The Best Dog Beds, Tested and Reviewed
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The best dog beds give pups a cozy, secure place to rest, but finding one they’ll actually love can take some thought. Veterinarians say comfort should be the top priority when choosing a bed for your dog. Beds with bolsters and supportive memory foam inserts are especially helpful for easing pressure on joints, whether you have a young or senior dog.
Our top overall pick is the LaiFug Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed. It’s cozy, supportive, and made with high-quality, durable materials that also look stylish. If you’re looking for something more affordable that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and durability, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great alternative. This bolster-style bed offers good support, comes in multiple sizes, and is also available in a variety of colors to complement your decor.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog beds
Best overall: LaiFug Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed – See at Chewy
Best orthopedic: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge – See at Chewy
Best calming: Furhaven Calming Cuddler Donut Bed – See at Chewy
Best budget: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog 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
LaiFug Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed
For quality construction, attractive fabrics, and excellent comfort, LaiFug’s memory foam bed is worth the price. The cozy bolsters and low entry make it a good choice for dogs of all sizes and sleep styles.
The LaiFug Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed impressed us on several fronts. It’s made of high-quality materials, from the durable cover to the supportive memory foam mattress. After two months of testing with a 45-pound beagle-basset mix who loves to dig before settling in, the microsuede sleeping surface and woven bolsters showed very little wear.
The bed features a 4-inch memory foam core that offers ample cushioning, while the bolsters have a medium-density pillow feel. Its overall design closely resembles our orthopedic pick from Petfusion, though we found the LaiFug to be slightly softer. That said, it’s more affordable in some sizes and comes in attractive fabric and color combinations, making it an especially appealing option if you want a bed that blends in with your decor.
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It’s available in five color and fabric combinations, including an option with a plush sleep surface. Since selection can vary, it’s worth checking both Chewy and Amazon for availability. We tested the light gray version, which pairs marled gray-and-white woven fabric with gray microsuede.
The included waterproof liner effectively shields the foam from accidents, and stains and fur are easy to remove from the cover, whether you spot-clean or toss it in the washing machine. We washed it on a gentle cycle and dried it on low heat without noticing any shrinkage. The zippers and seams also performed exceptionally well in our durability testing.
Best orthopedic
The Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge is our pick for the best orthopedic dog bed and the most supportive we tested. Its dense memory foam offered consistent, even support for our two 45-pound testers — a Labradoodle and a beagle mix. The foam core ranges from 2 inches thick in the small size to 6 inches in the jumbo, accommodating dogs of various sizes. Our pups especially loved the soft yet structured bolsters, often resting their heads on them. The durable twill cover resists fraying and tearing, and while it’s only available in three colors, the white contrast piping along the front adds a polished look.
Memory foam, typically made from polyurethane, absorbs shock and conforms to the body, relieving 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, explains that hard surfaces can place excess pressure on tissues and compress blood vessels, which may cause or worsen inflammation. In contrast, an orthopedic bed molds to a dog’s body, helping reduce strain instead of forcing the body to conform to the surface.
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For dogs prone to accidents, the waterproof liner offers reliable protection. The cover is easy to spot-clean, and both the cover and the liner are machine washable and dryer-safe. The only drawback: You’ll need to remove and reinsert the bolsters.
Best calming
Furhaven Calming Cuddler Donut Bed
With an ultra-soft, cushiony feel and extra-large bolstered edges, this bed is a comfortable, calming choice for dogs who prefer to nestle deep inside.
The most calming bed for your dog ultimately depends on their individual preferences, and there is no scientific evidence pointing to one specific style as inherently calming, 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 explains.
That said, both of our tester dogs gravitated toward the Furhaven Calming Cuddler Donut Bed, which is the plush, round style many people associate with calming beds. It has a deep-set sleeping area encircled by tall, supportive bolsters filled with polyester fiber cushions. The result is an ultra-soft, nest-like space, with crevices between the base and bolsters that are ideal for dogs who like to burrow. The shaggy faux-fur cover adds to the cozy feel.
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While the bed is somewhat bulky, its pliability and light weight — just 4.7 pounds for the medium size — made it easy for our tester to carry it between the first and second floors of their home. That portability is a plus, since North says dogs often rest better when they’re near their people. While the removable liner is convenient for washing, it’s not waterproof.
We preferred the Furhaven Calming Cuddler over the Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed, which is more expensive and has softer, less structured bolsters. Still, if you want a wider range of color options — including pastel shades — the Best Friends by Sheri bed remains a strong alternative.
Best budget
Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Bed
This well-designed bolster bed with a wide entry and nonskid bottom comes in more sizes and colors than any other dog bed we tested and recommend.
It’s not always easy to find a dog bed that’s durable, comfortable, and reasonably priced, but the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed checks those boxes. It’s a strong pick for budget-minded shoppers who still want features typically found in pricier beds, like superior support with bolsters.
The bed includes bolsters on all four edges, with a front opening that makes it easy for dogs to step in and out — an important accessibility feature, according to Dr. Katie Mullins, a veterinarian and small animal surgery consultant at Vespecon. Along with its low-profile entry, the bed features dense, supportive egg-crate foam that offers solid support and pressure relief, making it a smart choice for senior dogs. This dependable support also made it a natural choice for our budget pick in our guide to the best large dog beds.
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There are a few trade-offs to consider. Spot-cleaning didn’t fully lift tougher stains, and machine washing was a bit of a hassle since the bolsters can’t be removed. That made the bed bulky in the washer and more difficult to put back together after washing. We also found that the zipper on the waterproof liner sometimes snagged, so this may not be ideal if you plan to launder the bed frequently.
Best cave
Some dogs prefer a more enclosed, den-like sleeping area, and cave-style beds like the Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed are designed with that preference in mind. This bed has a soft hooded top that can be propped up with a plastic arch to create a cozy, cave-like space for curling up.
It’s also exceptionally supportive, so much so that we’d happily sleep in it ourselves if it came in a human size. The bed help up well in repeated stain and wash tests: Spot cleaning removed most messes (including black tea, dirt, and peanut butter), and a machine wash cycle took care of anything left behind. Even with its white faux-sheepskin interior, the fabric came out of the wash looking bright and clean.
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The attached blanket-style offers an inviting, snug space for burrowing, though the arch frame is somewhat flimsy. Larger dogs can easily knock it down. Our 50-pound pit mix tester seemed to prefer using the bed without the arch, using the cover more like a blanket to nestle underneath.
Best for small dogs
Our two small dog testers were obsessed with the budget-friendly Frisco Faux Suede Bolster Bed, whining and begging for it anytime it was moved out of their area. While the interior is filled with polyester filling rather than 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 bolstered sides provided ample support, and both dogs nestled their heads where the sides met the cushiony base.
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We were also impressed with the bed’s durability. It maintained its shape through plenty of naps and lounging, and the thick cover resisted damage. Even after we raked a fork across its surface, it didn’t puncture or tear, and our dogs’ enthusiastic digging left no damage.
It’s worth noting that the bed isn’t waterproof and the cover can’t be removed, which may be dealbreakers. However, the entire bed is machine washable and dryer-safe, and it looked nearly brand-new after laundering.
Best elevated
Platform-style beds are ideal for dogs who lounge outdoors in warmer weather, since the raised design allows air to circulate beneath the sleep surface and helps prevent overheating. Our favorite elevated dog bed is the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot. It features a tightly woven nylon canvas platform that delivers sturdy support without sagging, while still promoting breathability. We tested the medium-sized cot, rated for dogs up to 200 pounds, and even placed 137 pounds of our own weight on it to confirm its stability and support.
Assembly is straightforward, with plastic legs that snap into place. However, that convenience can be a drawback, as the legs can shift out of alignment when you move the bed. For best results, it should be set up on a flat, even surface.
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We hosed it off for quick cleaning and also ran the fabric platform through the washing machine. While it cleaned up nicely, the material wasn’t as durable as we’d like. We were able to puncture it with dull scissors, so it may not hold up well for dogs that are rough on their gear. The medium size also sits 7 inches off the ground, which may not be suitable for very short dogs or pups with limited mobility. For dogs who need something lower-profile, check out our guide to the best dog cooling mats and pads for alternative options.
What to look for in a dog bed
When choosing a bed for your dog, keep these factors in mind.
Comfort and support: Our experts say comfort and support are your key priorities. Since many dogs spend hours each day sleeping, their bed should offer a cozy, safe place to rest. Bolster-style beds are a good choice for dogs who like resting their heads on a raised edge. For the cushion itself, Zamora recommends a pressure-relieving design — such as an orthopedic or memory foam bed with a thick base — especially for dogs that spend a significant amount of time lying down.
In our testing, we found that mattresses measuring at least 2 inches thick are standard among the best dog beds and provide good support. Beyond mattress thickness, 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 indicates that the foam insert won’t off-gas harmful chemicals, while a CertiPUR-US label certifies that the foam is free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other toxic substances. Tate says these certifications are especially important for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to materials like synthetic fill or wood-based products.
Durability: If your dog tends to chew, scratch, or dig, durability is crucial. In our tests, beds with sturdy polyester or nylon covers were the most resistant to tearing and scratching. While no bed is indestructible, dense foam cores are less likely to flatten prematurely and typically hold their shape longer.
Materials: Tate says the right material for a dog bed depends on where the bed will be used. For outdoor lounging, opt for breathable, weather-resistant fabrics like mesh. Indoor beds can be made from softer materials such as cotton or polyester. If you’re unsure what to choose, 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: Cleaning should be straightforward, whether you’re potty-training a puppy or caring for an older 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.” Beds with machine-washable covers and water-resistant or waterproof liners help protect the foam core and simplify cleanup.
Size: Many brands provide size charts based on a dog’s weight and length, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Dogs who stretch out should have a bed at least as long as the distance from their nose to the base of their tail. Long-legged dogs may benefit from extra depth. For bolster beds, focus on the dimensions of the sleeping surface rather than the bed’s overall exterior measurements.
Warranties and return policies: Make sure to carefully review any return policies and warranties before purchasing. Some brands offer trial periods, while others won’t accept returns for used beds. If you’re investing a couple of hundred dollars, a manufacturer’s warranty of at least one year is a good bet.
How we tested the best dog beds
To identify the best dog beds, we first consulted with four veterinarians about the features that matter most. We then tested more than 40 beds with dogs of all sizes and ages, observing which designs they gravitated toward. In addition, we conducted the following hands-on evaluations.
Comfort and support: We sat on the beds ourselves and used weighted bags to see how well each one supported and distributed uneven weight.
Durability: To simulate digging and chewing, we raked a fork across the sleep surface and poked the seams with the tip of a pair of scissors. We also rubbed sandpaper along the bottoms to mimic long-term wear. Zippers were repeatedly opened and closed to test their reliability.
Care and cleaning: We evaluated 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 instructions to see how well it maintained structure and appearance.
Dog bed FAQs
What type of bed is best for dogs?
The best bed for your dog comes down to their individual needs and sleep style, our experts say. In general, look for a bed with a dense foam base for support and a soft fabric cover for comfort. Zamora says memory foam or orthopedic beds are especially important for dogs with joint issues, though they can benefit all dogs by easing pressure on the body. Beds with bolsters are also helpful, particularly for dogs who like to rest their head on an edge. Tate says that letting the head hang off the side can strain the neck muscles, so built-in head and neck support can make a difference.
Do dogs prefer round or rectangular beds?
Your dog may enjoy curling up in a round bed, but Zamora says it’s important they also have enough space to stretch out fully. That doesn’t mean a round bed is bad for your dog — just be sure to choose a size that allows your dog to lie flat from nose to tail. Zamora says that lying flat can better support the tissues and muscles, especially those of the limbs, which have fewer muscles than the rest of the body. He says dogs may also be able to regulate their temperature more effectively when they sleep stretched out, which is worth considering if your pup tends to sleep hot.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Every dog has their own preferences, but Tate generally recommends opting for a soft bed. Beyond comfort, a plush surface with an evenly supportive core allows dogs to sink in slightly, which can help reduce pressure on their tissues and joints.
