8 Best Dog Beds (2023) – Popular Beds Tested & Reviewed!

Looking for a comfortable bed for your pet? We’ve tested and reviewed the best dog beds to help you make a great choice!

Adult dogs spend an average of 12-14 hours sleeping daily, so providing your pet with a high-quality dog bed is vital. However, with hundreds of dog beds on the market, it can be hard to choose the right option!

To help you decide, we’ve analyzed, tested, and reviewed a range of the best dog beds. We looked at many factors, such as how much support the bed provided, whether it was easy to clean, and whether it provided value for money. Here’s our list of top picks!

8 Best Dog Beds (Including Orthopedic, Bolster & Elevated Beds)

Here’s a list of our favorite dog beds. We think each provides excellent value and a comfortable place for your dog to rest, although the right choice depends on your pet’s size, coat, age, and sleeping preferences.

We think DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is one of the best dog beds on the market. It’s a quality bed with four inches of solid gel-infused memory foam, which we found provides excellent support. The bed also comes with two covers – a waterproof inner layer and a washable denim outer layer – making it a durable option.

Many memory foam dog beds we’ve reviewed only have a thin top layer of memory foam, but the DogBed4Less has a single 4″ memory foam mattress. This provides more support and can help relieve joint pain. We also found that the dense foam is less likely to flatten over time.

Another great feature of this bed is the dual-cover design, which protects the foam with an inner waterproof cover. We think 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 this orthopedic dog bed, we also think it’s very reasonably priced. The cost varies depending on the size you buy, but it provides great value.

If you need a dog bed for big dogs, then the Big Barker is our top pick. This is a premium dog bed with a deep 7″ orthopedic foam mattress, so it can provide comfortable support to your dog’s joints. It’s not cheap, but for heavy dogs, it’s an excellent choice.

The Big Barker is made with dense orthopedic foam. This is not memory foam, but is a denser material to provide more support for heavy dogs. Despite the lack of memory foam, we found that it still does a great job of supporting a dog’s joints by spreading weight 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. We found that this can be easily removed using the zip to be put in the washing machine. The downside is that the standard cover is not waterproof. If your dog has a leaky bladder or isn’t fully house-trained, we recommend purchasing the additional waterproof liner.

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. Some dogs may also find the bed too hot in warm weather, although this is a common issue for foam beds. There aren’t many beds that can match the quality, support, and durability of the Big Barker if you have a large breed though!

The Coolaroo is our top pick if you’re looking for an inexpensive elevated bed. It’s a simple raised bed that keeps your pet seven inches off the floor, helping to increase airflow to and prevent overheating. We also found that it’s highly durable and easy to clean with a hose.

One of the things we like about the Coolaroo is that it has a breathable cover. This is made from polyethylene to prevent warm spots and keep your pet cool (especially compared with foam beds). The cover material is also mildew, mold, and flea resistant, and is suitable for outdoor use.

Another bonus of the Coolaroo is that the frame is made from stainless steel. This makes the frame highly durable and chew-resistant – especially compared to some of the lower-quality elevated dog beds we’ve reviewed. You can’t remove the cover from the frame, but the Coolaroo can also be quickly washed with a hose.

Keep in mind that the cover is not chew-resistant. We found that it’s still strong and can withstand the occasional scratch, but the corners and edges are accessible for chewing. If your dog is a determined chewer, the Kuranda elevated bed (listed below) is the better option.

The best feature of the Coolaroo is the price. It’s inexpensive, especially compared to orthopedic dog beds. 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 (and other elevated beds) has a relatively hard sleeping surface. We always recommend adding soft bedding to these beds.

When it comes to donut beds, we think it’s hard to beat this option from Best Friends by Sheri. During our testing, we found that it’s brilliant for dogs who love to snuggle up and feel secure when asleep. It’s soft, plush, and easy to maintain, which is why we think it provides excellent value for money.

We love the soft external fabric of the Original Calming Donut. This gives a luxurious feel that’s in contrast to many other dog beds we’ve tested. It’s also great that the whole bed can be machine-washed if you choose a smaller size (the large sizes have a removable cover that can also be washed).

One thing we noticed when testing this bed is that it can sag to one side if the dog uses the raised edge as a bolster. While this isn’t a major issue, some dogs may not enjoy the sensation of the bed slightly tipping. It also won’t withstand heavy chewing.

Keep in mind that this bed isn’t the best option for dogs with joint pain. As you can see from the photos, the soft design can be difficult to get up from. The base layer also doesn’t provide the same support as an orthopedic bed. But for younger dogs who enjoy curling up when sleeping, we think it’s a brilliant option.

For dogs with joint pain who prefer to rest their head on a bolster, the PetFusion Ultimate is our top pick. We found it to be a comfortable memory foam dog bed with soft cushioned walls and a machine-washable cover, making it a solid alternative to other orthopedic beds.

Four sizes are available – small, large, x-large, and jumbo – with the memory foam mattress ranging from 2.5″ up to 6″ thick for the biggest bed. 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, we found 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, we think the PetFusion does a great job of mixing strong support with comfortable cushioning. The memory foam is decent quality and thick enough for most breeds (assuming you buy the correct size bed for your dog), while the cover is soft to sleep on. However, a downside is that the cover is relatively thin, so we don’t think it’ll stand up to heavy chewing.

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 but your budget can’t reach the most expensive options, we think it’s an excellent choice.

All dog crates should have extra bedding to make them comfortable – and the Bedsure Memory Foam Crate Bed is our top pick in this category. It’s a rectangular orthopedic bed with 3-3.5″ of foam to support your pet, making it an excellent choice for a crate. We also think the Bedsure is a much better option than the thin “crate pads” you often see recommended for crates.

Like most orthopedic dog beds, the Bedsure has multiple foam layers. The bottom layer is denser support foam, which prevents the dog from sinking through to the floor. The top layer is CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam for extra comfort and a molded feel. While there’s nothing wrong with a layered foam bed, we found the top memory foam layer a bit too thin to provide the full benefits of this material. Still, it’s a comfortable crate bed that’s suitable for most dogs.

We liked that this crate bed comes with two covers. The first is a removable, washable cover that’s also water-resistant. We found this to be soft and comfortable for a dog to lay on, while also being relatively durable. There’s also a waterproof inner lining, which we think is great for protecting the mattress – particularly if your dog is prone to accidents.

Unfortunately, this Bedsure bed isn’t made with gel memory foam. This could be an issue in warmer months or if your dog is prone to overheating, as gel memory foam is typically cooler. We also don’t think it can quite match the durability of the most expensive crate beds, particularly the zipper and seams.

If you’re looking for an orthopedic dog bed for small dog breeds, then the Brindle Waterproof Bed is our top pick. It has a combination of 2 inches of memory foam and 2 inches of support foam, which we found provides a mixture of comfort and joint support.

What makes this bed suitable for small dogs though? Unlike beds for heavy breeds, like the Big Barker, the Brindle’s foam is soft enough for small dogs to sink in. During our testing, we found that it doesn’t “bottom out” and allow the dog to touch the floor, but it also provides enough “give” to let smaller dogs get comfortable.

We also liked how easy it is to maintain this bed. The Brindle’s external cover is simple to remove and is both washing machine and dryer-friendly, so it’s simple to clean. It also has a waterproof liner between the external cover and 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).

Additionally, we think the price is very reasonable considering the quality of the bed. The external cover may tear if subjected to heavy chewing though, so for chewers, we recommend looking at more durable options.

The Kuranda Chew Proof is an elevated dog bed made with strong PVC and an easy-to-clean soft platform. It’s certainly not as luxurious as other options on this list, but for chewers, it’s our top recommendation.

As an elevated bed, the Kuranda is excellent for increasing airflow and keeping your dog cooler than a foam bed. The frame is made from chew-resistant PVC and is capable of supporting a dog of up to 125 lbs (there is an even stronger Kuranda Aluminum bed for heavier breeds).

We found that the Cordura platform is durable and easy for a dog to grip when getting onto the bed. We also love that the fabric edges are hidden within the frame, so your dog won’t be able to chew them.

In terms of comfort, the Kuranda is far less supportive and soft than foam beds. We don’t recommend it for dogs that have joint pain or who need orthopedic support, as the surface creates pressure points. However, for dogs who are destructive chewers, foam beds may not be an option, and in that situation, we think the Kuranda is an option to try.

How To Choose a Dog Bed

Choosing the best bed for your pet isn’t just great for your dog’s comfort but can also save you money in the long run. Here are the main considerations when buying a bed.

Type of Bed

One of the first decisions is which type of dog bed to buy. There are many bed types, but there isn’t a “best” type for all dogs – 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 an overlap between types of beds. This is because dog beds effectively come in two types: pillow/standard or bolster. For example, it’s common to find orthopedic beds with bolsters, or standard beds with an elevated design.

There are also a variety of “fun” beds on the market. These include teepees and cave beds. While we think these can be cute as an extra bed, we don’t recommend novelty beds for your dog’s primary sleeping spot.

Bed Material

The right type of bed material depends on where you’ll be using it and your dog’s requirements.

Solid orthopedic foam or memory foam is the most expensive option, but these beds provide the most support. If your dog is senior, has joint pain, or just enjoys extra support, then it’s worth spending more on a solid orthopedic option.

There are also shredded foam beds. These are cheaper than solid foam options, but don’t provide the same level of support.

Whatever the material, it’s important that a dog bed provides plenty of padding and comfort for your pet. Make sure that the bed is thick enough to prevent your dog from sinking through to the floor.

Size of Your Dog

The size of your dog is another important consideration when buying a bed. A bed that’s too small will make your pet feel cramped and unable to stretch out. But buying a bed that’s too large can be a waste of money and may make some dogs feel less secure.

Here’s how to choose the right size dog bed:

1. Measure your dog’s length. Start at the nose and measure back to the base of the tail.
2. Next, measure the length of the 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 called the “sprawl measurement.” Your dog’s bed needs to be at least this big to allow your dog to stretch out comfortably in any position. We’ve found that this is considerably larger than the sizing charts provided by many bed manufacturers, which is something to keep in mind.

Dog Bed Size Chart

If you’re unsure which bed size to choose, the chart below provides a general guide for specific breeds. We still recommend double-checking the size of your dog, as there can be variations within a breed. If in doubt, it’s always best to choose the size up.

Source: MyPetWarehouse

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

Your Pet’s Sleeping Position

Just like humans, dogs often have preferred sleeping positions. It’s important to choose a bed that suits their preferences for optimum comfort. Here’s an overview of the most common positions.

• Back. If your dog loves to sleep on his back, they’ll probably prefer a softer standard, nest, or donut bed they 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. These beds provide a soft surface to lean against, 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 favorite way to rest, a donut or bolster bed could help him feel safe and secure.

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

Budget

Dog beds can range in price, from cheap $5 beds 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. In fact, some of our favorite beds cost less than $50, such as the Brindle Waterproof.

How much should you spend on a dog bed though? As always, it depends on your dog’s preferences, requirements, and behaviors.

If you have a small dog that doesn’t chew, you may be able to get away with a cheaper bed. For example, we love the Best Friends By Sheri range of donut beds for dogs who like to snuggle up, and these provide great value.

However, you’ll need to spend more on a bed if your dog is a chewer or scratcher. These dogs quickly destroy cheaper beds, so they need a more durable option. Dogs with joint pain and big breeds also often need pricier orthopedic beds, such as the Big Barker or DogBed4Less.

Along with comfort, the most important thing is choosing a washable and durable bed. Don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap bed that you need to quickly replace!

Other Considerations

• Washable. One of the most important features of a dog bed is how easy it is to wash. Regular washing is essential for preventing odors, killing pests (such as fleas), and removing dirt. The best smaller beds are usually machine washable as a whole, but larger beds should have a washable cover that’s easy to remove. If your dog regularly has accidents, you may want to look at getting a waterproof bed.
• Age. While all dogs enjoy a comfortable bed, older dogs may need supportive cushioning from orthopedic or memory foam. This can reduce joint aches, pains, and limping after sleeping. 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, and microsuede.
• Style. 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.

Summary

For small or medium size dogs, we think it’s hard to beat the DogBed4Less. This memory foam dog bed provides excellent value and is a firm favorite for many dogs.

If you have a big dog and want a supportive bed, we recommend the Big Barker instead. It’s not cheap, but the Big Barker is an outstanding bed specifically designed for heavy breeds.

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! You may also want to read our guide to the best orthopedic dog beds.