The Best Dog Beds of 2025

The best dog beds give pups a comfortable, secure place to rest. but finding one they’ll actually love can be a challenge. Veterinarians say that comfort is the top priority when selecting a bed for your dog. Beds with bolsters and supportive memory foam are especially beneficial, easing joint pressure in both young and senior dogs.

Our best overall pick is the Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge, a cozy, supportive bed with high-quality, durable materials. For a more budget-friendly bed that still delivers comfort and durability, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is an excellent choice. The supportive bolster-style bed comes in several sizes to suit a wide range of dogs and a wide range of colors to match your decor.

How we tested dog beds

To determine the top dog beds, we first spoke with four veterinarians about key features that matter most. We then tested more than 30 beds with dogs of all sizes and ages, watching to see which ones they preferred. We also conducted the following hands-on tests to judge each bed’s performance.

Comfort and support: We sat on the beds ourselves and used weighted bags to see how well they distributed uneven weight.

Durability: We simulated digging and chewing by raking a fork across the sleep surface and poking seams with the tip of a pair of scissors. To mimic long-term wear, we rubbed sandpaper on the bottoms. Zippers were opened and closed repeatedly to test for failure.

Care and cleaning: We tested water resistance by pouring warm water on the beds and smearing them with dirt, black tea, and peanut butter. Each bed was then spot-cleaned, machine-washed, and dried according to the manufacturer’s directions to see how well it held up.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog beds

Best overall: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge – See at Chewy

Best budget: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed – See at Chewy

Best calming: Furhaven Calming Cuddler Donut Bed – See at Chewy

Best cave: Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed – See at Chewy

Best stylish: Molly Mutt Dog Bed Duvet – See at Chewy

Best for small dogs: Frisco Faux Suede Bolster Dog Bed – See at Chewy

Best elevated: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot – See at Chewy

Best overall

Our top pick for the best dog beds is the Petfusion Ultimate Lounge Memory Foam bed, which is also our favorite orthopedic dog bed. It replaces the discontinued Brentwood Home Griffith Pet Bed, though the small size is still available as a final sale purchase.

The Petfusion bed provided dense, even support for our dogs, a Labradoodle and a beagle mix, both weighing 45 pounds. Its foam mattress ranges from 2 inches thick (small) to 6 inches (jumbo) to suit dogs of all sizes. Its soft yet supportive bolsters are favored by our pups, who frequently prop their heads on top. We like that the twill cover is thick enough to resist tearing and fraying, and while it only comes in three colors, the white contrast piping that runs along the front of the bed adds a stylish touch.

Memory foam, typically made of polyurethane, absorbs shock and conforms to the body to relieve pressure on joints. Dr. Oscar Chavez Zamora, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor of small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says that hard surfaces can put excessive pressure on tissues and compress blood vessels, potentially causing or worsening inflammation. He says an orthopedic bed can help reduce this inflammation by molding to a dog’s body rather than forcing the body to adjust to the bed.

If you have a senior dog that is prone to accidents, a waterproof liner protects against them. The cover is easy to spot clean, and both the cover and liner are machine washable and dryer safe. The only drawback is that you must remove and reinsert the bolster when washing.

Best budget

Finding a durable, comfortable, and affordable dog bed can be challenging, but the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is a solid option for budget-conscious shoppers who still want features usually found in higher-end beds, such as excellent support and bolsters.

The bed has bolsters along all four sides, with the exception of an opening that gives dogs plenty of room to climb in and out — something Dr. Katie Mullins, a veterinarian and small animal surgery consultant at Vespecon, says is important for ease of access. Along with its low-profile entrance, it features dense, supportive egg-crate foam, making the bed a good option for senior dogs who need extra pressure relief. For this reason, it’s also our favorite budget bolster bed for large dogs who need solid support.

There are a few drawbacks, though. Spot-cleaning didn’t remove all stains, and machine washing was a bit of a hassle since the bolsters aren’t removable. This made the bed bulky in the washer and tricky to reassemble. The zipper on the interior waterproof liner also stuck during use, so this may not be the best option if you expect to wash the bed frequently.

Best calming

The most calming bed for your dog ultimately depends on their individual preferences, and there isn’t scientific evidence to support one specific type of calming bed, says Dr. Melissa North, a veterinarian and resident in the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Behavioral Medicine Service. “Any bed that provides a pet a secure, comfortable place and that allows them good quality sleep could be considered calming,” she adds.

That said, both of our tester dogs were immediately drawn to the Furhaven Calming Cuddler Donut Dog Bed, which matches the style most people picture when they think of a calming dog bed.

This bed features a deep-set sleeping surface surrounded by high bolstered sides, each filled with separate polyester fiber cushions. The design creates an ultra-soft, inviting space, while the deep crevices between the bolster and the base give dogs plenty of room to burrow. Topping it all off, the shaggy fur cover enhances the overall coziness.

Although this bed is on the bulkier side, its pliability and light weight (just 4.7 pounds for the medium size) made it easy for our tester to move between the second and first floor their home. This portability is another calming benefit, as North says dogs rest better when they are closer to their owners. While the removable liner is convenient, it’s not waterproof.

We ultimately chose the Furhaven Calming Cuddler over the Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed, which is somewhat pricier and has less firmness in the bolsters. However, if you’re looking for more color variety, such as pastels, the Best Friends by Sheri bed is still a great pick.

Best cave

Some dogs like to feel sheltered, and cave beds like the Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed are designed to meet that need. This bed features a soft top layer that can be propped up with a plastic interior arch, creating a cozy, cave-like space for your dog to curl up in.

This bed is also impressively supportive, so much so that we’d sleep in it ourselves if it came in a larger size. It performed well during multiple stain and wash tests: Spot cleaning removed most of the messes (black tea, dirt, and peanut butter), and a machine wash took care of the rest. Despite its white faux-sheepskin interior, the fabric came out of the wash looking bright and clean.

The blanket-style cover gives dogs a snug place to burrow, though the frame is somewhat flimsy. Larger dogs can easily knock it down. Our 50-pound pit mix tester actually preferred using the bed without the arch, burrowing under the fabric like a blanket instead.

Best for small dogs

Our two small dog testers couldn’t get enough of the budget-friendly Frisco Faux Suede Bolster Bed, whining and begging for it anytime it was moved from their space. While its core is made from polyester filling instead of super supportive memory foam, the bed has a soft, fluffy feel that a 10-pound chihuahua mix and a 12-pound terrier loved snuggling into. The side walls offered good support, and both pups tucked their heads into the spot where the sides met the cushiony base.

We were also impressed with the bed’s durability. It held its shape after plenty of lounging and napping, and the thick cover resisted damage. Even when we raked it with a fork, it didn’t puncture or tear, and our dogs’ enthusiastic digging didn’t make a mark.

This bed isn’t waterproof, which may be a dealbreaker for some, and the cover isn’t removable. Still, the entire bed can go in the washer and dryer, and it came out looking good as new after cleaning.

Best elevated

Platform designs are the best beds for dogs who lounge outside when the weather is nice, as they allow air to circulate underneath the sleep surface and prevent overheating. Our favorite elevated dog bed is the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot. The outdoor bed supports dogs with a tightly woven nylon canvas platform, which prevents sagging while still allowing breathability. We tested the medium-sized bed, which can accommodate dogs up to 200 pounds. We put 137 pounds of our own weight on it and felt nicely supported.

The bed is easy to assemble, with plastic legs that snap into place. However, this convenient feature can be a hassle since the legs can fall out of alignment if you move the bed around. It’s important to place it on a flat surface when in use.

We hosed the bed down for quick cleaning and also washed the fabric platform in the washing machine. While it cleans up well, the fabric is not as durable as we’d hope to see. It was easy to puncture the fabric with dull scissors, so it’s not a great option for dogs who are tough on their things. Given the medium-sized bed is raised 7 inches from the ground, it’s also not appropriate for very short dogs or pups with limited mobility. For these dogs, see our guide to the best dog cooling mats and pads for suitable options.

What to look for in a dog bed 

When shopping for the best bed for your dog, there are a few key qualities to look for.

Comfort and support: Our experts say comfort and support are the most important things to consider. Since many dogs spend a lot of time cozying up in their bed, it must be a safe and comfortable resting place. We recommend looking for bolster beds to appease dogs who prefer head support while resting. As for the cushion, Zamora says dogs who spend excess time in their beds should have one specifically designed to relieve pressure, either an orthopedic or a memory foam bed with a thick cushion.

We found that mattresses that are 2 inches or higher are standard in the best dog beds and provide good support. In addition to mattress height, Dr. Erin Tate, a veterinarian and vice president of clinical development at CityVet, likes to see certifications for non-toxic materials. OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certifications are two common labels you may see on dog beds. An OEKO-TEX certification ensures that a bed’s foam insert won’t off-gas harmful chemicals. A CertiPUR-US label certifies the foam is free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other toxic substances. Tate says these certifications are good to pay attention to if your pup has allergies or is sensitive to certain materials like synthetic filling or wood chips.

Durability: For dogs that chew, dig, or scratch, a tough bed is essential. Look for beds with strong polyester or nylon fabric covers, which resisted damage from tearing and scratching in our testing. While no bed will last forever, we recommend beds with dense foam to limit the chance of premature flattening. 

Materials: Tate says the best material for a dog bed will depend on where you place the bed. Dogs that spend much of their time outdoors will need a bed with breathable and weather-resistant material, like mesh. A bed kept indoors can be made of simple fabrics such as cotton or polyester. If you’re unsure where to start, Tate says a cozy material will usually be a hit with your dog. “A nice, soft fluffy bed is what most dogs like,” she says. 

Water resistance and ease of cleaning: Our experts say cleaning your dog’s bed should be easy, whether you have a puppy that you’re potty-training or an adult dog. “As our pets age, accidents may happen, especially while sleeping, either because they can’t get up quickly enough or due to incontinence,” Mullins says. “Without thoroughly cleaning the bed’s surface, urine and/or fecal leakage can lead to skin ulceration and infection.” Look for beds with machine-washable covers and water-resistant or waterproof liners to protect the foam core.

Size: Many brands provide sizing recommendations for dogs of various lengths and weights, but some general guidelines exist. For dogs that stretch out in bed, a bed that’s as long as their length from nose to base of tail is appropriate. Dogs with longer legs will benefit from extra depth. Bolster beds should be chosen based on the sleep surface’s dimensions rather than the bed’s overall size.

Warranties and return policies: Make sure to read any policies closely. Some brands offer generous trial periods, while others will not accept returns of used beds. If you’re investing a couple hundred dollars in a bed, a manufacturer’s warranty of one year or more is ideal.

Dog bed FAQs

What type of bed is best for dogs?

Our experts say the best bed for your dog depends on their specific needs and preferences. We always recommend choosing a bed with a dense foam base and soft fabric for support and comfort. Zamora says it’s especially important to select a memory foam or orthopedic bed for dogs with joint issues. However, these types of beds can benefit any dog by reducing stress on the body. Bolsters are particularly beneficial for dogs that require head and neck support, especially those who tend to let their head hang off the side of the bed. Tate says this can strain the neck muscles.

Do dogs prefer round or rectangle beds?

While your dog might love to curl up in a round bed, Zamora says it’s generally good to have a bed where your pup can stretch out. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t select a round bed for your dog — just make sure to pick out a large enough size to allow them to lay flat from head to tail. Zamora says that lying flat can more evenly support the tissues and muscles, especially those of the limbs, where there are fewer muscles than the rest of the body. He says that dogs who can sleep stretched out may also be able to regulate their temperature more effectively, so keep this in mind if your dog sleeps hot. 

Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?

While each dog has individual preferences, Tate recommends purchasing a soft bed. In addition to comfort, a soft but evenly supportive core allows a dog to sink deeper into the bed, which may lessen the strain on tissues and joints.