The Top 5 Best Dog Beds for a Comfortable and Restful Sleep

When it comes to choosing a dog bed, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different breeds, ages, and sleeping habits require different types of beds. To find the best bed for your furry friend, you need to consider their age, weight, sleeping style, and other specific needs, such as whether they tend to chew or track mud into the house. Just like choosing a mattress for yourself, you want to ensure your dog is comfortable, especially considering that they may spend up to 80 percent of their day sleeping, according to Dr. Lisa Lippman, a house-call veterinarian and founder of Vets in the City. 

Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture, suggests starting your search by measuring your dog from nose to tail and adding a couple of inches to that measurement to ensure the bed is the right size. However, with so many dog bed styles and brands available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Pet nutritionist and retail consultant Tazz Latifi warns that there are many poor-quality dog beds on the market. 

To help you find the perfect bed for your furry friend, we asked 16 dog experts, including trainers, veterinarians, and dog owners, to recommend their top picks. Their favorites cater to every breed and need, from beds for burrowers and chewers to beds for small and large dogs. We’ve also taken aesthetics into consideration, as a bed that complements your décor is more likely to become your dog’s favorite spot to relax.

Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed

The Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed is a beloved choice for pet owners due to its inviting appearance and cozy design. Resembling a fluffy, enveloping dumpling, this bed is sure to make your furry friend do a happy dance before settling in for hours of snoozing. It’s not only comfortable, but also easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning, and machine-washable. Available in four sizes, it can accommodate dogs up to 110 pounds.

This type of bed, often referred to as a bagel, bolster, cuddler, or nester, features a raised outer ring and a cushioned inner circle, typically with a built-in pillow for your pup to rest their head on.

Despite its name, the Suede Bagel’s cover is made of luxurious polyester microsuede, available in subdued, earth-tone colors that complement the material nicely. During testing, the microsuede material held up well against burrowing dog claws. The bed’s removable cover is secured with smooth, strong zippers by YKK, a Japanese manufacturer renowned for creating high-quality, durable zippers.

Cleaning the Majestic Pet dog bed is a breeze. For smaller spills, a little soap and water will do the trick. For larger messes or bathroom accidents, simply wash the bed in the washing machine using the gentle cycle and air-dry settings. The two smallest sizes do not have removable covers and can be washed in their entirety. The two larger sizes have removable stuffing, allowing the cover to be washed separately.

Cuddler beds are typically stuffed with a lot of filling, which can make assembly difficult. However, the Majestic Pet bed doesn’t suffer from this issue. With its polyester filling, it was easier to stuff after washing than other similarly plush cuddler beds tested. It retained its shape well and didn’t balloon to an unmanageable size.

Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed

According to Orvis, Nelson recommended their orthopedic bed for dogs. The bed features a three-sided bolster filled with polyester, an open-cell memory foam insert that is 3.5 inches thick, and a low profile open front which makes it easy for older dogs to get on and off. Additionally, the bed has a hypoallergenic and water-resistant liner, and a durable cover that can be easily removed via a zipper. The bed comes in four different sizes, ranging from small for dogs up to 40 pounds to extra-large for dogs over 90 pounds, and is available in eight different colors.

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler

Material: Faux shag fur | Filling: Fiberfill | Water-resistant: Yes, with water-resistant bottom | Machine-washable: Yes | Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL 

The Donut Cuddler is perfect for larger dogs who love to snuggle up in a cozy space. Measuring at 45 inches by 45 inches, it offers plenty of room for your furry friend to stretch out. The bed is covered in soft faux shag fur, creating a warm and plush environment for them to relax in. It also features a raised perimeter for your dog to rest their head on, providing extra comfort and support. The bed is easy to clean, as it is machine-washable and can even be tumble-dried. With 10 different colors to choose from and a range of sizes available, you can find the perfect Donut Cuddler for your pup.

FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed

What We Like:

– Three supportive bolsters

– Orthopedic memory foam

– Option to include cooling gel

– Soft faux fur cover

– Removable cover that is machine-washable

What We Don’t Like:

– Not recommended for dogs who like to chew

If your furry friend loves to snuggle, the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed is the perfect choice. Made with plush faux fur, this bed is roomy, supportive, and easy to clean, making it our top pick overall.

Our tester found that their 75-pound golden retriever loved the mattress-like feel of the bed and the quality of the memory foam. The bed’s design accommodates various sleeping styles, including burrowing and digging before rest. Our participating pup enjoyed resting their head on the bolstered sides, curling up, and stretching out.

After a few weeks of use, our tester noticed no grime or stains on the cream-colored bed. They unzipped the cover to machine wash and hang dry, finding the entire process simple, and the faux fur fabric remained unchanged.

FurHaven offers a wide range of configurations, allowing you to tailor the bed to your pooch. With five mattress options, including cooling gel foam and two types of orthopedic foams, and five color choices, you can find the perfect fit for your furry friend.

Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed

If your furry friend deserves royal treatment, the Casper luxury memory foam dog bed could be the ultimate throne. Not only will they enjoy the comfiest bed in the house (you might feel a bit envious), but the bed comes in three sizes to accommodate pups of various sizes, including the larger breeds. In our review of the best mattress-in-a-box options, Casper stands out as the top choice. Our experts found that the padding in this dog bed resembles the high-quality foam and hybrid mattresses from the company. The memory foam provides excellent support for a restful sleep, while the side bumpers offer a cozy spot for your pup to rest their head. “I was impressed by the packaging of this dog bed, which is similar to the regular Casper mattress,” one tester commented. “Our dog now has a better bed than we do!”

Furthermore, Casper’s cover is tough enough to withstand bites and nibbles from playful pups. We consider Casper mattresses to be among the best on the market, and we have awarded their human-sized mattresses with bedding accolades in 2021 and 2022.

The bed’s cover is made of a blend of polyester, nylon, and polyurethane, while the fill consists of memory foam and polyurethane foam. You can choose from four colors and three sizes, from small to large, to suit your pup’s preferences and needs.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Bed

Choosing the Right Bed for Your Dog

Ensuring your dog’s comfort and health is crucial when it comes to selecting the right bed. According to Dr. Bernal, it’s essential to choose the correct size bed to avoid discomfort. If your dog is between sizes or still growing, it’s best to size up. To determine the ideal fit, measure your dog from the nose to the tail and shoulder to the floor.

Consider your dog’s health needs and life stage when selecting a bed. Orthopedic beds are ideal for older dogs and those with arthritis, providing extra cushioning and a spring-like cushion to assist in rising from a sleeping position. Large breed dogs require beds with sufficient padding to prevent elbow scraping and calluses. If you have a puppy, choose a bed resistant to chewing, digging, and accidents.

Your dog’s preferred sleeping position will also influence the bed you choose. A bolster or basket bed with raised sides is ideal for dogs that love curling up or burrowing into soft bedding. A cushion, pillow, or mattress style bed without raised sides is better for dogs that prefer sprawling out.

Finally, opt for a bed with washable covers to make your life easier, particularly if your dog is active and enjoys playing outdoors. Dr. Chiang recommends beds with washable covers to keep them clean and fresh.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of a memory foam dog bed?

Memory foam conforms to your dog’s body. So, no matter how your dog is shaped, the bed will adjust to give them support as they sleep. This can be very comfortable for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. Dogs also tend to toss and turn less on a memory foam bed. If your dog moves around a lot and keeps you up at night, switching to a memory foam bed may help.

The only major downside to memory foam beds is the cost. They tend to be more expensive than standard, fiber-filled dog beds.

What should you look for in a bed for an older dog?

Older dogs generally prefer beds that rest directly on the ground. Jumping onto a sofa bed may be too difficult for an older dog.

Memory foam and orthopedic dog beds tend to be better suited to older dogs’ needs, too. Also look for a bed that is water-resistant and easily washable as older dogs tend to have more frequent accidents than their younger peers.

Many older dogs like to rest their heads and necks on a raised surface. As such, they tend to like dog beds with raised outer borders, or with arms on either side.

Can dog beds make dogs itchy?

If you think your dog’s bed is making them itchy, you’re probably right. Some dogs are allergic to certain flame retardants used in the synthetic fibers that fill some beds. Switching to a dog bed made with hypoallergenic stuffing should help. Also pay attention to the fabric that covers the dog bed. Cotton, hemp, and microfiber fabrics are best for allergy-prone dogs.

Your dog may also be allergic to dust mites that have built up on or in the bed over time. Try laundering the bed cover, or perhaps the whole bed, more often to keep dust mites at bay. Make sure the cover is fully dry before you put it back on the bed. Damp covers can attract more dust mites.

What can you do with an old dog bed?

If your dog has outgrown their bed but it is still in good shape, consider donating it to a local animal shelter or rescue. Many are in need of beds for the pets in their care.

If the dog bed is significantly worn, check the label to see whether it is recyclable. If it is marked recyclable, you can take it to a local recycling center for disposal.