No matter what kind of pet owner you are, it can be hard to resist letting your dog cuddle with you in bed. However, vets say it’s important to give your pup their own space to ensure both of you are
resting well
. That’s where a dog bed comes in: It also gives them a spot for naps or solitude throughout the day. And unlike other
pet essentials
, a dog bed can last for several years (so long as your pup doesn’t destroy it).
To help you find the right bed for your pet, I spoke to experts about the benefits of a dog bed and what to consider when shopping for one. I also pulled together some staff favorites and expert-recommended options to consider.
SKIP AHEAD
How I picked the best dog beds
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Best dog beds
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How to shop for a dog bed
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How I picked the best dog beds
Below are a few key factors the experts I spoke to recommend you consider when shopping for a dog bed:
-
Size:
The right sized bed means it’s large enough for your pet to sprawl out with their limbs fully extended and their entire body still on the bed, experts say. Most beds will have size recommendations based on your dog’s weight. Small dogs can generally use beds meant for bigger dogs as long as they can comfortably step in and out of it (though this is not true for medium and large sized dogs). -
Washability:
Whether your dog tracks in dirt from the park or is prone to accidents, consider a bed that comes with a removable, machine-washable cover and, ideally, an impermeable inner cover. This will not only keep your pup’s safe space clean, but it’ll also ensure the bed lasts longer, vets say. -
Cushioning and support:
If your dog wants or needs extra support, consider beds with thick memory or orthopedic foam, especially if you have an older dog. For older dogs who need more cushioning, consider foam that’s around 4 to 5 inches thick, saysDr. Joe Wakshlag
, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
-
Durability:
How durable a bed is really comes down to your dog’s temperament. Though most dog beds are made of soft polyester designed to look good and feel comfortable, dogs more prone to chewing or pawing at their bed will likely benefit from ballistic fabrics designed to be hard-wearing. If your dog tends to destroy their toys, a soft fleece bed or one with tassels and threads should be off the table. -
Insulation:
If you live in a colder climate, consider a bed made of fleece or other thick materials. For warmer weather, look for beds made of a cooling foam or ones that are elevated off the floor (like a cot with a mesh base) to help air circulate from the bottom.
Best dog beds of 2024
Below, I compiled expert-recommended dog beds that can fit a variety of your pet’s needs and preferences. I also included beds NBC Select editors’ own dogs use. Each of the following beds has a removable washable cover and, unless otherwise noted, comes in multiple sizes to ensure your dog is able to fit comfortably.
Best overall:
Newton Baby Dog Bed
Newton Baby Dog Bed
This
NBC Select Pet Awards
winner is a popular pick among our NBC Select editors because of its spacious size and bolstered sides. Great for dogs of any age, the orthopedic bed comes with a quilted mattress that’s both removable and machine-washable, and it’s made from a breathable fabric for temperature regulation, according to the brand. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin tried out the large/extra-large size for her dog Chance, an 11-year-old, 100-pound yellow lab. Not only did Malin find this bed to be extremely durable, but she could also easily curl up next to Chance when he gets anxious. “I’ve fallen asleep in there with him more than once,” she says.
Fabric type:
temperature-regulating |
Sizes:
small, medium, large/extra-large |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best washable:
Ruggable Washable Bolster Pet Bed
Ruggable Washable Bolster Pet Bed
- Easy to clean
- Looks sleek
- Durable and sturdy
- Expensive
- Not for extra-large dogs
Though Ruggable is known for its washable rugs, the brand recently launched a
washable pet bed
for your four-legged companion. I received this bed from the brand to try out, and my 6-year-old, 15-pound havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, instantly became obsessed. It comes in two pieces: a small memory foam mattress that sits at the center and a cushioned outer layer with raised edges that fits around it. Though Bella usually prefers to sleep with me in my bed, she now gravitates more toward this throughout the day— she loves resting her head on the sturdy bolsters, and she always snuggles into the warm sherpa material. The best part is that all covers are removable and machine-washable, so it’s easy to clean (and holds up to the washing machine very well, in my experience).
Fabric type:
sherpa and woven fabric with a boucle texture |
Sizes:
small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 60 lbs), large (up to 80 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best memory foam:
Casper Dog Bed
Casper Dog Bed
The
Casper Dog Bed
is a safe pick for most dogs, says Wakshlag. It’s crafted with comfortable memory foam that supports your dog’s joints and hips, which is especially great for older dogs like Chance, says Malin. What’s more is that it works double time to entertain your dog: Its extra layer of washable microfiber material is designed to mimic the feel of pawing at loose earth minus the mess, according to the brand. When they’ve tuckered themselves out, the sides are lined with foam bolsters to operate as supportive pillows. The bed comes in three sizes:
small
for dogs up to 30 pounds, medium for dogs up to 60 pounds and large for dogs up to 90 pounds.
Fabric type:
microfiber and nylon |
Size:
small (up to 30 pounds), medium (up to 60 pounds), large (up to 90 pounds) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best for small dogs:
Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler
Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler
Smaller dogs who weigh under 30 pounds typically prefer beds that have a raised edge or even a pocket to nuzzle underneath, says
Angela Logsdon-Hoover
, a certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist. The Cozy Cuddler can help smaller dogs feel secure and less anxious while they relax — with its built-in blanket, flexible faux fur walls and plush interior, the bed allows your dog to either burrow or stretch out. Though the cover isn’t removable, the entire bed is machine-washable, according to the brand.
Fabric type:
microfiber and faux fur |
Size:
small (up to 25 pounds) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable bed
Best for large dogs:
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
Big Barker makes beds for large dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It offers three rectangular bed types: Sleek, Headrest and Sofa, the latter of which includes bolsters on three of the four sides. Each bed comes with a machine-washable microsuede cover and is made from the brand’s proprietary foam, which it says is engineered to support the pressure curves of large breed dogs. (Large breed dogs are defined as weighing anywhere from 75 pounds to 100 pounds, according to
Dr. Dana Varble
, chief veterinary officer for nonprofit North American Veterinary Community.) The brand also offers a free replacement if the foam sinks or sags within 10 years. The bed comes in three sizes — large, XL and Giant — and in four colors.
Fabric type:
microsuede and foam |
Size:
large, extra-large, giant |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best budget-friendly:
Frisco Rectangular Bolster Dog Bed
Frisco Rectangular Bolster Dog Bed
Frisco’s dog bed is another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to rest her head on the bolstered sides or burrow her face into the bed’s cushioned crevices during a nap.The outer fabric is a plush faux suede that’s available in either a neutral khaki green or
brown
. The bed is available in three sizes:
small
(measuring 6.5 inches high), medium (9 inches high) and
large
(10 inches high).
Fabric type:
faux suede and polyester-fiber filling |
Size:
small, medium, large |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable bed
Best for older dogs:
Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed
Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed
This Orvis orthopedic bed comes recommended by
Dr. Kristen Nelson
, a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life,” because it has a polyester-filled, three-sided bolster; an open-cell, 3.5-inch-thick memory foam insert; and an open front with a low profile for older dogs to easily get on and off, according to the brand. It also has a water-resistant liner and a durable cover that unzips.
Fabric type:
polyester and memory foam |
Size:
small, medium, large, extra-large |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best high-end:
Le Dog Le Bed
Le Dog Le Bed
This luxurious dog bed has a breathable leather outer cover that’s cooling, easy to spot clean and doesn’t retain odor, says NBC Select associate reporter
Bianca Alvarez
, who received one from Le Dog for her 7-year-old pitbull. Its dense, cooling gel memory foam interior also relieves any pressure points while providing extra comfort, according to the brand.
Fabric type:
leather and memory foam |
Size:
medium (up to 125 lbs) and large (up to 185 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best with bolsters:
Furhaven Pet Bed
Furhaven Pet Bed
This L-shaped bed from Furhaven has bolsters that provide a corner sofa design for your dog, according to the brand. It’s wrapped in an easy-to-clean microsuede and includes a plush faux fur lining to help keep your canine companion snug, according to Furhaven. It has an orthopedic foam cushioning for support, which experts say can be good for older dogs. The bed’s rectangular shape makes it a comfortable option for the corner of your dog’s favorite room and its jumbo plus size is “great for big dogs like Chance — although my tiny kitten also loves stretching out on it,” says Malin.
Fabric type:
microsuede and faux fur |
Size:
medium (up to 35 lbs), large (up to 55 lbs), XL (up to 95 lbs), XXL (up to 125 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best shag:
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut
NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri says her dog, Bandit, has loved this cozy circular bed since the day he came home — he likes to curl up inside when he’s napping or playing with toys. “I love how easy it is to clean; I just throw it in the wash on the gentle cycle,” says Daruvuri. It’s also another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to snuggle against the bolsters, burrow in its deep crevices and sprawl while laying on it. The bed is covered in vegan shag fur and it’s available in five sizes, with the smallest size accommodating pets weighing up to seven pounds and the largest for pets up to 150 pounds, according to the brand.
Fabric type:
vegan shag fur |
Size:
extra-small (up to 10 lbs), small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 45 lbs), large (up to 100 lbs), extra-large (up to 150 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable bed
Best fleece:
L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler Dog Bed
L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler Dog Bed
This L.L.Bean bed is a favorite of Nelson’s golden retriever, Sully, who likes lying in it when he’s cold. It has a warm and washable polyester fleece cover, which zips off for easy cleaning. The bed also comes with three bolstered sides that can provide a spot for dogs to rest their head. If you prefer a non-bolstered fleece option, L.L.Bean has a
rectangular bed
with soft polyfill cushioning.
Fabric type:
polyester |
Size:
small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 45 lbs), large (up to 100 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best stylish:
Lesure Calming Donut Bed
Lesure Calming Donut Bed
This bolster dog bed comes in six stylish designs to fit your (and your pup’s) personal style, including clouds, flowers and checkerboard. Lesure sent me this bed for Bella to try out, and she loves laying on the warm, soft Sherpa material. Plus, it provides a great amount of cushion and support throughout the day. The bed is designed for dogs and cats up to 25 pounds, and it has a washable cover for easy cleaning.
Fabric type:
sherpa, chopped foam and polyfill |
Size:
extra-small, small, medium, large |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best outdoor:
BarkBox Outdoor Dog Bed
BarkBox Outdoor Dog Bed
Backyard activities or hiking adventures call for a bed that isn’t just waterproof but can also stand up to the elements and keep your dog safe. This washable, portable and water-resistant bed checks all those boxes. Malin says her dog, Chance, loves to hang out with her family outside, so they bought him this bed to put on the porch and bring into the yard. “It gets super dirty but you can remove the cover to wipe it down, which is amazing,” she says. The bed’s inner cushion is made of temperature-regulating gel memory foam and comes with a water-resistant cover and zipper, according to the brand.
Fabric type:
gel memory foam |
Size:
medium (up to 40 lbs), large (up to 65 lbs), extra-large (up to 120 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
Best durable:
Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed
Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed
The Kuranda Standard Dog Bed, which is one of our best overall
cooling dog beds
, is one of Nelson’s favorites due to its durability. “When [Sully] was a puppy, the only bed he didn’t chew up was the Kuranda platform bed,” she says. Your dog can use this bed, which is made for dogs up to 100 pounds, both indoors and outdoors. It stands on a strong, chew-proof frame that resists fading from the sun’s UV rays, according to the brand. It’s great for any type of weather, too: The air circulation underneath the bed can help keep dogs cool in summer and it’s lifted up off cold floors in the wintertime, according to Kuranda. The bed is made from smooth nylon and durable PVC, and you can choose from three large sizes and four fabric colors.
Fabric type:
nylon cover and PVC frame |
Size:
large, extra-large, XXL |
Cleaning type:
spot clean
Best basic:
Majestic Pet Products Chevron Bolster Dog Bed
Majestic Pet Products Chevron Bolster Dog Bed
This no-frills bed is great for dogs who tend to chew or rip apart their beds. “Anyone who has a lab knows that everything becomes a chew toy — including beds — [and] Chance has yet to chew through this bed,” says Malin, adding that her dog likes to rest his head on the bolster edges. It has a washable, water-resistant cover and is available in multiple colors, including sage, burnt orange and yellow.
Fabric type:
sherpa and polyester fiber fill |
Size:
small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 40 lbs), large (up to 70 lbs), extra-large (up to 110 lbs) |
Cleaning type:
machine-washable cover
How to shop for a dog bed
There are many types of dog beds on the market, including decorative ones that blend in with the furniture in your house, and supportive orthopedic beds that older pets find more comfortable. Consider a few different features as you shop for a dog bed, including the size of the bed, cushioning and insulation level.
The size of the bed will likely have the biggest effect on how comfortable your dog is when using it. “A bed should be large enough for your pet to lay out with their limbs fully extended with their entire body, even their toes, on the bed,” says Varble. Small dogs can usually use beds that are designed for larger breeds as long as they’re able to jump into the bed without issue, but “a tiny bed for a giant body doesn’t work very well,” says
Dr. Sarah Hoggan
, medical director for VCA California Veterinary Specialists — Murrieta.
If your dog tends to have accidents or likes to lie in bed after a messy trip to the park, you might want to consider a bed that has a removable outer cover and an impermeable inner cover. “Given dogs are not particularly driven by tidiness, getting a bed with a waterproof and washable cover is advised — humans prefer things in their homes not to carry the fragrance of whatever was available to roll upon outside,” says Hoggan. And with the often high price tag of some quality memory foam beds, a durable, water-resistant cover will make the bed last and ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, says Wakshlag.
In addition to an appropriate size, an adequate amount of cushioning can determine the bed’s comfort level. The amount of cushioning you need varies based on your pet’s size, level of mobility and overall health. Beds with adequate cushioning and memory foam are extremely beneficial for older dogs, especially those with arthritis, neurologic problems and orthopedic issues, says Wakshlag. “A small puppy won’t need as much cushion as a large, arthritic dog — typically, a less mobile dog will need a sturdier, thicker foam to support their body comfortably and prevent pressure sores,” says Hoggan.
Beds labeled as orthopedic dog beds, which are made with high-quality orthopedic foam to gently cushion bones and joints, are usually the best option for older dogs, says Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care at
Bond Vet
.
“Unfortunately, many older large-breed dogs like to lie on the floor, which can be harder on their joints. This might be due to temperature concerns, so beds that are designed to keep a dog cool might be a good option [and] many orthopedic dog beds have this feature,” says Fadl. Orthopedic beds with a low profile on one side can allow for easier access, especially since arthritic dogs can find it hard to lift their paws high enough to get in, says Nelson.
It can also be important to look at the thickness of the foam to determine how much cushion is actually being provided to older dogs. “Anything that has 1 inch of memory foam is going to claim to be an orthopedic bed, but there’s not a lot of real evidence as to [whether it’ll actually help] — the reality is all memory foam somewhere in the 4 inches to 5 inches range is probably a good choice because that really helps with pressure distribution,” says Wakshlag.
Dog beds come in a variety of materials, ranging from soft polyester that’s designed to be attractive and comfortable to ballistic fabrics designed to be hard-wearing and durable. “If you have a dog that likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a soft fluffy fleece bed will not survive very well and your money would be better spent on something stouter,” says Hoggan.
You should also be careful with any tassels or long threads that are visible on the bed. “Dogs like to chew and a tassel or thread has the potential to become a linear foreign body trapped in their stomach and intestines,” says Hoggan.
Since beds can be a key source of comfort for your pet, consider the insulation level based on the climate you live in and the breed of your dog. Basically, the bed shouldn’t make them feel too warm or too cold.
“A thin and small breed with no undercoat, like a whippet or Italian Greyhound, will need much more warmth provided in cold northern climate, whereas an arctic breed would need a more cooling bed in a tropical region,” says Hoggan.
Beds to help warm up your dog can be made from fleece or other thicker materials, while cooling beds can either consist of a cooling type of foam or be elevated off the floor — like a cot with a mesh base — that can help air circulate from the bottom.
Frequently asked questions
Dog beds technically aren’t crucial for the health of most dogs, but they do give dogs a comfortable and safe place to rest that’s entirely their own.
“Dog beds do have the benefit of giving a dog their own personal space where they feel safe and secure. This can help with anxiety, especially if a dog needs to travel, [since] their bed can travel with them to provide comfort and familiarity,” says Fadl. Experts say a dog bed doesn’t have to be a large investment when it comes to puppies and healthy dogs — usually, any dog bed from your local store will be a good fit, says Wakshlag.
There are two main types of dog beds: basic and specialty. “The most basic beds are the kind you find in a bin at Costco — one size, one shape, soft cushion and cover,” says Hoggan, noting that these basic beds can be a great option for a young, healthy dog with no mobility issues. Specialty beds, on the other hand, are usually beneficial when there’s a medical need. This includes orthopedic and cooling features, and they’re designed to improve circulation and recovery. In essence, “the bed type depends on the dog it is meant to serve,” says Hoggan.
You can place your dog’s bed on the floor, in an open crate or in any other location where they feel sheltered and safe. “In a home, it is also a safe space, like a ‘base’ when you played tag as children — if you were on base, no one could get you,” says Hoggan. “If they’re tired and don’t want to play, they can go to bed and lie down [to tell] their family they want to rest,” she says. They’ll also go to their bed when they feel overwhelmed, especially by houseguests, children or exuberant adults.
Though many people enjoy co-sleeping with their pet, it can pose a risk for a dog if they’re small or arthritic, especially if it is a high bed. “A small dog’s legs are only about six inches to eight inches long, and the average bed height is 24 inches — premium mattresses tend to be even taller,” says Hoggan. “Jumping down from a height that is three- to four-fold the length of their legs is inviting injury.” Even if the damage isn’t immediate, that much activity can predispose them to arthritis in their back and joints at a younger age. For larger breeds, any repeated jumping can irritate arthritic conditions. “Having their own bed that is low and easy for them to enter and exit is safer and more comfortable,” says Hoggan.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Dr. Joe Wakshlag
is a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. -
Angela Logsdon-Hoover
is a certified dog trainer, canine behaviorist and the regional technician director at VCA Animal Hospitals. -
Dr. Kristen Nelson
is a veterinarian at Arizona Skies Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, Arizona and the author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.”
-
Dr. Dana Varble
is the chief veterinary officer and spokesperson for the nonprofit North American Veterinary Community.
-
Dr. Gabrielle Fadl
is the medical director of primary care atBond Vet
in New York City.
-
Dr. Sarah Hoggan
is the medical director for VCA California Veterinary Specialists — Murrieta, where she also oversees emergency and critical care services.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an
updates editor
at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet essentials, including
dog food
,
treats
,
travel carriers
and
shampoos
. For this article, I spoke to six veterinarians and trainers about the benefits of having a dedicated bed for your dog. I also compiled their recommendations for the best beds to consider and researched dozens of options on the market based on expert guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of
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