you’re trying to find the perfect product for your best friend, so we’ve done the work on your behalf. We have reviewed 10 of the best dog beds available, so you can find what you’re looking for. We hope these reviews will make your job just a little bit easier.
Quick Glance at the Winners of 2023
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Product
Details
Best Overall
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Dog Bed
Shag material creates a self-warming bed
Comes in 4 sizes and 2 colors
Donut shape with orthopedic edge great for dogs that love to curl up
Best Friends by Sheri gets our pick for the best overall dog bed thanks to its cozy softness provided by the faux shag fur material. This bed is self-warming, which means when your pup snuggles down into it, his own body heat will create a very nice and warm environment within the bed. It has a round “donut-shaped” design, which will work great if your dog loves to curl up while sleeping. The edge of the bed has extra orthopedic support where your dog can rest his head. The cover can be thrown into the washer and dryer, and it’s available in 2 colors (light grey and beige) and in small, medium, large, and extra-large.
However, you should be careful while washing it as the polyester filling might lose its puffy quality, and the shag material doesn’t always keep its texture.
Pros
Shag material creates a self-warming bed
Donut shape with orthopedic edge great for dogs that love to curl up
Comes in 4 sizes and 2 colors
Can be thrown in the washer and dryer
Cons
Wash and dry with care as it might not hold its shape
2. MidWest Defender Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best Value
The MidWest Defender Orthopedic is one of the best dog beds for the money. The MidWest QuietTime Defender Teflon Geometric Orthopedic Nesting Pet Bed (try to say that 5 times fast!) provides a cozy bed and also orthopedic support and comes in 5 different sizes. It has a removable liner that is a soft fleece and features a high wall of foam for added support. This is all covered by a Teflon fabric that protects against water, dirt, and stains and comes in a stylish geometric pattern. The cover has a zipper so it can be removed for the washing machine and dryer, and the bottom has non-slip material so it can stay in place on slippery floors.
You should double-check each bed’s dimensions as the size given during ordering is not how large the bed is on the inside. We found the bed to be quite durable, but if your pup loves chewing and ripping things apart, this bed might not hold up well.
Pros
Great value
Orthopedic support in 5 different sizes
Teflon cover deflects stains and is removable for washing
The PetFusion Dog Bed is a premium choice because while it is a little pricey, it is a very large bed that will fit the larger dogs out there. It comes in grey and brown and in large, extra-large, and jumbo sizes, so if your dog doesn’t usually fit the smaller dog beds, this one might just fit the bill. It has 4-inch-thick memory foam (the jumbo has 6 inches) with bolsters for support and a tear and water-resistant cover and is removable for laundering. The base of the bed has a waterproof liner in case of accidents, and the cover is made with a combination of cotton and polyester.
We found the memory foam wasn’t quite as soft as we had hoped (however, the 6 inches of foam in the jumbo size might do the trick), and it wasn’t as tear-proof as we had expected. If your dog loves to rip things apart, you might need to look elsewhere.
Pros
Comes in 3 large sizes for much larger dogs and in 2 colors
4-inch-thick memory foam and 6-inch thick for jumbo size
Has bolsters for extra support
Waterproof liner in case of accidents
Cover is removable for washing and is water and tear-resistant
K&H Pet Products have given our dogs a pillow-top orthopedic dog bed in a soft grey that is perfect for medium to large dogs (measures 27.5” x 18.5”). The foam base provides orthopedic support, and the pillow top adds extra softness. Our dogs seemed to just love this bed! Bolsters surround the bed, giving your pup a place to rest their heads (or feet) as well as a sense of security. The cover has a zipper for easy removal and is machine washable, and the stitching gives it an attractive look.
Unfortunately, we found that the pillow top was made with a relatively thin material, which will probably wear holes in spots after some time. We also found it challenging to wash as the filling needs to be removed from the base and the bolsters before washing and reinserted afterward. This can ultimately lead to it becoming misshapen.
Pros
Provides orthopedic support with a foam base and soft pillow top
The bolster gives your dog a place to rest his head
The Frisco Pillow Dog Bed is called Ultra-Plush for a reason! This very soft bed comes in brown and khaki green and in medium and large sizes. This dog bed does not have raised sides, so it is easier for older or infirm pets to step onto and is stuffed full of polyester making it rather fluffy. The cover can be removed so it can be washed, and the edge is made with a faux suede fabric which makes it an attractive addition to your home.
However, while it might be easier for senior dogs to step onto, the padding is not orthopedic and might not provide the best support for the animals that need it most. It also does not seem to withstand more than a couple of washings as it tends to fall apart, and it’s not as durable as some of the other beds to withstand rough treatment from your dog.
Pros
Comes in 2 colors and 2 sizes
The cover is removable and machine washable
The bed is flat without any raised edges for senior dogs
Lined with faux suede making for an attractive pet bed
Cons
Lack of orthopedic support might not work for senior dogs
The Coolaroo Dog Bed would be great for any dog that needs a bed to help keep him cool over the hot summer months. It’s elevated off the ground with a light steel frame, which allows airflow from all angles and is made with a breathable fabric. It comes in 6 colors (green, brick red, light grey, beige, navy blue, and turquoise) and is available in small, medium, and large. The fabric is resistant to mildew, mold, and pests and is made from recyclable material that is easy to clean and can also be used indoors as well as outdoors.
Unfortunately, we found putting the bed together to be quite a challenge as there were pieces that didn’t fit together properly. The plastic-like cover doesn’t have any real stretch to it, which also made assembly difficult. We can’t recommend this bed for any dogs that need orthopedic support and keep in mind that the sizes described are for the frame and not the actual part where the dog sleeps, so double-check on this before purchasing.
Pros
Elevated on lightweight steel frame helps keep your dog cool
The cover is easy to clean as it’s made from recyclable plastic
It comes in 6 colors and 3 sizes
It can be used indoors and outdoors
Resistant to pests, mildew, and mold
Cons
Difficult to assemble as sometimes the holes do not align
The plastic cover doesn’t stretch, making it even more difficult to assemble
The FurHaven is an orthopedic support dog bed that comes in 4 colors (grey, dark brown, beige, and turquoise) and 5 sizes ranging from small to jumbo plus. The cover is made with a soft, faux fur material and has a thick foam base that provides medical-grade orthopedic support. It has 3 bolsters which add extra support but with an open end, making it easier for your senior dog to walk in and out of. The cover is machine washable and removable, and the variety of sizes makes it easy to find one that your dog will fit in, no matter how large he might be!
However, if you have a puppy or an incontinent dog, the base of this bed is not washable because of the egg carton foam base. The faux fur cover tends to shed, and you might find yourself vacuuming up remnants of fur from your dog’s bed. We also found that the padding wasn’t as thick as it could be, so some dogs might prefer something a little more poofy.
Pros
Provides orthopedic support with egg carton foam base
Comes in 4 colors and 5 sizes up to jumbo plus
3 bolsters provide extra support but also allows easy access for dogs to walk in
The cover is removable and machine washable
Cons
Foam base is not washable
Faux fur cover tends to shed
Some dogs might prefer a more padded and poofy bed
Aspen has given us a self-warming dog bed that comes in 4 sizes (19, 24, 30, and 35 inches) and is available in a dark red color with a cream lining. The lining is a faux lamb’s wool making it quite cozy and plush, while the outer cover is an attractive dark red corduroy. This bed’s interior uses the same kind of technology as space blankets but without electricity. It uses your dog’s own body heat to keep him warm. It’s quite light and has a non-slip bottom layer, so it should stay put on your hardwood floors.
These beds are actually pretty small, so you really need to check the measurements before you buy them. We also found that it doesn’t hold its shape very well and tended to flatten after a short period of time. Another issue we found is that after a few washes, some of the beds had seams that started to separate.
The Armarkat Dog Bed comes in 1 size and 3 colors (pale green, darker green, and red) and is designed for cats or small dogs. It’s made with velvet fabric and super thick cushions, which are removable, as well as plush poly-fill for extra cushy softness. The base is waterproof and non-skid, making it suitable for all surfaces, and it’s machine washable. The cave feature makes it perfect for small dogs that love to burrow into things for a nap.
It is a small bed, though. Very small. So, make sure you double-check the measurements before purchasing. Also, because it is quite lightweight, it might be prone to rolling over, and it has trouble retaining its shape.
Pros
Cave bed great for dogs that like to sleep in cozy, dark spaces
The Serta Dog Bed is a comfortable bed that comes in 3 colors (grey, medium brown, and beige) and is available in large and extra-large. The orthopedic foam is 3½ inches thick and has high bolsters for that extra support like soft pillows but still allows for easy access into the bed with one open side. The bolsters will work well for dogs that like to lean against something while asleep, and it will give them the feeling of safety and security. The cover is soft and stylish and is zippered for easy removal, and is machine washable.
Washing this bed is a challenge as the bolsters are stuffed with loose filling, which all needs to be pulled out before throwing it into the washing machine. While the description states that the orthopedic foam is 3½ inches. It actually seems like it’s closer to 2 inches, making it not as comfortable as it should be. It also doesn’t stand up to a dog chewing or digging into his bed.
Pros
Comes in 3 colors and sizes large and extra-large
Orthopedic foam is 3½ thick and features high bolsters
Bolsters provide extra support and security
Cons
Washing is not an easy task
The foam base is thinner than advertised
Not durable for dogs who like to chew and dig
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Bed
Buying a new dog bed can be tricky, thanks to the vast amounts of pet beds available on the market. There are so many features to think about, so we’ll go over the most common dog bed elements for you to consider. We hope this will help you to figure out what kind of bed will be the best one for your dog.
Size
This is an obvious one. You want to be sure to find a bed that your dog fits into. As you will have noticed from a few of our reviews, there is sometimes an issue with the measurements of these beds when shopping online. Most manufacturers tend to post the measurements for the entire bed and not the size of the area where your dog will actually do his sleeping.
You should measure your dog and opt for a slightly larger bed than your dog, so he has enough room to move around. Ask questions online if you can’t find the actual size for the sleeping area posted anywhere.
Material
If your dog tends to dig and enjoys chewing things up, you’ll want to find beds that have tough and durable fabric. Finding one that has a money-back guarantee would be very helpful as well.
Sleeping Style
How your dog prefers to sleep will dictate what kind of bed you should get. If your dog loves to curl up and burrow into blankets and cushions, you will want to look at cave beds and round beds with high sides. If your dog loves to sprawl out on your bed and couch, you’ll want to opt for a longer bed in a rectangular shape.
Comfort
If your dog is easily overheated and loves to sleep outside on your deck, an elevated bed would be great. These beds allow air flow and aren’t at risk of getting dirty while outdoors. On the other hand, if your dog gets chilly easily, you’ll want an indoor dog bed that he can curl up in and might have a self-warming feature.
Dog’s Age
If you have a senior dog, you’ll want to look at beds that are easy for him to get in and out of and provide very comfortable orthopedic support. If your dog suffers from arthritis or any other degenerative disease, you might want to speak to your vet about recommendations for the right kind of bed.
Washable
Most dog beds are washable in some way or another, usually with removable covers. But keep in mind that if you have a puppy or a dog with less bladder control, this should impact your final bed choice. Washable and waterproof but comfortable are all factors that you need to take into consideration and balance against each other.
Conclusion
Just to sum things up, our choice for the best overall pet bed is the Best Friends by Sheri Dog Bed, thanks to its self-warming capabilities, cushiness, and donut shape for curling up in. The MidWest Defender Orthopedic Dog Bed gets our vote for the best value because not only is it inexpensive, but its Teflon cover keeps it sanitary and easy to clean, and it provides excellent orthopedic support. Lastly, the PetFusion Dog Bed is our premium choice because while it might be one of the more expensive pet beds on this list, it will fit the largest dogs and has thick foam for comfort.
We hope that we’ve helped your job of shopping for a new dog bed a little easier with our reviews and by showing you some different options. After all, no two dogs are completely alike, and their taste in beds will depend on each individual personality. However, you know your dog best, so we’ve narrowed the search down, and all you have to do is take a look and try one out.
Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat and a dog....Read more
