Best Dog Beds in 2021

Best Dog Beds iMore 2021

• Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
• Best Value: Animals Favorite Rectangle Bed
• Best for Large Dogs: Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam
• Best for Small Dogs: The Dog's Balls Orthopedic Bed
• Best for Older Dogs: Furhaven Couch Pet Bed
• Best Calming Bed: Hopwin Calming Dog Bed
• Best Mat-Style: Best Friends by Sheri Shag Vegan Cuddler
• Best Throw Rug: Fur Accents DogNapper

Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

The Ultimate Dog Bed by PetFusion is a good balance of comfort, support, and affordability. It is specifically designed to offer orthopedic support by using memory foam to gently cradle your pooch and keep pressure off aching joints. The surrounding, raised pillows are attached to the bed and give your dog some added support for its head. It comes in several sizes, so you're sure to find one that fits your dog comfortably, and each one comes with thick padding. Most beds easily hold 100 pounds or more. The largest bed is big enough to comfortably hold two dogs without them encroaching on the other's space.

The bed itself isn't machine washable, but the outside cover is. This cover is made from cotton, so it's breathable and comfortable. But it is also lined to make it waterproof. However, this lining is only at the bottom of the cover that lays over the main bedding cushion. While the pillows or arms of the bed are also covered, this area is not lined. Any leakage to this area will require you to hand clean and sanitize those sections.

Best Value: Animals Favorite Rectangle Bed

This deep dog bed is designed with high sides and quilted cushions and pillows to help your dog nestle down naturally. It's rectangular to give ample room while also being padded enough for snuggly comfort. It comes in two different sizes that fit medium or large dogs, though both are big enough for two smaller dogs to share. The best part is this bed isn't as expensive as others we looked at, so you can ensure your dog is comfortable while it sleeps, and you don't have to worry about the cost.

The Animals Favorite dog bed doesn't have a removable cover, and the bed itself isn't waterproof. This means you will need to wash the entire bed if it gets dirty. You can pop the whole bed into your washing machine to get clean. However, it is not recommended to be tumble dried. This could cause the bed shape to become distorted or push the cushion padding into large, uncomfortable lumps.

Best for Large Dogs: Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam

Dogbed4less is an excellent choice for large dogs. It has several sizes that range from 46 inches to 55 inches long and 29 inches to 47 inches wide. The memory foam base cushion offers excellent support for your dog, and the single pillow gives added head support. This bed doesn't have side panels or walls as other more traditional dog beds do. While this doesn't provide as much support or promote natural nesting, it does give your pet more room to stretch out without limiting their area.

The Dogbed4less premium dog bed has two covers that are zipped onto the whole bed. The top layer is made from cotton that allows the bed to breathe and keeps your dog cool. The next layer is a waterproof lining. Both covers are easily removed for washing.

Best for Small Dogs: The Dog's Balls Orthopedic Bed

The Dog's Bed by The Dog's Balls comes in smaller sizes to fit tiny dogs, but big beds for larger dogs are also available. The inside cushion is made from orthopedic memory foam that is designed to keep your dog aligned and relieve pressure and pain on joints. This bed allows your dog to rest comfortably while giving support to avoid problems with common ailments such as hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, and arthritis.

This dog bed is flat, so there isn't additional head support or padded walls or pillows surrounding the bed. It also isn't washable itself but does have a removable cover that can be tossed into the wash and a waterproof liner to help keep the bed dry. You can choose from nine different cover colors and purchase replacement covers separately.

Best for Older Dogs: Furhaven Couch Pet Bed

The Furhaven couch bed is low to the ground and has stuffed, supportive rails around three sides to create a sofa-style bed that is especially good for elderly dogs that find it harder to step up into a traditional dog bed. The bottom cushion is made with an egg crate shaped foam that is made from recycled materials. The whole bed is covered with a durable, high quality, and lined material that is easily removed when it needs to be washed.

This bed comes in several different colors and patterns from very neutral to bold and fun. You can also choose the size you need for your dog, though most are made for larger dogs. Because of the filling used, Furhaven doesn't recommend this bed for puppies that are teething or dogs that tend to be chewers.

Best Calming Bed: Hopwin Calming Dog Bed

The round, donut-shaped of this bed is made to help your anxious pet calm down and relax before sleeping. It is covered with a faux fur in one of 15 colors and has a non-skid pad on the bottom to help it stay put. This bed is filled to give both a plush, soft pillow-like feel while also supporting the joints of your dog. When dirty, the whole bed can be placed in your washing machine to be cleaned.

The Hopwin Calming dog bed comes in a few different sizes but is best for small or medium-sized dog breeds. It is not recommended to be used for puppies or dogs that tend to chew. This is because the material of this dog bed is easily ripped through by teeth.

Best Mat-Style: Best Friends by Sheri Shag Vegan Cuddler

This shag covered dog mat is made from eco-friendly material, so it is safe for both the environment and your dog. The bed is filled enough to give thick comfort while the size and shape make it easy to place anywhere in your home, line a crate, or bring along on trips. The cover is machine washable, which helps keep the whole bed clean.

While the thickness of the Cuddler dog bed is impressive, it does lack more support that tends to help with joint pain. These include memory foam cushions and side rails or pillows.

Best Throw Rug: Fur Accents DogNapper

This mat-style dog bed is designed to look like a fur throw rug, so it brings sophistication and style to your home while doubling as a cozy place for your pet. The DogNapper comes in so many different styles, faux furs, and colors to match your home's decor, but is still comfy padding and a snag-free design. Like regular carpeting, the DogNapper throw rug can be spot treated and vacuumed if needed. However, if you need a deeper clean, this dog bed does need to be dry cleaned.

The DogNapper from Fur Accents is the most expensive dog bed we reviewed. It comes in several sizes to fit in your living space and is a significant investment since it fills two purposes - home decor and dog bed. Despite the high price tag and the inconvenience of dry clean only, the overall look and style of this dog bed are worth it, plus it's really comfortable for your dog and gives them a place to rest while being close to you.

Why PetFusion is our top pick

PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed is made with 4-inch thick memory foam and three pillowed rails, or bolsters to give both comfort and support to your dog and all its joints and aching parts. The Bolsters can be used as a headrest for your dog or for simply helping him maintain a supportive position without worry of rolling off. The Ultimate dog bed comes in three neutral colors and four sizes to work with any dog breed, including large dogs that weigh 100 pounds or more. Because the cushion is made with a single piece of memory foam, this dog bed is okay for puppies and dog breeds that tend to be prone to chewing. Overall, it's worth the price, which isn't the most expensive dog bed we looked at.

This dog bed is covered with a breathable cotton slip cover that zips into place. It is machine washable and can handle being dried in a standard dryer, too. There is also a waterproof lining that covers the main foam cushion of the bed. However, this lining isn't on the side bolsters. This means if the rails get wet, it will soak into the bed and will need to be spot cleaned. This is the only real negative we see with the PetFusion Ultimate dog bed.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Nicole Johnston writes for multiple Mobile Nations brands, including TechnoBuffalo, covering primarily internet security and privacy programs. She has over 12 years of research and writing experience in both the public and private sectors, including six years of testing and reviewing consumer products and four evaluating antivirus software, parental controls, and identity theft services.

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