Best Elevated Dog Beds: 5 Off-Ground Raised Beds for 2020

Raised dog beds can be great for keeping your dog cool – and many are also near-indestructible. Which dogs can benefit from this type of bed though? And which are the best elevated dog beds? Keep reading to find out.

One of the most interesting types is the elevated bed. As the name suggests, these have raised sleeping surfaces that are often around 7″ high. They are usually constructed with a PVC or metal frame, and a fabric cover that acts as a stiff hammock. If you imagine a cot without sides, that’s pretty close to an elevated bed.

Raised beds don’t provide the padding of more luxurious beds, but that doesn’t mean they are uncomfortable. The elevated surface prevents pressure points and allows air to circulate to keep your pet cool. So, if your pup often overheats, they could be a great choice. You’ll probably need to add a blanket to soften the surface though.

As with all types of dog beds, however, not all elevated beds are worth buying. In this article, I’ll take you through the benefits of this type of bed, before listing the five best elevated dog beds for 2020. So let’s get started!

Our #1 Pick

Kuranda Chew Proof Almond Pet Bed

Ultra-durable raised bed with heavy-duty PVC frame

Our top pick for a raised dog bed is the Kuranda Chew Proof. It’s made with a strong PVC frame and tough Cordura, so it resists digging. It’s also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

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Why Buy an Off-The-Floor Dog Bed?

If you’ve never bought an elevated dog bed before, you might be wondering what the fuss is about. Here are some of the advantages of this type of bed.

• Cooling. One of the main advantages is that elevation increases airflow around your pet. This, combined with the lack of warm stuffing, keeps your pet cool. If you have a dog with a double coat, such as a golden retriever, this can make a big difference compared to a plush foam bed. For the ultimate cooling effect, you may want a gel or water pad though (see my list here).
• Comfort. While elevated beds aren’t stuffed with comfort foam, they keep your dog away from cold and hard floors. They don’t provide orthopedic support – for that you’ll need a proper orthopedic bed – but elevation is much better for joints than thin beds that “bottom out” on a hard floor. Many dogs also love sleeping on elevated beds.
• Durable. As elevated beds aren’t filled with soft padding materials, they are often highly durable (it’s not a coincidence that the two most durable dog beds we found were both raised models). This doesn’t apply to all raised beds – some have weak fabric surfaces – but they are less likely to be destroyed by chewing dogs.
• Relatively Cheap. The best and most durable elevated dog beds can be bought for less than $100. Some excellent raised beds are also available for less than $50. Compared to the best orthopedic beds, which can cost $250+ for larger breeds, raised beds provide great value.
• Versatile. As raised beds don’t contain foam or polyester filling, it doesn’t matter if they get wet or muddy. Most can be washed down quickly with a hose or cleaning wipe. This means many can be used both outdoors and indoors. Elevated beds also tend to be lightweight, making them easy to move around the home.

There are some drawbacks to this type of bed too. As I mentioned, they don’t provide orthopedic support, so I don’t recommend them for dogs with joint problems – especially large breeds. They may also not be the best choice if your pup likes to curl against something when sleeping.

Tip: If your dog finds it hard to stay cool in warm weather, a cooling vest may help.

How to Choose a Raised Bed

There are plenty of elevated beds on the market. But what should you look for when buying? Here are some of the most important factors.

• Frame Material. There are typically two types of frame – PVC and metal. Aluminum, iron or steel frames are the most durable, but PVC is also strong unless your dog is an aggressive chewer. Rounded corners can also discourage chewing. Keep in mind that an elevated pet cot is unlikely to be foldable, so you’ll need to disassemble the frame if it won’t fit in your car.
• Cover Material. The covers of raised beds are much harder to chew than foam alternatives. Some dogs love to dig at the surface though, which can quickly ruin cheaper options. Look for a bed with a strong and tight mesh to prevent damage.
• Cover Attachment. Most elevated beds have a cover that’s wrapped around the outside of the frame. This is fine for most dogs, but the exposed fabric can provide a target for chewers. If your dog loves to chew his bed, look for a cover that’s hidden within the frame tubes (the Kuranda listed below is a great example).
• Protective Feet. Rubber feet can protect your floor and provide grip when your dog gets onto the bed. This is especially important if the bed is placed on hardwood or vinyl floors.
• Size. As with all dog beds, it’s important to buy the right size. Ideally, your pet should be able to stretch out in any position without hanging off the side (unless he wants to!) Keep in mind that the quoted size of the bed includes the frame – so the sleeping surface will be slightly smaller.

5 Best Elevated Dog Bed Reviews

Now you know what to look for in an elevated dog bed, here are five excellent options. While I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these beds, make sure you read the mini-reviews to find out which is best for your pet.

1. Kuranda Chew Proof Almond Pet Bed

The Kuranda Chew Proof Elevated bed is my top pick in this category (and one of the best dog beds in any category.) It’s a highly durable model with hidden fabric edges to prevent chewing, strong cover material and a range of sizes and colors. In short, the Kuranda is close to the perfect raised bed.

Unlike the other beds on this list, the Kuranda is made with a heavy-duty PVC frame. While this isn’t as durable as steel, it’s still more than a match for all but the strongest and most aggressive chewers.

The cover is highly doggy-proof, as it’s made from tough Cordura to resist determined digging. It also provides plenty of traction to help your dog get into the bed.

This particular model (the Almond PVC version) is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you prefer the Walnut version, which is identical in most respects, it is not suitable for outdoors. Make sure you keep this in mind when buying.

A slight drawback is that it’s only suitable for dogs up to 125lbs. If you have an extra large breed, or a dog that’s an aggressive chewer, Kuranda also produce an aluminum frame alternative. This can hold up to 250lbs and is one of the best elevated dog beds for large dogs.

2. Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed

If you’re looking for a basic elevated bed that doesn’t cost too much, the Coolaroo is a great choice. It’s one of the most popular raised beds of all time due to its excellent price, strong steel frame and breathable cover.

There are four sizes available, with the largest being nearly 60″ long. This makes it great for dogs of almost any size. You can also choose between several colors to get a bed that matches your interior decor.

As a bonus, the fabric is designed to resist mold, mites, fleas and mildew. This means it’s suitable for outdoor use – especially as the cover can be easily washed.

A minor complaint about the Coolaroo Pet Bed is that it has small gaps in the corners. While these are unlikely to cause a problem, it could be possible for a small dog’s paws to slip down them.

Even so, it’s difficult to find any complaints about this elevated dog bed. It’s sturdy, available for a great price and comfortable for your dog. The Kuranda is the better option if your dog is an aggressive and determined digger though, as the fabric cover is tougher.

3. K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot

K&H has a reputation for producing top quality products, and their Pet Cot is no exception. With a low price and 1-year warranty, this bed could be the perfect option if you’re on a tight budget.

The Pet Cot is made with a durable metal frame and 600 denier fabric. The mesh at the centre helps keep your dog cool, while the outsides provide greater comfort. The fabric is also waterproof which can help protect your floor if your dog has an accident.

One of my favorite things about this elevated dog bed is how easy it is to put together. You can assemble or take it apart without using any tools, so it’s a portable option. Like the Coolaroo, the K&H also resists moisture, mold and bacteria.

A downside is that the corner joints are made from plastic. These are likely to be targets for chewing if your dog is a chewer. There are fairly large gaps in the corners, which could be potentially dangerous for pups with small paws. It’s also not the most durable elevated bed – although this is to be expected from such an inexpensive model.

4. Pawhut Elevated Cooling Dog Bed Cot

If you’re looking for a portable elevated dog bed that can be used outside, the PawHut could be a great option. As you can see from the picture, it’s a canopy dog bed that’s designed to provide shade for your pet, and can be folded into a small bag for storage or travel.

As you would expect from a travel bed, the Pawhut isn’t as durable as some of the other options on this list. Despite the steel frame, the mesh fabric isn’t likely to last long against a determined digger. For less destructive dogs, however, it provides a comfortable and cooling sleeping surface that’s easy to take with you. You can also remove the canopy when it’s not needed.

A complaint I have about this bed is that the largest size is also only 48 inches long, which means it isn’t suitable for large breeds or even big Labradors (check out our beds for big dogs page for more info). For small or medium size dogs, however, it’s a great option if you need a foldable elevated bed.

5. AmazonBasics Elevated Bed

The final elevated dog bed on this list is also one the cheapest. Made by AmazonBasics, this is (unsurprisingly) a straightforward elevated bed without extra features such as hidden fabric edges or tool-free assembly. I also don’t think the fabric is as durable as other options.

Even so, it provides a comfortable sleeping surface for a much lower cost than options such as Kuranda. The fabric is simple to wash with tap water and is made with a breathable mesh to keep your pet cool. It also elevates your pet more than 7″ above ground, which helps improve airflow.

A bonus is that the bed is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The lightweight design also makes it easy to carry around the house.

The AmazonBasics is available in several sizes, including an Extra Large option. This has a huge length of 60″, making it suitable for many big dogs and giant breeds.

If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive elevated bed, it’s a great value option. I don’t recommend it for dogs that are likely to chew the fabric edges though.

Summary

An elevated dog bed can be a great choice if your dog overheats. The raised surface and breathable mesh provide extra cooling and greater airflow. Most are also durable, so can be a good option if your dog has a habit of destroying his bed!

My top recommendation is the Kuranda. It’s a durable model with a gap-free sleeping surface and high-quality materials. If you’re looking for a budget alternative, the Coolaroo is fantastic for the money.

Do you have any questions about choosing the best elevated dog bed for your pet? Let me know in the comments – I’ll do my best to help!

About The Author: Richard Cross

Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He's written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK's biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he's not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports. You can find him on Facebook or Twitter.