The Best Dog Beds
Our pups deserve the best of everything, including a soft, comfy bed to call their own. Although it may be tempting to want to let our furry friends climb into bed with us, it's always best to provide a resting place just for them. Not all dog beds are made the same, though. Some are better for dogs that love to curl up and cuddle, some are best for those that love to stretch out, and some dog beds offer specific support to relieve pressure from joint pain. To help you find the right one for your furry friend, we've researched the top dog beds on the market to sniff out the best options on the market today.
What to Look For
The best dog beds must have a combination of three things: a good balance of comfort and support, durable construction and materials, and the ability to be cleaned easily. The plush dog bed from MidWest Home for Pets quickly emerged as our favorite, since it offers softness, style, and support in one easy-to-care-for package. However, if you need durability above all else, check out the pick from K9 Ballistics, which offers a heavy-duty ripstop cover and plenty of shredded memory foam cushioning to boot. Keep reading to discover your dog’s new happy place.
MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
This dog bed is the ideal choice for just about any dog owner. It is both plush and tough, giving your dog the right amount of comfort while also withstanding everyday use. Its appealing design and neutral color options mean it won’t stick be an eyesore in your home. We also love that it is machine-washable, so cleaning days are a breeze. Plus, this bed can fit perfectly inside a crate, in the corner of your home, or in the back of your car while traveling. Wherever you decide to put it, it will surely become your pup’s new favorite spot.
Pros:
- If you’ve been struggling to find a dog bed that fits your space, go with this one. Even crates with uncommon dimensions can likely be accommodated by MidWest’s expansive range of sizes, especially since the soft fabric is very forgiving.
- The tufted fabric may look and feel luxurious, but it’s also surprisingly durable. It’s a winning combination of a soft polyester upper and grippy, non-skid bottom that stays in place wherever you put it. Best of all, the whole thing is machine-washable and dryer-safe on low heat.
Cons:
- We love the design but wish it came in more color options.
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut
Stay a while
The Original Calming Donut will create a safe space for your dog to relax and sink into after a long hard day of playing fetch, chasing the cat, and barking at squirrels. This bed is crafted with a raised rim and soft, shaggy faux-fur that allows them to burrow deep while still maintaining plush protection from the hard floor. We love that its encapsulating design is also meant to help calm pets that suffer from anxiety. Cozy, flexible, and super soft your dog will have no issue drifting off to dreamland.
Pros:
- The bed is almost as calming for us pet parents as it is for our dogs since it’s made of pet-friendly, non-toxic materials. These plush beds are free from skin-irritating chemicals, flame retardants, harsh dyes, and formaldehyde, so you can rest easy knowing your best buddy is well taken care of.
- Call us shallow, but we absolutely love the color options for this bed. The selection of stylish, modern neutrals makes it easy to match one with our existing decor. The only problem might be deciding on just one.
Cons:
- It could use just a bit more support for older dogs.
Barkbox Memory Foam Mattress
Superior support
Hip dysplasia, arthritis, and joint pain are all factors that can make it very tough for your dog to feel comfortable while lying down. Barkbox’s memory foam mattress is designed to help combat these issues thanks to its high-density, pressure-relieving foam design. It also features a layer of temperature-regulating gel foam so your furry friend won’t run too hot. Ranging in sizes small to extra-large, this supportive bed is great for dogs young and old.
Pros:
- Anyone with a dog who’s getting up there in years or struggles with chronic health problems knows how important it is to give them support whenever we can. This bed has it in spades, and we’re very pleased to see such quality memory foam being introduced into the dog bed market.
- The range of stylish fabrics, patterns, and finishes impressed us from the jump, but we were even more excited to learn that each cover is fully removable, machine-washable, and features a water-resistant lining. Talk about balancing form and function.
Cons:
- Although supportive, it’s not a super thick option.
Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
This elevated bed is perfect for those living in a hotter climate who need a little help keeping their four-legged friend cool and comfortable. The cooling effect is due to the elevated design that sits seven inches off of the ground, which allows for constant air to flow from underneath. The style of this dog bed is minimalistic and made out of an iron frame and mesh PVC fabric. Made with just a few components, it’s easy to assemble and provides a sturdy but lightweight design that can be effortlessly placed in the perfect spot to help keep Fido cool and collected.
Pros:
- The elevated design is unbeatable for keeping your dog cool, but it’s easy enough to add a pad or blanket on top of it in cooler months to create a raised bed with a little more insulation.
- It’s easy to assemble with no additional tools required. All of the components are lightweight, so it’s more than manageable, even if you’re solo. Best of all, once it’s put together, it stays that way — no need for frequent tightening and readjusting.
Cons:
- If it does get wet, the water tends to pool in the middle rather than drip through.
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Nesting Dog Bed
Puppy-approved
Ever get excited to bring home a new dog bed only for it to be torn to shreds as soon as your pooch lays eyes on it? K9 Ballistics knows that feeling and has designed a bet to make sure that doesn’t happen. This bed boasts an exterior that can withstand biting, scratching, burrowing, tearing, and it isn’t afraid of a little water, either. As tough as it sounds, it still manages to offer pillowy comfort that your little terror will enjoy. Plus, the unique sewn-in chambers prevent clumping and shifting from the filler inside. Incredibly durable and almost indestructible, this bed is sure to stand the test of time.
Pros:
- We especially appreciate the addition of a Velcro zipper cover — and if your dogs are as excitable as ours, we think you will, too. It’s a thoughtful addition that’s a testament to the quality of the design.
- The waterproof membrane lining the fabric does a great job of keeping moisture out. It makes it easier to clean, too, since you can wipe it down with a wet cloth without worrying about soaking the inside. For significant spills, we’re happy to report that it’s also machine-washable on cold and easy to air-dry.
Cons:
- The fabric itself isn’t the prettiest, but it’s a great choice when durable materials are a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
When it comes to cleaning your dog’s bed, you should try to clean it as frequently as possible — even as often as you clean your own bed. Since your dog is constantly outside, laying on the floor, and not being washed every day, their bed can be a breeding ground for germs. Another step you can take to keep the bed clean in between washes is vacuuming the bed daily or every other day.
What should I consider when choosing a dog bed?
When choosing a dog bed, one of the biggest things to consider is your dog’s personality. Each dog has its own preference of how it likes to rest, whether that be curled up, sprawled out, or buried underneath a lot of covers. Some designs are better for sprawling out than being enveloped. You should also consider any medical needs your pup has, such as painful joints and muscles. Some dog beds are much thinner than others and may not provide ample support for your furry friend.
About the Author
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Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.