BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
What’s the best dog bed?
After a long day of chasing balls, eating treats and being your best friend, your canine companion needs a comfortable, supportive dog bed. With hundreds of beds to choose from, picking the right one for your dog can seem daunting.
Since you can’t ask your pup for its opinion, The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a luxurious option.
What to know before you buy a dog bed
Types of dog beds
Dog beds come in a wide range of types, some of which are versatile enough to suit any dog, while others are tailored to meet more particular needs.
- Mattress-style dog beds are rectangular and either completely flat or flat in the center, with a headrest or raised edge. These are great for dogs that like to stretch out, though the ones with raised edges, or bolsters, also accommodate dogs who like to lean against something as they sleep. They usually have foam bases, which are nicely supportive.
- Doughnut beds and other round or oval beds are perfect for dogs who curl up while they sleep. They often have raised edges to make them cozier and offer back support.
- Raised beds consist of a mesh sleeping area fixed to a metal or heavy-duty plastic frame. They’re great for dogs who chew or claw other beds and for use in hot weather because air circulates underneath the sleeping surface.
Materials
Consider both the filling material and the outer material when buying a bed for your dog, though the filling is more important.
- Polyester hollow fill: This is often found inside cheap dog beds, but it isn’t supportive. It also flattens down over time and becomes less comfortable, so it isn’t the ideal choice.
- Memory foam: This and other types of furniture-grade foam offer a level of comfort and support similar to foam mattresses for humans. However, there’s a difference between solid and shredded foam. Solid foam provides more support, while shredded foam feels slightly more plush.
- Outer materials: Some dogs prefer something that feels extra soft and plush, such as faux fur. Most are happy on almost any material as long as it doesn’t feel too plasticky.
What to look for in a quality dog bed
Size
The right size bed will keep your dog from sore muscles due to sleeping in a too-small space. Measure your dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, then add 6 to 12 inches to find a bed long enough to fit your dog.
Colors
Most dog beds are available in various colors so you can choose one that matches your decor.
Washable covers
You’ll thank yourself for buying a dog bed with a removable and machine-washable outer cover.
How much you can expect to spend on a dog bed
While you can find basic dog beds for as little as $20-$50, high-end memory foam beds in large sizes cost as much as $150-$300.
Dog bed FAQ
Do dogs like hard or soft beds?
A. Generally speaking, dogs like beds that are neither too hard nor too soft. As mammals, dogs have similar skeletal structures to humans, so the best beds for them are soft enough to feel comfortable and avoid pressure points but firm enough to offer support for the spine and joints.
Do dogs need their own beds?
A. It’s good for your dog to have its own bed in the room where you most often hang out, such as the living room or den, and in the place where they sleep, if that’s different.
If you let your dog cuddle up with you on the couch, you might not see the need to have a dog bed in the living room. However, it’s ideal for dogs to have their own spot to retreat to if they want a break, especially in households with kids.
Likewise, you might not think your dog needs a bed at night if they sleep with you. Having your dog sleep in its own bed rather than yours gives everyone a bit more room, especially if you have a big dog or multiple dogs.
What’s the best dog bed to buy?
Top dog bed
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed
What you need to know: With an excellent balance of comfort and support, this is an excellent choice for any dog.
What you’ll love: The solid memory-foam base is on par with basic memory-foam mattresses for humans. It’s available in a range of sizes from small to 2XL. Not only can you choose from 15 colors, but also three material types: plush, linen and cozy faux fur.
What you should consider: The largest sizes are expensive.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top dog bed for the money
Furhaven Calming Cuddler Doughnut Bed
What you need to know: This circular doughnut bed is perfect for dogs that curl up in their sleep.
What you’ll love: The raised bolstered edges give your dog something to lean against and snuggle into. The faux fur material is extremely soft and cuddly. The cover is removable and machine washable.
What you should consider: The beanbag-style filling isn’t the most supportive, so it’s a better bed for napping than for sleeping all night.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
What you need to know: Measuring 7 inches thick and available in large, extra-large and giant sizes, this is an ideal bed for big dogs.
What you’ll love: The base is made of layers of comfortable and supportive foam, which is great for all dogs but especially older dogs and those with joint issues. It has a built-in headrest for dogs that like to sleep with their head raised.
What you should consider: If you want a waterproof liner, you’ll need to pay extra.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.