Dog lovers around the world are familiar with their precious pooches taking over their favorite spot on the couch or their bed, so why not get a high-quality bed just for them? Dogs aren’t fools – they know what comfort is and they want it. Dog beds range in sizes, colors, shapes, and materials. There are rectangular, flat cushions that fit in crates, round fluffy donut-shaped beds, thick foam mattress-like beds, and everything in between.
We researched many dog beds out there to find top quality comfort for your pooch. We looked at a variety of styles, filling material, and cover material, as well as the ease of cleaning, and whether or not dogs approved of the bed. Because in the end, if your dog won’t sleep on it, the style and material won’t matter.
We chose the BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed as our favorite dog bed due to its stability, comfort, and the fact thousands of dogs love it. And it helps that it’s easy to take care of.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Beds
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed | 4.5 |
| Best Round Dog Bed | Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Pet Beds | 4.3 |
| Best Large Dog Bed | Big Barker 7” Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed | 4.8 |
| Best Small Dog Bed | Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Dog Bed Overall: BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
Available in two sizes – medium and large – the BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed is made for dogs up to 50 or 100 pounds. The medium size measures 32 inches by 22 inches, with the sleeping area measuring 26 inches by 16 inches. The large size measures 40 inches by 30 inches, with a sleeping area that measures 36 inches by 24 inches. The height of the bed is roughly 10 inches. With 4 inches of orthopedic foam for your furry friend to lie on, the human-grade memory foam supports his joints and muscles, which provides rest and relief from a busy day. He can rest his head on the cotton-padded bolster that goes all the way around the bed. So no matter which way he lays, he can prop up his head and support his neck.
The soft polyester feel of the cover creates a warm, cozy place for your pup to curl up on. And because we all know just how much cleaning we do when we have dogs, the cover is removable and machine washable. Or spot clean the bed with the vacuum or a damp cloth. The bottom of the bed features a non-slip rubber surface so the bed doesn’t slide around on the floor, making it a good option for hard floors. Thousands of dogs agree the bed is comfortable, and many refuse to get out of it.
BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed Key Features:
- Soft, polyester cover
- Cotton-filled bolster
- Comes in two sizes
- Machine washable cover
- Non-skid, rubber bottom
Best Round Dog Bed: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
For the dog who loves to curl up in to a tight ball, the best round dog bed is the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler. Made with faux, shag fur, the soft plush resembles the fur of another dog, perfect for them to cuddle with. The higher sides create a deep dish for your pup to sink into. Available in a variety of sizes – from small to extra large – breeds up to and over 100 pounds can enjoy the comfort of AirLOFT fibers. This special filling gives more support to joints and muscles than a traditional filling.
The Best Friends donut cuddler is suitable for the pup who loves to burrow, thanks to the deep crevice where the sides meet the bed. The cover zips off and on to make cleaning easier. Just toss the plush cover in the washing machine on the delicate cycle to freshen it up. The bottom of the bed is water- and dirt-resistant. With beds ranging from 23 inches to 45 inches in diameter, small, medium, and large dogs have the luxury to snooze peacefully. Multiple dogs can snuggle together to stay cozy and warm. Thousands of dogs give this donut cuddler bellies and paws up for comfort.
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Key Features:
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Faux shag fur
- Water-resistant bottom
- Cover is machine washable and dryer friendly
- Money-back guarantee
Best Budget Dog Bed: MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Pet Beds
We love to spend money on our favorite furries, but it can get expensive. Our top pick for the best budget dog bed is MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Pet Beds. Available in a variety of sizes, and a few different colors, this plush dog bed offers your pup the comfort of synthetic fur. Use the bed alone, or place inside a crate to create a cozy, safe spot where your dog can retreat to. The overstuffed bed is filled with polyester fiber, which won’t bunch up like other filling material. Sure to last, the company offers a 1-year warranty.
The MidWest pet bed has a non-skid bottom so it won’t slide around hard floors. From 18 inches to 48 inches, this plush bed fits breeds up to 100 pounds. To make things easy, the bed is machine washable on the delicate cycle in cold water. It is also dryer friendly, and can be safely dried on low. Thousands of dogs are now asleep on their new bed, and can not physically give their paws up in favor of it.
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Pet Beds Key Features:
- 1-year warranty
- Plush, synthetic fur
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Fits well in crates of the same size
Best Large Dog Bed: Big Barker 7” Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
Finding a bed for a large or extra large dog can sometimes seem like an impossible feat. After all, they weigh a lot and can be rough on their possessions. For the best large dog bed, we like the Big Barker 7” Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed because it’s strong, sturdy, and guaranteed for 10 years. The company claims the foam will retain at least 90 percent of its original shape and loft for a decade, or receive your money back. That’s a strong deal for heavy pooches. Proudly made in Pennsylvania, this orthopedic bed will support the joints and muscles of really big dogs.
The cover of the Big Barker bed is made from a soft microfiber that is machine washable. It covers 7 inches of certified flexible polyurethane foam, and another 4 inches of foam that acts as a headrest. Your large pup will be able to stretch out and lay his head on the built-in pillow. The large size measures 48 inches in length and 30 inches in width. The extra large size is 52 inches by 36 inches, and the giant bed measures 5 feet by 4 feet. Thousands of big and giant dogs are lounging around comfortably with supported joints, and agree the bed is worth it.
Big Barker 7” Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed Key Features:
- 10-year warranty
- Made in the USA
- Therapeutic, orthopedic foam
- 7 inches of certified foam
- 4-inch headrest
Best Small Dog Bed: Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
Small dogs like to feel secure and safe. The world is very big to them. A dog bed geared toward small dogs can help them sleep well and rest easy. The best small dog bed is the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler because it gives your little pooch their own special place to burrow in and take a snooze. The base of the bed is 15 inches in diameter, with a 12-inch back. The front of the bed has a 9-inch height. Made from sherpa fabric, and filled with AirLOFT fiber, this small bed is plush and thick.
This deep dish cuddler features a water- and dirt-resistant, nylon bottom surface to help keep your floors clean. But the entire bed is machine washable and dryer friendly. Available in a large array of colors, your pooch can snooze and snuggle in style. Thousands of little dogs are currently curled up in their deep dish cuddler. But they would give this small bed all four paws up.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Key Features:
- Available in an array of colors
- 12-inch rear bolster
- 9-inch front bolster
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Waterproof nylon bottom
Who Should Buy a Dog Bed
All creatures like to be comfortable. If you have a dog, chances are you need a dog bed – unless you’re perfectly content to give up your own couch and bed. But it’s nice for your furry family member to have a place they can call their own. Injured or elderly dogs will benefit from a well-made, orthopedic dog bed to help relieve pain from their joints or injuries. We owe it to our dogs to provide them with all the comfort we can.
Cold and hard floors can exacerbate stiffness and aches in both the muscles and joints. Dog beds are often placed in the kitchen or dining room, to give your pup a place to comfortably be with you. Outdoor, elevated dog beds are also a great way to keep your pooch from lying in the dirt or risking an onslaught of bug bites.
If you want to make sure your dog’s bed is in a place he’s safe and unable to harm himself or your home, then you may want to consider The Best Dog Gates.
Important Features to Consider
A dog bed should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a dog bed:
- Size. The size of the bed is the first thing to consider. Both for the size of your dog, and for the space you have available. Dog beds come in every size imaginable, and should give your dog space to stretch out, but not be overwhelmingly large for small dogs. Small dogs like to feel snug and secure in their bed, and large dogs tend to stretch out to twice their size.
- Material. Dog beds are made out of a variety of filling and cover materials. Fillings range from polyester to medical-grade foam to fibers to cotton. Cover materials include faux fur, sherpa fleece, polyester, and linen, among others. Choosing the material of the dog bed is somewhat preference, but if you have an older or larger dog, orthopedic or memory foam is recommended.
- Cleaning. A dog bed needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Many dog beds have covers that are removable and machine washable. Some can only be spot cleaned or vacuumed. If you have a pooch that’s prone to accidents, choose a bed that’s easy to clean and features a waterproof bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need beds?
Of course dogs need beds. All creatures – including humans – create an environment of comfort for themselves. Whether we’ve had a busy day or aren’t feeling well, we all want to be able to curl up in bed and rest. The same goes for your dog. But beyond just comfort, a dog bed can help your dog feel more confident and secure in his surroundings. Having his own spot to lay his head in his home and among his family signals positive connections in his brain.
Do dogs need a bed in their crate?
A crate should be your dog’s sanctuary. It should be inviting, warm, and quiet. The bottom of a crate can be hard, cold, and unpleasant to lie on. A dog will feel more comfortable and secure in a crate that has a bed, maybe blankets, perhaps some toys, and a cover for the top. It depends on your dog’s destruction level, whether they’re left alone in the crate, and how large the crate is. You don’t want the crate overcrowded with stuff. Nor do you want any choking hazards.
Where do you put a dog bed?
There are a number of places to put a dog bed, and a number of reasons why. Many dog owners have multiple dog beds throughout the house. Place a dog bed in a spot that’s away from a lot of foot traffic, noise, or cold drafts. Many dogs enjoy corners so they don’t have to watch their backs. It provides them a secure place to fall asleep. Place a dog bed near your own bed, beside the couch, a quiet corner in the kitchen, or an unused room that will give your dog peace and quiet.
What size bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog from the tip of her nose to the base of her tail. Her bed should be at least this long. When she’s laying on her side, measure from her shoulder to the tip of her paws. Her bed should be at least this wide. A dog bed should be large enough for your pup to stretch out comfortably.
Other Dog Beds We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other dog beds. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog beds list, they’re still great options for your furry friend. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Memory Foam Dog Beds
- Orthopedic Dog Beds
- Dog Beds with Bolsters or Sides
- Elevated Dog Beds
- Other Dog Beds
Memory Foam Dog Beds
BarkBox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
The BarkBox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed offers two layers of foam – a gel memory foam that helps regulate body temperature, and an orthopedic memory foam to relieve the pressure on your pooch’s joints.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Cover is machine washable
- Free toy included
Cost: $30
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed – Memory Foam
Memory foam gives your dog a place to rest his joints while he indulges in his afternoon nap on a comfy faux fur cover. The medical-grade foam is made in the USA, and is free of formaldehyde.
Key Features:
- Dual-bolster in an L-shape design
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors
- Machine washable cover
Cost: $28
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed Therapeutic Sofa-Style – Memory Foam
This medical-grade, memory foam dog bed is designed to look like a couch, and offers your furry friend a supportive and comfortable place to lie down.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Machine washable cover
- Made with fleece and chenille bolsters
Cost: $35
JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed Memory Foam Pet Bed
This memory foam dog bed has a wraparound, cotton-filled bolster for your dog to lay her head on. The cover is tear-resistant and machine washable.
Key Features:
- Bottom has a rubber non-skid surface
- Waterproof liner to protect foam
- Comes with bone-shaped squeaker toy
Orthopedic Dog Beds
This 7-inch thick dog bed features a soft top to give your pup comfort, while supporting her joints. The cover is also machine washable.
Key Features:
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Non-slip bottom
- Polyester filling
Cost: $23
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed – Orthopedic Foam
This dual-bolster, orthopedic foam bed, created by Furhaven Pet Products, gives your dog firm support for his joints, and a plush faux-fur top for added comfort. The medical-grade foam is made in the USA, and certified to be free of formaldehyde.
Key Features:
- Made with an egg-crate foam
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors
- Machine washable cover
Cost: $31
Orthopedic Sherpa Top Pet Bed with Memory Foam
Support your dog’s joints with 4 inches of orthopedic foam.
Key Features:
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Cover is machine washable
- Non-skid bottom
Dog Beds with Bolsters or Sides
AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed Pad
Made for crates, carriers, and kennels, this dog bed has a bolster that goes all the way around, and is outfitted with a loop to attach the bed to a crate.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Polyester filling
- Faux sherpa cover, with quilted bottom
Cost: $21
AmazonBasics Warming Pet Bed for Cats or Dogs
This dog bed features a self-warming, mylar-type technology to create a heat-retaining material that’s sure to keep your pooch toasty.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes and two different shapes
- Cover is faux sherpa fleece and corduroy
- Must be spot cleaned
Cost: $29
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed Therapeutic Sofa-Style – Orthopedic Foam
Made to resemble a couch, your dog will have her own place to stretch out and sleep, while getting the support she needs on medical-grade, egg-crate foam.
Key Features:
- Cover is fleece with chenille bolsters
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors
- Cover is machine washable
Cost: $30
Long Rich Reversible Rectangle Dog Bed
Made with faux suede and knitted corduroy, this reversible dog bed features cushy sides for your pup to curl in to.
Key Features:
- Machine washable
- 25 inches by 21 inches
- Made for warm and cold weather
Cost: $20
The MidWest Bolster Pet Bed features synthetic fur, and a wraparound bolster with polyester filling.
Key Features:
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- 1-year warranty
Elevated Dog Beds
AmazonBasics Elevated Cooling Pet Bed
This elevated dog bed is raised 7 inches off the ground, and helps your pooch stay cool with the extra airflow created beneath the bed.
Key Features:
- Breathable, mesh fabric
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Available in multiple sizes
Cost: $27
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Bed
Designed for outdoor use, this dog bed is lifted off the ground, and features a plush bolster all the way around. The center is mesh to allow for better airflow. Available in multiple sizes, this bed is waterproof, and mold- and mildew-resistant.
Key Features:
- Made with durable, nylon fabric
- 1-year limited warranty
- Removable bolster is machine washable
Cost: $38
The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo
Made for indoor or outdoor use, this dog bed elevates your pooch off the ground to aid in airflow to keep him cooler. It comes in a few sizes and colors.
Key Features:
- High-density, polyethylene fabric
- Mold- and mildew-resistant
- Powder-coated, steel frame
Cost: $20
Elevate your pooch off the ground with the Veehoo dog bed. With the mesh-top fabric, he’ll stay cool with the extra airflow. The bed remains stable thanks to the non-slip rubber feet.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Waterproof and heat-resistant
- Powder-coated, steel frame
Other Dog Beds
This ultra-thick, ultra-plush, donut-shaped dog bed offers your pooch a snug and cozy place to curl up.
Key Features:
- Available in two sizes and a few different colors
- Non-slip bottom
- Polyester filling
Cost: $31
Made for crates or placing on top of elevated beds, this quilted, plush dog bed offers your pup comfort.
Key Features:
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors
- Non-slip bottom
- Microfiber polyester
Cost: $30
MIXJOY Orthopedic Dog Bed Donut Cuddler
This round dog bed features a cushy rim all the way around, perfect for the pooch who likes to curl up in to a ball. It comes in multiple sizes and colors.
Key Features:
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Covered in faux fur
- Non-skid bottom surface
Cost: $47
Pet Tent Soft Bed for Dog and Cat by Best Pet Supplies
Available in a variety of colors, this tent bed gives your dog a safe, cozy place to sleep without outside distractions.
Key Features:
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Available in faux suede, linen, or corduroy
- Machine washable
Cost: $36
