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Best Dog Beds – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Comfortable bedding is very important for dogs. In addition to serving as a suitable sleep surface, dog beds provide a personal safe space for canines to call their own. Dog beds, like dogs, come in all shapes and sizes; choosing a dog bed based on the canine’s specific dimensions is crucial for comfort and support. Many dog beds today are designed to minimize odor, as well.

Another consideration is bed shape. Popular styles include donut-shaped and burrowing beds, as well as orthopedic sofas and cushions made for dogs that experience joint pain (which is particularly common for older dogs and larger breeds). And while dog beds may cost hundreds of dollars, budget-minded shoppers can typically find a suitable model for $100 or less.

This guide will discuss common characteristics, functions, and features of today’s dog beds, and also share our picks for the best models available. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

The Best Dog Beds

The Best Dog Beds – Reviewed

Best OverallTuft & Needle Dog Bed

Best Overall – Tuft & Needle Dog Bed

Highlights

  • 3 sizes available to suit dogs up to 95 lbs.
  • Zip-off, water-resistant cover is machine washable
  • 3 color options
  • 100 night sleep trial
  • 1 year warranty
Our readers can purchase the Tuft & Needle Dog Bed at the lowest price.
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Best OverallTuft & Needle Dog Bed

https://www.tuftandneedle.com

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The Tuft & Needle Dog Bed has a thoughtful design, durable materials, and high build quality. This bed comes in three sizes to accommodate dogs weighing up to 95 pounds.

The bed is constructed in two pieces with a molded foam base and a removable top cushion, both of which feature removable canvas covers that are water resistant and machine-washable. One side of the base has a larger surface area so that your dog can comfortably prop its head up.

Both the top cushion and the base are made with non-skid material on the bottom so the bed won’t slide across bare floors.

The upper cushion attaches to the base with parachute cord toggles, which ensures that the cushion won’t detach from the base when your pet is getting comfortable. This cushion can also be used by itself as a pressure-relieving surface in a dog crate, in the car, or while sleeping away from home.

Good for:

  • Dogs weighing up to 95 pounds
  • Owners looking for a dog bed with a sleep trial and warranty
  • Dogs that like to lay with a head rest
  • Owners looking for a durable dog bed

Best ValueFurHaven Pet Dog Bed

Best Value – FurHaven Pet Dog Bed

Highlights

  • 4 colors to choose from
  • Orthopedic support foam
  • Washable cover
  • Fluffy bolster railings
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Best ValueFurHaven Pet Dog Bed

walmart.com

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For those looking for a quality dog bed on a budget, we recommend the FurHaven Pet Dog Bed. This supportive, orthopedic bed comes in five different sizes, making it suitable for just about any dog. Further, it comes in four color variations, expresso, clay, grey and deep blue.

Ultra-plush faux fur lines the cushioned base of this lounge-sofa. The egg-crate orthopedic foam helps to distribute the body weight of your pet evenly and protect pressure points. There’s also a bolster made of soft cotton batting in faux suede on all four sides, creating a variety of positions for your pet to sleep in and making the bed accessible to elderly pets.

Considering both its lower-than-average price and its quality construction, the FurHaven is an excellent value option for those looking for a basic dog bed.

Good for:

  • People on a budget
  • Dogs that are susceptible to joint pain
  • Dogs that frequently have accidents

SoftestPuffy Dog Bed

Softest – Puffy Dog Bed

Highlights

  • Sofa style
  • Pressure-relieving memory foam
  • Anti-slip base
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SoftestPuffy Dog Bed

puffy.com

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Created by the same people who design the rest of their mattresses, the Puffy Dog Bed ranks just as highly for comfort as its human-sized predecessors. Composed of memory foam, the sofa-style dog bed is available in three size options: small, medium, and large. Thanks to the different size choices, the Puffy can fit most dog breeds.

The polyester cover is removable and fully machine-washable, perfect for dogs who frequently track dirt or shed. The polyester is also moisture resistant, so pups prone to accidents do not soak through the whole bed. The cushion itself is made of a high-density memory foam that should be comfortable for particularly active or older dogs. The base has a no-slip grip to help the bed stay in place.

The Puffy Dog Bed ships free to all 50 states, and Puffy offers a 101-night sleep trial. Purchases come with a lifetime warranty.

Good for:

  • Dogs of almost any size
  • Owners who want easy dog bed cleanup
  • Breeds that shed a lot of fur

Best Luxury The Casper Dog Bed

Best Luxury –  The Casper Dog Bed

Highlights

  • 2-layer foam construction
  • Washable removable cover
  • 1 year limited warranty
  • Risk-free 30-day trial
  • Free shipping and returns
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Best Luxury The Casper Dog Bed

casper.com

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The Casper Dog Bed is designed by the same engineers who design their mattresses. As an industry giant with experience creating mattresses for humans, Casper is in a unique position to build a durable and comfortable sleep surface for your pet.

The Casper Dog Bed is a durable 2-layer foam bed with a top layer of viscoelastic memory foam and a second layer of polyurethane support foam.

The memory foam sleep surface conforms to your pet’s body for targeted pressure relief. Meanwhile, the bonded microfiber cover is constructed of nylon, polyester, and olefin, giving it resistance to scratching and digging.

The bed has a sturdy bolster all the way around to support your pet’s head and neck and keep their spine aligned and supported. This cozy, enclosed design is a result of Casper’s research on how dogs sleep.

The bed comes in three colors: blue, sand and gray, and three sizes: Small (dogs up to 30 lbs.) Medium, (dogs up to 60 lbs.), and Large (dogs up to 90 lbs.).

Good for:

  • Those who are willing to spend more for a higher-quality product
  • All sizes of dogs up to 90 pounds
  • Dogs that are susceptible to joint pain
  • Dogs that frequently have accidents

Best Orthopedic Bed for Older Dogs Brentwood Home Griffith Pet Bed

Best Orthopedic Bed for Older Dogs –  Brentwood Home Griffith Pet Bed

Highlights

  • Orthopedic cushion style
  • Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large sizes
  • Foam construction, fabric cover
  • Internal waterproof liner
  • 30-night trial, 3-year warranty
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Best Orthopedic Bed for Older Dogs Brentwood Home Griffith Pet Bed

brentwoodhome.com

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As they age, many dogs – particularly larger breeds – develop chronic joint pain that can affect their mobility, mood, and sleep habits. Orthopedic dog beds provide extra cushioning and pressure relief for these elder canines. The Griffith Pet Bed from Brentwood Home is a standout due to its construction; gel memory foam and high-density polyfoam layers provide much-needed support for achy dogs, while the durable furniture-grade fabric cover is stain- and odor-resistant.

The bed also features an internal waterproof liner that prevents fluids from seeping into the foam and preserves its overall lifespan. Replacement covers are available, as well. The Griffith Pet Bed is available in four sizes: Small (22″ x 4), Medium (34″ x 4″), Large (46″ x 4″), and Extra-Large (54″ x 4″).

Brentwood Home offers free shipping for this bed. It is backed by a 30-night trial and a three-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Dogs of any size and weight
  • Dogs that are susceptible to joint pain
  • Dogs that frequently have accidents

Best Dog Beds Buyer's Guide

As many dog owners can attest, canines are capable of falling asleep just about anywhere. However, dogs — like humans — have unique sleep needs that often necessitate a warm, comfortable bedding surface. Dog beds also provide a personal space for the dog to feel safe, and many models minimize odor and the spread of fur throughout the house. They offer extra warmth during the fall and winter, as well, which can be especially beneficial for short-haired breeds that get cold easily.

A wide range of dog bed styles are available for sale through online and brick-and-mortar sellers. Some high-end models can cost hundreds of dollars, but budget-minded shoppers can usually find options for under $100. When choosing a bed for your dog, it’s important to take several factors into account, such as the dog’s size, breed, fur output, age, and medical history.

This guide will look at some of the most popular dog bed designs today, as well as some advantages of using a dog bed, buying considerations, and our picks for the top dog bed models for both large and small canines.

Dog Beds: Common Styles and Designs

Most dog beds feature two main components: the filling, or cushioning, and the outer cover.

Common filling materials include:

  • Memory Foam: Sometimes sold under the name ‘orthopedic foam,’ memory foam softens when it comes into contact with the canine’s body heat. Memory foam filling may be shredded, or comprise a solid, single piece.
  • Support Foam: Often a cheaper alternative to memory foam, support foam is a term that refers to standard polyfoam that does not soften with body heat. It may not be suitable for dogs with orthopedic issues, but is sufficient for most other canines. Support foam filling may be shredded or a one-piece layer in a convoluted (or egg-crate) shape.
  • Polyfiber: Dog beds filled with polyfiber puffballs have a similar feel to bean bags. These beds conform and disperse around the dog’s figure for a more personalized fit — but they may not be supportive enough for heavier dogs.
  • Cedar: Dog beds may be filled with cedar chips or shavings, along with polyfiber fill for extra cushioning. Cedar filling is considered less comfortable than other options, but the material naturally repels odor and fleas.

Because they tend to attract a fair amount of odor, dog beds almost always feature covers that are removable (usually zip-off) and machine washable. The following materials are frequently used to make dog bed covers:

  • Cotton or organic cotton
  • Polyester
  • Fleece
  • Faux suede

Regardless of the cover composition, the filling of a dog bed should never be machine washed unless the product tags explicitly say otherwise. Washing foams, polyfibers, and other filling materials can damage the bed beyond repair.

Dog beds may also come with bases or lining made from waterproof materials like polyester denier or nylon denier. This ensures the bed won’t soak through completely if the dog relieves themselves while using it. The term ‘denier’ refers to the thickness of the material’s fibers or threads, and is expressed as the weight (in grams) of a 9,000-meter strand of fiber or thread. For example, 600-denier nylon has a weight of 600 grams per 9,000 meters of that nylon’s fiber. However, some dog beds — typically cheaper models — forgo the waterproof base or lining altogether.

Several styles of dog beds are available, including some designed for certain sizes and/or breeds. These designs include:

  • Pillow Bed: Also known as cushion beds, these dog beds have flat, even surfaces and are not raised on the sides. Most pillow dog beds rectangular and resemble mattresses, although circular and square-shaped models are also available.
  • Orthopedic Bed: Orthopedic beds provide targeted support and pressure point relief for dogs with chronic joint pain. They are usually thicker and have extra cushioning to accommodate thinner dogs with more prominent bone structures, as well. And because elderly dogs are often susceptible to both joint pain and incontinence, orthopedic beds often have waterproof components.
  • Donut/Bagel Bed: Circular donut or bagel beds have an elevated sidewall around the entire circumference. These beds can be beneficial for dogs that tend to get chilly, as the raised wall helps minimize drafts.
  • Sofa Bed: As the name implies, these dog beds mimic the look of standard sofas with one or more cushioned surfaces, one or two raised arms, and an elevated back wall. They may come with pillows, as well.
  • Burrowing Bed: Also known as nest beds, these pita-shaped models feature an opening on one side that allows the dog to crawl inside (or burrow) to keep warm. Many burrowing beds feature fleece lining inside the pocket for extra insulation.
  • Heated Bed: Like orthopedic beds, heated beds are especially useful for dogs with joint pain; the warm surface can help alleviate pressure points that develop throughout their body. Heated beds require an electrical outlet. Most are customizable with multiple heating settings.
  • Dog Cot: Some dog beds come equipped with plastic or metal legs that elevate the bed off of the ground (similar to a cot). They can be used outside, and the sleep surface protects the animals from warm or cold ground depending on the time of year. The sleeping surface is made from taut, stretchy materials like nylon. Because these beds are often used outside, the surface material is usually waterproof as well.

In terms of sizing, dog beds are specifically designed for canines of certain sizes and weights — although many models come in multiple sizes. Owners should take time to measure their dog in a sprawled-out position to determine the proper bed size. Otherwise the animal’s head, limbs, and other areas of the body may slide over the edges, which can cause pain and pressure points to develop.

General dog bed sizes are as follows; please note that some beds come in sizes that fall outside these ranges:

Size Width Range Length Range Supported Weight (est.)
Extra Small 17W” or shorter 23L” or shorter Up to 10 lbs.
Small 18W” to 19W” 24L” to 29L” Up to 25 lbs.
Medium 20W” to 22W” 30L” to 35L” Up to 45 lbs.
Large 23W” to 27W” 36L” to 41L” Up to 75 lbs.
Extra Large 28W” to 29W” 42L” to 47L” Up to 90 lbs.
Extra-Extra Large 30W” or longer 48L” or longer Up to 120 lbs.

Important Considerations for Dog Bed Shoppers

Next, let’s look at some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new dog bed. These considerations include the following:

  • What is your dog bed shopping budget? Some dog beds designed for larger breeds may cost up to $400, but most models sold today are available for $150 or less.
  • How tall is the dog? Dog height is important in determining the bed size, since it measures how much surface area the animal covers when lying on its side.
  • How much does the dog weigh? Heavier dogs require more cushioning in order to feel comfortable while sleeping on a bed. Thinner dogs may require more cushioning as well, since their bones are usually more prominent and sleeping on thin surfaces can cause pressure points to develop.
  • What is the dog’s breed? A dog’s size will depend on its breed. Large dog breeds, such as great Danes, mastiffs, and Newfoundlands, may measure 30 inches or more in height and weigh more than 100 pounds. Smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas and dachshunds, typically measure 10 inches or less in height, and weigh 25 pounds or less.
  • How much fur does your dog have? For breeds with substantial fur that shed a lot (such as akitas and Alaskan malamutes), a bed that can be easily cleaned is usually the most suitable option. Dogs with little fur may become cold more easily, and a burrowing or heated bed may be best.
  • How old is the dog? Older dogs tend to sleep more, and may require a more durable bed that won’t deteriorate too quickly. Elderly dogs are more susceptible to joint pain, and may feel more comfortable on orthopedic beds that offer pressure relief. Additionally, old dogs are often prone to incontinence — and a bed with a waterproof base or lining may be necessary.
  • How big is the room where you plan to keep the dog bed? It’s important to measure all available floor space in the room where you plan to keep the dog bed to determine the proper size.
  • Does your dog sleep outside? For dogs that prefer to sleep outdoors, a raised cot bed is often the best option. These models have raised legs that keep dogs off of the hot ground during the summer, and off of cold or frozen ground during the winter.  Very few non-cot dog beds without legs are designed for outdoor use, and will deteriorate quickly with regular exposure to the elements.
  • Does your dog get anxious or scared easily? Certain types of dog beds, such as nest and burrowing models, offer a safe space for anxious dogs, as well as those who become frightened in certain conditions (such as darkened rooms).
  • Does the dog bed contain certified foam? To ensure your dog isn’t exposed to harmful materials, you should only buy beds made with CertiPUR-US(R) certified foam. This certification indicates the material doesn’t contain harmful substances like mercury, heavy metal, or toxic fire retardants. This is not an issue for dog beds that do not contain foam, but shoppers should still double-check to make sure the bed is free from harmful materials and substances.
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