Home The 10 Best Dog Beds in 2021 Review

The 10 Best Dog Beds in 2021 Review

If you buy through links in this article, we may earn a commission. This policy helps support the website's operation. Learn more.

PetFusion Ultimate Pet BedOur canine companions need a place to rest their weary heads just as much as we do. We may have to work all day, but a dog’s life can get pretty tiresome… or so they’d have you believe. While it’s tempting to just throw down an old blanket and call it good, most of us like to spoil our pets and that means it’s time to ensure that they have the best bed to suit their needs.

Since there are a ton of beds on the market, in a wide variety of types, it can be hard to pinpoint things. We’re here to show you ten of the best on the market and help you make sure that Fido has nothing left to complain about as far as their bed is concerned.

Editor's Picks:
Features:
Our Rating:
Buy from:
Best Overall
Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • 7” Of Memory Foam
  • Pillow Top
  • Easy To Clean
  • Super Soft Outer Cover
  • Different Color Variations
5
Runner Up
PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed
PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed
  • 4” Of Memory Foam
  • High-quality Bolsters
  • Wide Range Of Sizes
  • Easy To Clean
4.8
Bed for Medium Dogs
Friends Forever 100% Suede Dog Bed
Friends Forever 100% Suede Dog Bed
  • Memory Foam Mattress
  • Three Sizes Available
  • Non-skid Bottom
  • Suede Allows Fur To Come Off Easily And Is Chew Resistant
4.7
Suede Bed
Suede Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products
Suede Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products
  • High-quality Cover
  • Fairly Tough
  • High Build-quality
  • Suede Cover For Easy Fur Removal
4.6
Best Self Heating Dog Bed
Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed
Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed
  • Cave-like Burrow
  • High-quality Simulated Wool Interior
  • Easily Cleaned Faux-suede Exterior
  • Highly Customizable
4.6
Best Heated Dog Bed
K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed
K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed
  • Only Uses 60W
  • Thermostatically Controlled
  • Activated By The Pet Laying On It
  • Easy To Clean Cover Included
4.5
Bed with Cooling Gel
Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel
Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel
  • Orthopedic Foam
  • Cooling Gel
  • Bolsters
  • Extremely High Quality
4.6
Best Value for Money
Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Microsuede Pet Sofa
Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Microsuede Pet Sofa
  • Impressive Price To Value Ratio
  • High-quality Poly Fill
  • Sofa Design With Bolsters Around ¾ Of The Diameter
  • Microsuede Cover For Easy Cleaning
4.5
Insulated Bed
K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
  • Self-heating With Insulating Layers
  • Easy To Clean
  • Bolstered Design
  • Non-slip Bottom
4.5
Best Outdoor Dog Bed
K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot
K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot
  • Nearly Indestructible
  • Easy To Assemble
  • Doesn’t Hold Odor
  • Waterproof Cot Top
4.7

What to Look for in the Best Dog Bed

Best dog beds seem like a simple buy.

That’s not always true.

Dogs Sitting on The Dog BedInstead of floundering about and spending a ton of money, you should think about the following qualities to ensure that you’re getting them exactly what they need.

  • Size: The size of the dog bed in question is probably one of the most important factors, especially for larger dogs. Tiny Terriers might enjoy lounging on a Great Dane sized bed, but the reverse isn’t going to work no matter how comical it might appear. Ideally, the bed will be at least as long as your dog is from snout to rump, but a little bit of extra room is a nice touch.
  • Material: This is where the different types of beds come into play. Whether it’s an orthopedic bed for an aging, arthritic Akita or a cooling bed for a bulldog who’s out in the summer heat there’s something to suit most needs. There are even mostly indestructible beds for those mighty masticators which think that anything you buy them is a chew toy.
  • Ease of Cleaning: You know that anything your dog sleeps on is going to ultimately end up smelly. This means that a machine washable outer layer, at the very least, is pretty much necessary.
  • Aesthetic: Looks are always going to factor in. A lot of beds come in a pretty impressive range of colors that can be suited to match any décor. The main exception to this is cooling beds which have a tendency to be the same uniform shade of blue.
  • Extras: Headrests are one of the main extras you’ll see when it comes to dog beds. They can be a bit hit and miss, some dogs will fall in love with their pillow and others will treat them with disdain. We’ve made sure to note anything exceptional about the beds we’ve reviewed, but if you look elsewhere, keep an eye out as a lot of handy stuff can be integrated into a best dog bed.
  • Cost: Very few of us have an unlimited budget for our canine companions and that means that cost is always going to be a serious factor at the end of the day. Make sure to take a look at the price if you’re short on the budget but keep in mind that a higher price usually means that you’ve got a higher build quality. It can be worth it to splurge a little bit and get a bed that will outlast four beds that cost half of one. It’s an investment in your dog’s comfort after all.

TOP 10 Best Dog Beds

We’ll cover the different types of beds in just a moment, but we know you’re itching to get a look at just what your dog needs so let’s take a look at the top ten beds that we’ve found.

Keep in mind these are all great options, we’ve really dug to make sure that you only have to look at the best. There’s something here for everyone and their furry friends, so take a look.

Our Favorite

Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed with a Large Dog on itIt’s got a pillow. It’s made of memory foam. It comes in three large sizes. This is what you’ll want to take a closer look at if you’ve got a mammoth mutt.

There are also three different color variations, which are all of the rich and dark variety which is sure to look stately in almost any room.

But for the most part, what people are going to be interested in is the fact that it’s made of 7” of memory foam. This ensures that even the oldest dog will be able to lay their head down and get some rest at the end of the day while taking the weight off their weary joints.

Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog BedIt’s also easy to clean, with a soft-to-the-touch microfiber cover that unzips for easy machine washing.

That said, it’s one of the most expensive and the best dog beds around as well.

But if you can afford to open your pocket book to ensure that your dog gets the best rest possible, the Big Barker 7” Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed is exactly what you’re looking for.

Pros

  • 7” of memory foam
  • Pillow top
  • Easy to clean
  • Super soft outer cover

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not really suited for small dogs

PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed with a White Dog on itPet Fusion makes this 4” memory foam dog bed that comes in a wide range of different sizes. It also comes with a full bolsters that makes it an impressive doggie couch overall but a dog weighing over a hundred pounds or so might want something a bit thicker.

Like any of the best dog beds, this one is super easy to clean. The outside comes off with a simple pull of a zipper and the cotton/polyester blend allows things to come out of the wash quickly and easily.

PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed Close ViewThese beds are also pretty expensive, so keep that in mind before you can commit.

One other flaw that may take some people by surprise: it’s only available in a single color for each size.

The PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed lives up to its name, however, and the orthopedic foam and wide range of size options makes it one of the best beds on the market for dogs young and old.

Pros

  • 4” of memory foam
  • High-quality bolsters
  • Wide range of sizes
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Each size only comes in one color

Bed for Medium Dogs: Friends Forever 100% Suede Dog Bed

Friends Forever 100% Suede Dog BedComing in three different sizes the Friends Forever 100% Dog Bed offers some pretty impressive value for each dollar you throw at it. Like some of the other beds it also only has a couple of different colors to choose from, but if they fit you might not need to look any further.

The mattress itself is made of baby-grade memory foam so you know it will cradle your canine with a gentle and soft touch. The cover is also made of suede, which ensures that you get a smooth feel and a luxurious look.

Friends Forever 100% Suede Dog Bed for Medium Breed DogsThe entire thing is well made, easy to clean, and really the cover can’t be beaten. Did we mention it’s available for a fraction of the cost of some of the truly luxurious and the best dog beds?

If you’re trying to get the best value for your dollar instead of breaking the bank, this suede and memory foam bed is a godsend. Those with particularly large dogs like St. Bernards may want to look elsewhere however as it’s not suitable for dogs of a particularly ursine persuasion.

Pros

  • Memory foam mattress
  • Three sizes available
  • Non-skid bottom
  • Suede allows fur to come off easily and is chew resistant

Cons

  • Not suitable for extra-large breeds
  • Tendency to tear around the zipper

Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products BrownIf you’re looking for a suede bed, this round and bolstered pad might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The best part about these beds is the sheer amount of customizability you’ll be able to get out of them. With five sizes available and eight attractive color options, you can make sure to match things to both your dog and the décor in the room that you’re going to land it in.

The fill isn’t suitable for old dogs, however, since it’s just a polyester fill instead of the higher quality memory foam which is needed to add support for pets with ailing joints.

Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products Navy BlueOne nice thing, however: it’s pretty tear-resistant. It might not stand up to a dedicated destroyer, but if your dog just has a little bit of the ol’ “paw and gnaw” going on it should still last for a long time to come.

The Suede Dog Bed by Majestic Pet Products is a good choice for younger dogs in a wide variety of sizes. Once again it might not be suitable for lovable giants sharing the home but for most dogs, it’s definitely something to consider.

Pros

  • High-quality cover
  • Fairly tough
  • High build-quality
  • Suede cover for easy fur removal

Cons

  • Not suitable for giants
  • Zippers can be a pain

Best Self Heating Dog Bed: Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed

Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed BlueSome breeds, like Dachshund, just have a love affair with burrowing in to snuggle for the night. If you’re the lucky owner of such a dog, then you’ll be in good hands with the Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave.

It’s a round pad with a blanket top for the dogs to crawl into. There are 22 colors and three sizes to pick from as well. The largest size is suitable for medium sized dogs which like to get in their cave, but bigger burrowers might be out of luck.

The interior of the cave is simulated sheep’s wool, allowing for a warm and cozy sleeping spot for a weary canine.

Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed RedWhile it is machine washable, and you’ll definitely want to get that done after a month or so due to the wool holding odor pretty well, it can be something of a pain to get the pad in and out.

If you’re looking to gift your small to medium sized dog a comfortable, burrowed setting then take a closer look at the highly customizable Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave, it’s pretty fantastic.

Pros

  • Cave-like burrow
  • High-quality simulated wool interior
  • Easily cleaned faux-suede exterior
  • Highly customizable

Cons

  • Hard to unzip
  • Not suitable for all dogs

K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated BedIt may not be the most attractive and the best dog bed around, but anyone who’s in a climate prone to the cold can see the utility behind this bed. This 60W heated bed can help keep your dog warm during the cold season, but remember that it’s made for being used indoors despite the “outdoor” moniker.

It comes in three sizes but the biggest is really only useful for medium sized dogs and even some of those may not quite fit. For smaller animals, however, it can help to improve their day when you place it in the garage, a shed, or other sheltered areas without the benefit of central heating.

K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed with a Dog on ItThe pad also comes with a free fleece cover, which is a nice touch and easily cleaned to make sure that the smell doesn’t get to be too unbearable.

If you’re looking for a heated bed and you’ve got a pet who’s a bit on the small side of things then the K&H Manufacturing is an affordable solution to make sure that they stay warm no matter how bad things are outside. But for winters you may use outdoor dog house heater.

Pros

  • Only uses 60W
  • Thermostatically controlled
  • Activated by the pet laying on it
  • Easy to clean cover included

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger animals
  • Not really “outdoor friendly”

Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling GelWhile a lot of the cooling dog beds out there are simple mats, Sealy Dog Bed delivers with this attractive option which will help keep your pup cool through the warmer parts of the year.

It’s available in four different sizes and 2 colors as well.

The main attraction is definitely the cooling gel, however, which takes in energy when compressed. This results in a lower overall temperature for the bed and your pet. Add in the fact that it’s also got a layer of orthopedic memory foam and you have a clear winner.

Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel with a PuppyThis is an advanced dog bed, the company has really taken things to the next level with this one. The cost reflects that, however, so be aware before you get committed.

This luxury dog bed has pretty much everything going for it. Cooling gel, a wide range of sizes, and orthopedic memory foam come together in a perfect storm of canine comfortability.

Pros

  • Orthopedic foam
  • Cooling gel
  • Bolsters
  • Extremely high quality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not suitable for chewers

Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Microsuede Pet Sofa YellowThis really is more of a doggie couch than a bed, but it’s just about perfect for the right kind of dog.

It comes in four sizes with an amazing eighteen different color variations. The customizability is a nice touch, but it’s really the overfilled bed that’s going to make all the difference for your canine companion.

Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Microsuede Pet Sofa Grey

The fill is high-quality shredded poly, which isn’t quite what you need for a dog with joint problems but is great for pups and dogs who are still in their prime. It’s about middling in price point, making it another dog bed that adds a huge amount of value for the dollar.

It’s definitely not budget priced, however.

For a standard dog bed with a wide range of sizes and looks, you should take a closer look at the Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Microsueded Pet Sofa. It’s a win for both your wallet and your dog as long as they don’t have more specialized needs.

Pros

  • Impressive price to value ratio
  • High-quality poly fill
  • Sofa design with bolsters around ¾ of the diameter
  • Microsuede cover for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Not specialized
  • Packaging is a pain to open

K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper MediumK&H Manufacturing outdoes itself again, with a non-electric warming dog bed that’s sure to make waves for those who are in for some chilly weather. It’s a bit more specialized than most beds, however, coming with two color patterns and only two sizes.

The larger of the two sizes is probably most suitable for medium-sized dogs, larger dogs are going to have to look elsewhere.

K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Large
The bed is made with insulating layers that will reflect the heat back to your dog’s body in order to ensure that they’re warmer than if they were resting on a bed without it. It’s not suitable for a blizzard, but it can definitely help to keep a dog warm through the chillier months.

It’s also easy to wash, but you’re going to want to ensure that you line-dry it so you don’t have to deal with some serious shrinkage.

If you’ve got a chilly home and a small to medium sized dog, then you’ll find that this self-warming bed is exactly what you need. It’s an affordable solution to make sure that your favorite furry friend stays cozy.

Pros

  • Self-heating with insulating layers
  • Easy to clean
  • Bolstered design
  • Non-slip bottom

Cons

  • Fairly cheap filling
  • Lack of customizability

Best Outdoor Dog Bed: K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot

K&H Manufacturing Original Pet CotAt first glance, most people are going to dismiss this cot. Some of you are already nodding, however, and we know what you have in common: dogs that like to chew.

When you want an indestructible bed for that dog which is going to try and eliminate anything you buy for them it’s necessary to get away from more “normal” designs.

K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot with Dogs OutdoorsFortunately, this cot is customizable, whether you have a terrifying terrier or a chewing Chow you’ll be able to find the right sized bed for your dog at a terrific price. There are three color variations and four sizes available to suit almost any dog.

It’s also easy to assemble despite the look and comes with non-skidding rubber feet.

If you’ve got a dog that chews with a force which seems much too hard for their size, you can buy this cot in order to make sure that you don’t have to buy another bed for a long, long time.

Pros

  • Nearly indestructible
  • Easy to assemble
  • Doesn’t hold odor
  • Waterproof cot top

Cons

  • Not the most comfortable
  • Not suitable for older dogs

Exploring the Different Types of Dog Beds

If you’re still undecided on what your canine companion is going to need, then it’s a good idea to take a look at the type of beds which are available. They’re pretty extensive in their uses.

Standard Beds

Standard BedsStandard beds are going to be your cheapest option in most cases. They’re suitable for younger dogs and those in their prime, as well as older dogs which have healthy joints.

They tend to have a poly-fill and they’re generally the first choice for most people. They’re not quite as comfortable as orthopedic beds but they’ll sometimes have some specialized features that can make them stand out.

Dog Sofa Beds

Dog Sofa BedsBeds with bolsters along the sides are pretty much the gold standard for most people. The important part is to make sure that you’ve got high-quality fill in the bolsters. Some brands have a tendency to use cheaper filling in the bolsters which doesn’t provide the support they would appear to at first glance.

For a lot of dogs, however, dog sofa beds are awesome. They like to cuddle, they have a built-in pillow right along the side, and it provides security for the dog when they’re nestled in a corner.

Indestructible Dog Beds

Indestructible Dog BedsIndestructible dog beds tend to take the form of cots with steel framing. This makes them hard to destroy for pretty much any dog.

The problem is that many of the ones on the market are kind of rickety, and this can cause problems for bigger dogs. Fortunately, there are some who hold themselves to a high enough standard that we can recommend them without fear.

If you’ve got a dog with a penchant for destruction, this may be the only way that you’re able to ensure that a dog bed lasts for more than a week or two. As a bonus, they often have mesh bottoms which allow for easy cooling during warm weather.

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Orthopedic Dog BedsOrthopedic dog beds are going to be made of memory foam. The thickness will determine the level of comfort that your dog will receive.

Make sure that they’re made of high-quality foam before you decide on one.

For the most part, these mattresses provide the ultimate in comfort but cost quite a bit more than poly-filled beds. They’re also the absolute best option for dogs who are old or have ailing joints. If you’ve got the money, and no more specialized needs, then you might want to go with one of these over a normal dog bed just to make sure you’ve got a comfortable canine.

Large Dog Beds

Large Dog BedsLarge dog beds, and we meant truly enormous, are something of a rarity. Those of us with large breeds like Great Danes know that it can be trying to find an affordable bed with some serious size under it.

You’ll also need things to be a bit more supportive than normal in order to account for your hound’s greater weight.

Heated Dog Beds

Heated Dog BedsHeated dog beds come in two varieties: electric and insulated.

The insulated beds have a layer similar to space blankets. This helps the dog to use their own body heat in order to remain warm. They also tend to be fairly cheap.

Plug-in beds are a bit more expensive but tend to be more effective. They’re also generally made to be used in sheltered areas like sheds and barns instead of being placed outdoors. They can make things a lot easier for your dog in the cooler months, however.

Cooling Dog Beds

Cooling Dog BedsIf it gets hot in your neck of the woods, then a cooling bed is a great idea. There are a lot of breeds that are surprisingly prone to overheating despite their lack of huge coats of fur, bull dogs for instance, and you can make their lives a lot easier in the summer with a cooling bed.

A cooling bed works with a gel that absorbs energy when it’s crushed. This allows for a surprising amount of coolness which can last for quite some time, depending on the quality and quantity of the gel contained within.

Conclusion

Making sure that your dog has somewhere nice to lay their head down is one of the easiest concessions you can make. Picking up the right bed can make all the difference, and it’s a small price to pay for the love that these animals generally bring into our homes and our lives.

So pick a great one, and let your dog sleep and lounge in style and comfort.

PIN FOR LATER!

Sources:

  1. AVMA

Images credits: Amazon.com

Author

Susan Cropper

As a veterinarian practicing for 48 years, Dr. Cropper brings her priceless experience to all our readers. She is currently taking care of her two rescues, Ollie the Greyhound and Bryce the Pitbull mix, that is why she always sees things as a veterinarian and a pet owner simultaneously.

View all posts by Susan Cropper | DogsRecommend.com