10 Best Dog Beds in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Humans aren’t the only ones who deserve a comfortable and supportive bed – dogs do too! In this article, we’ve listed the 10 best dog beds according to our research. Each provides a comfy place for your dog to sleep, while providing great value for money.

Most people consider a high-quality mattress an essential purchase. We spend more time in our bed than anywhere else, and an uncomfortable mattress can reduce sleep quality and leave us feeling irritable the next day.

While dogs are more willing to sleep wherever they find an empty space, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a comfortable bed too. 

In fact, dogs spend an average of 12-14 hours sleeping each day, so a high-quality dog bed is vital. Puppies or older dogs need even more sleep, while dogs with achy joints often struggle to get comfortable on the wrong surfaces.

But what’s the difference between a quality bed and a cheaper alternative? A high-quality dog bed can provide a comfortable sleeping location that matches your dog’s preferences and requirements. The best beds are durable, easily washed and provide strong support. They also last a lot longer, which could save you money in the long run.

A bed isn’t just a place to sleep though – it’s also where your dog can feel secure and relaxed. As a bonus, a supportive and comfy sleeping location is a great way to encourage your pet to stay off the sofa!

Unfortunately, many dog owners go out and buy the first pet bed they see in a store. In most cases, these beds are overpriced and don’t provide the comfiest surface for your dog to sleep on. Even buying a highly-rated bed via online shopping sites may not be the best idea, as it’s important to choose a bed that suits your dog’s size, favoured sleeping position and age.

For this reason, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to choosing a dog bed below. The goal is to give you an overview of what makes a great dog bed, so you can make the right choice for your pet. Further down the page we’ve also listed our top 10 beds for dogs. So let’s get started!

What to Look for When Buying a Bed for Dogs

Choosing the right bed for your dog doesn’t need to be a complicated process, but it’s important to know what to look for when buying. Taking time to choose the best bed isn’t just great for your dog’s comfort, but can also save you money in the long run by avoiding poor quality products.

Type of Bed

One of the first decisions is which type of dog bed to buy. There isn’t a “best” type of bed – the right choice depends on your dog’s requirements. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types.

Keep in mind that there is often overlap between types of bed. This is because dog beds effectively come in two types: pillow/standard or bolster. It’s common, for example, to find orthopedic beds with bolsters, or standard elevated beds.

There are also a variety of “fun” beds on the market. These include teepees and cave beds.

Size of Your Dog

The size of your dog is another important consideration when buying a bed.

Here’s a quick way to judge how big a bed should be (thanks to Muddy Paws UK for this method):

1. Measure your dog’s length. Start at the nose and measure back to the beginning of his tail.
2. Next, measure the length of his front leg. Start at the shoulder and measure down to the bottom of the paw.
3. Repeat this for the rear legs. Start at the leg joint and measure down to the floor.
4. Add all three measurements together.
5. Subtract half the front leg length from the total. This is because the front legs rarely go far beyond the nose, even when the dog is fully stretched.

The final number is the “sprawl measurement.” The bed will need to be at least this big to allow your dog to stretch out comfortably in any position.

Dog Bed Size Chart

The chart below provides a general idea of which size bed to choose. It’s only meant as a guideline though – the best dog beds for your pet vary depending on factors such as his sleeping position and weight.

Keep in mind that brands use different sizes for small, medium, large and so on, so make sure you get the exact measurements. You’ll also want to double check the size of your dog using the method above, as there can be variation within a breed.

Source: MyPetWarehouse

Note: The above values are for beds with no walls. Walled beds are typically smaller – especially in terms of internal dimensions.

Regardless of your dog’s preferred sleeping position, the bed should ideally be big enough for him to lay comfortably in any position – including stretched out. This isn’t always possible with donut or some walled beds, but is something to keep in mind.

Heavier dogs also benefit from a firmer surface – especially if buying foam. Large dogs may distort the shape of a foam bed over time though, so you may need to replace it at some point.

Your Pet’s Sleeping Position

Just like humans, dogs often have a preferred sleeping position. While your pet may sleep in a variety of positions, he probably has one that he enjoys the most. It’s important to choose a bed that suits this sleeping position for optimum comfort. Here’s an overview of the most common positions.

• Back. If your dog loves to sleep on his back, he’ll probably prefer a softer standard, nest or donut bed he can really sink into – although the bed should provide support too.
• Snuggled Against Pillows. If your dog can often be found snuggling against sofa pillows, a donut or bolster bed is the best option. They provide a soft surface so your dog feels secure.
• Side or Belly. Dogs that sleep on their side or belly, either with legs stretched or tucked in, often prefer a firmer bed. Orthopedic beds are a good choice for this.
• Curled Up. One of the most common sleeping positions is the curled up “fox.” If this is your dog’s favourite way to rest, a donut or bolster bed could help him feel safe and secure.

Budget

Dog beds can range in prices, from cheap $5 beds up to luxurious pads costing $200+. While we recommend avoiding the cheapest options, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a bed your dog will love.

Along with comfort, the most important thing is to choose a bed that’s washable and durable. If you have a small dog that doesn’t chew, you may be able to get away with a cheaper option. Stronger dogs with a tendency to chew their beds often require a more expensive bed.

What’s Wrong with Ultra-Cheap Beds?

If you go on shopping websites, you’ll find plenty of dog beds costing $10 or less. While these can be an option to consider – and there are bargains available – we usually don’t recommend these beds.

The main reason is that they are made from poor-quality materials. This means they are flimsy and easy for your dog to destroy, so they can end up costing more money when they inevitably need to be replaced.

Cheap dog beds also often have inconsistent sizing. This can make it difficult to choose a bed that meets your dog’s requirements.

Don’t worry though – you don’t need to spend hundreds on a luxury dog bed (unless you want to). Several beds on our list of the best dog beds (see below) cost less than $25.

Other Considerations

• Style. An often-overlooked factor when choosing a dog bed is its style. Think about where the bed is likely to be placed – at least most of the time. While the design may not seem like an important factor, it makes sense to choose a bed that fits in with the general aesthetic of the room. On the other hand, don’t choose a dog bed just because it looks good if it doesn’t match your dog’s requirements.
• Washable. One of the most important features of a dog bed is how easy it is to wash. This is essential for preventing odours, insects (such as fleas) and removing dirt. The best smaller beds are usually machine washable, but larger beds may not fit. The next best thing is a washable cover with easy-to-remove design. If your dog regularly has accidents, you may want to take a look at my list of waterproof pet beds.
• Dog’s Coat. Dogs with thick double-coats often prefer cooler beds (such as elevated), otherwise they may overheat. Most dogs enjoy having extra cushioning though.
• Age. While all dogs enjoy a comfortable bed, older dogs may need beds made specifically to reduce joint aches and pains. Be prepared to spend a little more to get a high-quality orthopedic bed though.
• Strength and Durability. Some dogs will tear a bed to pieces if given a chance. For this reason, a dog bed should be strong and durable – especially if your pet is a chewer. This goes for both regular beds and chew-proof crate pads.
• Comfort. It’s not just the internal material that determines comfort. The softness of a cover also plays a role. Examples of common materials include suede, faux fur (the Original Calming Bed is a good example of this type of cover,) and microsuede.

Top 10 Best Rated Dog Beds Reviewed and Ranked

Now you know what to look for in the best pet beds, we’ve put together a list of our 10 favourites. Each of the beds in the list below provides outstanding value and a comfortable place for your dog to rest.

With that said, the right choice for your dog also depends on the considerations above – so make sure you pick a bed that matches his sleeping position, size, coat and age. You can’t go too far wrong with any of the beds on this list though.

The table summarises each of our top-rated dog beds so you can quickly see which might be best for your dog. Scroll down further for more in-depth information about each bed.

The excellent DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is one of the best dog beds on the market. It’s a quality bed that’s built with four inches of hypoallergenic memory foam. The bed comes with two covers – a waterproof inner layer and washable denim outer layer – and has the durability to withstand repeated washes.

So what’s the difference between this bed and other memory foam dog beds?

Firstly, the DogBed4Less is made entirely from memory foam, unlike competitors which have a top layer of memory foam but other layers of cheaper materials. This provides more support and can help relieve joint pain. The dense foam is also less likely to flatten over time, plus it won’t allow even heavy dogs to sink through to the floor.

Another great feature of this bed is the dual-cover design, which protects the foam with an inner waterproof cover. This is essential for a memory foam mattress, as the foam itself can’t be washed. The external cover is made from soft denim, and is easy to remove and wash.

Considering the excellent support and comfort provided by the bed, we also think it’s very reasonably priced. The cost varies depending on the size you buy, but it provides great value. The memory foam is also covered by a two year warranty.

One of the most popular dog beds for large breeds is the Big Barker – and for good reason. It’s a premium bed made from 7 inches of orthopedic foam to provide comfortable support to your dog’s joints. While it’s not cheap, the foam is guaranteed to last at least 10 years without sagging.

The main selling point of the Big Barker is that it’s built with high-quality and dense orthopedic foam. This is perfect for big dogs, as it allows their heavy weight to sink in but not so much that it’s a struggle to get up (or even that they are resting on the floor like some cheaper beds). It also provides comfortable support to your dog’s joints by spreading his weight across the bed more evenly. This prevents pressure spots over the elbows or hips, which can be painful for dogs with arthritis or other joint conditions.

As you would expect from a premium foam bed, the Big Barker includes a machine-washable external cover. This can be easily removed using the zip to be put in the washing machine. If your dog has a leaky bladder or isn’t fully house trained, we recommend purchasing the additional waterproof liner.

There are three sizes available, with the smallest starting at a length of 48 inches. You can also choose between Khaki, Burgundy and Chocolate colours depending on your home’s interior design.

The biggest drawback to the Big Barker dog bed is the price. With the smallest bed costing over $200, it’s one of the most expensive items on this list. Considering it’s guaranteed to not sag more than 10% for 10 years, however, we still think it provides great value. Some dogs may also find the bed too hot in warm weather, but this is a common issue for foam beds.

If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive elevated bed, the Coolaroo is a great choice. It’s a simple raised bed that keeps you pet 7 inches off the floor to increase airflow. It’s also simple to clean.

Elevated dog beds are an excellent choice if your dog often overheats. As they are raised off the floor, air can flow all around the bed to reduce your dog’s temperature. The Coolaroo isn’t just a basic raised platform though – the breathable cover is made from polyethylene to prevent warm spots. The material is also mildew, mould and flea resistant, and is suitable for use outside as well as indoors.

Another bonus of the Coolaroo is that the frame is made from stainless steel. This makes it highly durable and chew resistant – especially compared to lower quality elevated dog beds. The cover isn’t quite as chew resistant, although it can withstand the occasional scratch or chew. Unlike the Kuranda elevated bed (listed below), the edges of the cover are accessible for chewing, which may make them a target.

Elevated beds don’t usually have removable covers or sleeping surfaces. Instead, the Coolaroo can be washed with water without removing it from the bed. The easiest way to do this is with a hose, making it quick and simple to clean.

The best feature of the Coolaroo is the price. It’s very inexpensive, especially compared to orthopedic dog beds. The durable frame and cover also mean it’ll last a long time. There are a few downsides, such as the lack of folding design and unnecessarily fiddly assembly process, but these are minor complaints considering the price.

Note: The Coolaroo doesn’t have a folding design, so it’s not easy to take travelling or camping.

One of the comfiest-looking dog beds – at least for small breeds – is the Best Friends Deep Dish Cuddler. As you can see from the photo, this bed is great if your dog loves to snuggle up and feel secure when asleep. It’s probably not suitable for dogs with joint problems, as its soft design can make it difficult to get up from, but younger dogs will love it.

The first thing to note about the Deep Dish Cuddler is that it’s designed for small dogs. The manufacturer recommends a maximum weight of 20 pounds, although slightly larger dogs may still enjoy sleeping in it. This size limit is because the high filled walls are meant to wrap the dog and provide a secure sleeping spot, but larger dogs wont’ fit.

Everything about this dog bed is designed for luxurious comfort. The bed includes lower front and side walls, which provides a convenient head rest for your pup. The fabric is also warm and soft, so your dog will love to sink in and drift off to sleep.

Despite the fluffy design, the bed is relatively sturdy. The bottom is designed to be water proof which also helps to prevent build-up of water. The bed won’t withstand heavy chewing from strong dogs, although it’s only designed for smaller breeds.

As it’s a relatively small bed, the entire thing can be machine washed without needing to take off a cover. It’s designed to maintain its shape and softness even after washing, but make sure you use a gentle wash cycle and don’t dry on a high heat.

There are a few drawbacks to this bed. As we mentioned, this dog bed doesn’t provide the support required for dogs with joint problems. The walls have a tendency to sag and may even fall over, which isn’t necessarily a problem but is worth keeping in mind before you buy. If your dog likes to chew his bed, it also may not last a long time – although this depends on the strength and ferociousness of your pet!

Considering the excellent comfort provided by the Deep Dish Cuddler and low price tag, we think it’s a great choice for small breed if you’re looking for a luxury bed. It may not be the sturdiest bed on this list, but it still provides good value and most dogs will love it.

If you’re searching for a cheap nest bed that still provides a comfortable place to sleep, the HappyCare Textiles Reversible pet bed could be a good option. It’s not the largest bed, so it’s only suitable for smaller breeds, but provides a snuggly and secure place for your dog.

Like all nest beds, the HappyCare bed has four soft walls (the front wall is lower to allow for easier entry). Many dogs prefer a nest bed, as it allows them to cuddle against something and also feel less exposed. The walls of the HappyCare are very soft – which is great for comfort, but means your dog can’t lean too heavily against them.

As the entire bed is comfortably soft, it’ll be a favourite for “fox” or back sleepers. While it’s a relatively cheap bed, it still comes with plenty of filling so your dog won’t be sleeping on the floor. The padding isn’t thick or dense enough to be suitable for heavy breeds though.

The bed is machine washable, so you can throw it in the washing machine when it needs a clean. It doesn’t have a removable cover, but is sturdy enough to handle repeated washing. If your dog is a heavy chewer, the bed may not survive too long though – and the soft paw decoration is likely to be your pet’s first target.

Despite not being the most durable bed, the low price and comfortable sleep provided by the HappyCare means it’s still one of our top 10 recommendations. It’s a great bed at this price – just don’t expect the durability or padding of more expensive options.

For dogs who enjoy the security of a walled bed but require the support of an orthopedic, the BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed is our top recommendation. It’s built with four inches of supportive foam that spreads your dog’s weight evenly to reduce pressure on joints. The rim cushion is softer and designed to be comfortable for your dog to rest his head on, while still supporting the neck.

As you can probably tell from the picture, this is a luxurious dog bed that’s designed to provide extreme comfort to your dog. The neutral colour scheme also blends in well with almost any room – although we would have liked different colour options. It comes in two sizes though – medium and large – and is capable of supporting dogs of up to 100lbs in weight.

Like other foam beds, the main bed can’t be washed. Instead, the soft polyester cover can be removed via the zipper and is machine washable on a gentle cycle. There is also a non-slip back, which makes it easier for your dog to get into the bed.

As you would expect from an orthopedic dog bed, the BarksBar is more expensive than options such as the HappyCare bed. It’s considerably more supportive, however, making it a much better choice for medium or large dogs, or those with joint problems. The bed is also much more durable than cheaper options, so it’ll last a long time.

Another excellent bed for supporting an elderly dog’s joints is the PetFusion – but that doesn’t mean it’s just for dogs with arthritis. This is a comfortable memory foam dog bed with cushioned walls to provide a convenient place to rest his head.

There are four sizes available – small, large, x-large and jumbo. This means the PetFusion is suitable for any dog up to 200lbs in weight (for the jumbo bed). While the foam itself can’t be washed, the cover is easy to remove and is machine washable. Like all the best supportive dog beds, it also comes with a non-slip bottom so dogs with sore joints can get in without worrying about it moving.

In terms of comfort, the PetFusion does a great job of mixing strong support with comfortable cushioning. The memory foam is decent quality, while the cover is soft to sleep on. A downside is that the cover is relatively thin, however, so we don’t think it’ll stand up to heavy chewing. This could be a problem if your dog is a chewer, as bolsters are an attractive target.

While the PetFusion isn’t cheap, it’s also not as expensive as options such as the Big Barker. So if you need a supportive dog bed for a big pet, it’s an excellent option – and we think your dog will love it.

One of the best dog beds for small breeds is the Brindle Waterproof Bed. It’s built with a combination of 2 inches memory foam and 2 inches support foam, which provides a mixture of comfort and joint support. 

The Brindle is available in three sizes: small, medium and large. Even the large size is only suitable for dogs weighing up to 65 pounds, however, so this isn’t a bed designed for large breeds. The foam is great for small or medium breeds though, as it’s soft enough to sink in (which doesn’t happen on firmer beds for larger dogs) but doesn’t “bottom out” and allow the dog to touch the floor. There are also three colour options so you can pick a bed that matches your home decor.

In terms of design, the Brindle is a simple rectangular bed that doesn’t have walls. This means it’s great for dogs that like to sprawl out on their front or side. The external cover is simple to remove and is both washing machine and dryer-friendly, so it’s easy to clean.

As you probably guessed from the name, the bed has a waterproof cover between the external cover and the memory foam. This makes it suitable for dogs that aren’t fully house trained, as the memory foam won’t get wet (which can be a nightmare to clean).

The Brindle is a simple bed that’s great for smaller dogs. It doesn’t have the foam density for heavier breeds, but provides the right combination of support and comfort for smaller pets. The price is also very reasonable – although, like many beds, the external cover may tear if subjected to heavy chewing.

If your dog loves to chew up his bed, then you’ll need something a little stronger. The Kuranda Chew Proof bed is designed with a strong PVC frame and easy-to-clean soft platform for this precise purpose – and it’s great if you need a bed that’s tougher than many of the others on this list.

As you can see from the photo, the Kuranda is an elevated dog bed. This means it increases airflow around your pup when he’s sleeping, which helps maintain a more comfortable temperature.

The frame itself is made from strong PVC and is capable of supporting a dog of up to 125lbs (there is an even stronger Kuranda Aluminium bed for heavier breeds). The cordura platform is durable and easy for a dog to grip when getting onto the bed. The fabric edges are also hidden within the frame, which means your dog won’t be able to chew them.

We think the Kuranda is a great option if you need an elevated dog bed that is going to be tough for your dog to destroy. While we won’t go as far to say that it’s indestructible, the design and strength should discourage most dogs from damaging it.

All dog crates should have extra bedding to make them comfortable – and the Midwest Deluxe is one of the top dog beds for this purpose.

The Midwest Deluxe is made from a padded polyester cushion and soft fleece cover. The manufacturer claims that the synthetic fleece provides optimum temperatures in both cool and warm weathers, so your dog can sleep on it all year round. It’s machine washable, so you can put the whole thing into the washing machine when you need to clean it. It’s also dryer-friendly. 

As you can see from the photo, there are raised edges around the sides. While these aren’t as high or sturdy as those found on true nest beds, they provide a comfortable place for your dog to rest his head. The padding also isn’t as thick as those found on stand-alone beds, but you wouldn’t expect this from a crate bed – especially at this price.

There are four colours available – original, cinnamon, pearl gray and blue. While we think most people will choose the original for their dog crate, it’s nice to have extra options.

The biggest drawback of the Midwest is that it’s not durable enough to handle even moderate chewing. The fabric simply isn’t strong enough. If your dog loves to chew his bedding, it probably isn’t the best choice.

While we don’t recommend the Midwest Deluxe as a stand-alone bed, it’s a great option if you want to make your dog’s crate more comfortable. It’s a cheap bed that’s easy to fold up and quick to clean. The wide range of sizes also means you should be able to find one that matches your crate’s internal dimensions.

We also have a list specifically about the best bolster beds if you think your dog would enjoy this style.

Summary & Next Steps

Choosing the best dog bed for your pet doesn’t need to be complicated – but it requires more thought than just buying the comfiest-looking bed. It’s important to take into account your dog’s preferred sleeping position, size, whether he has joint pain and a variety of other factors.

If you have a big dog and want a supportive bed, we recommend the Big Barker. It’s not cheap, but is an outstanding bed that’s guaranteed to not sag for 10 years. For small or medium size dogs, the DogBed4Less provides excellent value.

Do you have any questions about choosing the best dog beds? Or do you think there is a bed we should add to this list? Let us know!