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The Best Dog Bed for Your Dog

Updated 01/09/2024 – Finding the best dog bed for your dog is an important step to making your dog healthy and happy. Dogs that do not get enough quality rest can become stressed.

Plus poor quality pet beds can contribute to joint damage as your dog ages. Let’s not forget to mention that choosing the wrong bed will result in wasted time and money. But with so many pet beds to choose from it’s hard to pick the best dog bed for your dog.

But the “Best Dog Bed” is a relative term.  What is best for one person and their dog might be different for another. There are many websites out there that will tell you what the best rated beds are.

But you must decide what type of pet bed fits the needs of you and your dog. Let us help you decide which type of pet bed you should get by looking at your reason to get a bed.

How to Pick the Best Dog Bed for your Dog?

When deciding what is best bed for your dog you first need to know what you are looking for. To help you, we have created a series of questions for your to answer. Then prioritize your answers from most to least important. This will help you decide what features you should focus on.

The Best Dog Bed for Your Dog title pic Gray dog wrapped in blanket

1.What is the main reason for getting a dog bed?

  • Is it to give them a place of their own, where they can feel safe?
  • Do you need a bed that will keep them warm?
  • If you live in a hot climate, maybe you are looking for a bed that keeps them cool.
  • Do you want a bed that lies on the floor or one that raises them up?
  • Is your main goal to keep them from sleeping on the couch or your bed?

2. What are your dogs traits?

  • Are they diggers?
  • Do they sleep in a crate?
  • Are they heavy chewers?
  • Do they have accidents in bed?
  • Do they like to hide under blanket?

3. Is price important to you?

You should have a budget in mind before looking for a bed. But buying a dog bed based solely on price is not a good idea. Try to look at the purchase as an investment for the long run. A high quality bed will last much longer than a cheap one making the per year cost lower in the end.

Back when we adopted our first dog together we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on a dog bed, so we bought a L.L. Bean dog bed at a garage sale. The bed, which was ten years old at the time, looked almost new. We had that bed for another 3 years before deciding to purchase a new insert for the bed. The bed lasted that long because it was a well made bed.

4. Do you want a bed that fits in with your décor?

It is much easier these days to find a bed that fits in with your individual sense of style. Just make sure you choose a bed that is also a high quality and is safe for your dog.

5. What size bed do you want/need?

  • Do you have an big dog? Some extra-large beds are too small for big dogs. Make sure you look at the dimensions before buying. Also extra-large dogs will require a denser foam to support their weight.
  • Are you looking for a bed that fits in a certain place?
  • Do you want one that will fit in their crate?

6. What stage of life is your dog in?

  • An older dog may need an orthopedic foam bed to be comfortable
  • A puppy might prefer something with higher sides that they can cuddle up in and feel safe.
  • Do you need a water proof bed in case of accidents?

7. Are you looking for a bed that is healthy for your dog?

This is a very important but often over looked feature in dog beds. Many dog beds on the market contain harmful chemicals that give off toxic fumes. These beds are not safe for your dog to sleep on. Also if your dog licks or chews on these beds the toxins can get into their blood stream

As a general rule if the bed smells bad, it probably not healthy for your dog to lay on. Also if your dog is having allergy issues, it could be caused by their bed.

To learn more about toxins in pet products read: 8 Toxic Materials Found in Common Pet Products (and How to Avoid Them)

8. Do you want a bed that is ecofriendly?

Ecofriendly isn’t necessarily healthy. When looking for an ecofriendly dog bed make sure it is also safe for you and your dog.

9. Do you want a bed that is made in the USA with USA made materials?

I wish it was easier to find made in the USA dog beds. As you look for a bed you will find that most dog beds are either imported or made from imported materials. Especially the less expensive ones. But there are still some USA companies that offer USA made pet supplies. But even beds made in USA beds can be made with imported materials. These beds are not much better than beds that are made overseas. In the second part of this post we will showcase the ones we have found.

Remember that by buying products that are made in USA with USA materials you are helping the US economy.

The Best Dog Bed for Your Dog Happyoodles.com pin Gray dog wrapped in blanket

What to Look For in a Dog Bed

Cushion

For most people the main goal of getting a dog bed is to provide your dog with a soft, comfortable place to rest. This becomes increasingly important as dogs age.

Many dog beds will look cushiony but when you add weight to the cushion they compress to a hard surface. Also some imported low quality foams will lose their shape after a short amount of use. Look for a cushion that uses high density foam that will not compact all the way to the floor. You can do this by pressing down on the bed in a store. Also make sure you read the reviews on-line.

Younger dogs may be fine with any type of cushy bed but older dogs will benefit from a foam bed.  Just remember to look for a bed that does not use toxic foams.

Fabric

When choosing your dog’s bed, look for quality fabrics that guarantee the fabric is chew or dig resistant. Even dogs that don’t dig outside will paw at their bed before lying down.

Imported fabrics may contain toxins that can be harmful to your dog. Be wary of strong odors. Your dog bed should not smell before your dog even starts to use it.

If you have an older dog or puppies select a fabric that is either has a waterproof cover or insert. A bed with a non-skid bottom is also useful to ensure your dog’s safety.

Don’t forget to check the zipper to make sure they are strong and break resistant. Often zippers are the weakest spot on a dog bed.

Ease of cleaning

All dog beds should be washable, but many are not.

Make sure you find a bed that is both washable and will fit in your washer.  Having a washable bed that can’t be washed is useless.

If your dog is too big to fit in a bed that can be washed at home choose a bed with a cover that zips on and off easily for washing.  Make sure the bed can be washed in hot water over 60°C. This will kill flea eggs and dust mites.

What to Avoid in a Dog Bed

  • Mattresses that can’t be washed
  • Beds with straps, buttons, exposed zippers or piping should be avoided. These items can be particularly dangerous for dogs who like to chew. If swallowed these items can cause an intestinal blockage or have lead that can kill your dog.
  • Cooling or heated beds that have batteries or an electric connection if you have a chewer on your hands
  • Wooden framed beds can have a finish that can be toxic when ingested by your dog.

A Word About Toxins in Dog Beds

You should try to select a bed made of non-toxic materials.

Synthetic products, including stain-proofing and flame retardant chemicals, may harm your dog and you. This is particularly important if you or your dog has sensitive skin or allergies.

It is also important for dogs who may chew their bed! When you first bring your bed home give it a good wash to remove any residues from processing.

This warning also applies to orthopedic beds for senior dogs. The foam used in egg crate foam and memory foam can release gases from harmful chemicals

How to determine the right size bed

When choosing a bed for your pooch remember to measure your dog from nose to tail and floor to top of head, then add about 5 inches to the width and length to determine the correct size of the bed needed. This will ensure that they have enough room to stretch out when they want.

The Best Dog Beds

EcoFriendly Dog Beds

If social and environment safety is the most important feature to you then these Certified B Corporation Pet supply companies are what you are looking for.

What’s a B Corp? Per their website “It is a certification for companies that aim for a more balanced “triple bottom line”—measuring success not just by profit, but how they treat people and our planet. Certified by the non-profit B Lab, B Corps hold an above-and-beyond commitment to healthier employees, sustainable practices, transparency, and accountability.” Below are 4 pet supply companies that are certified B corp and produce eco friendly beds.

West Paw

Only Natural Pet

P.L.A.Y Pet Lifestyle and You

Found My Animal

Best Dog Beds for Large DogsMade in USA

Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed with Pillow-Top (Headrest Edition)

The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog

Likes

  • Beds are made with dense foam suited for larger/heavier dogs
  • 7” foam bed compare to 4” used by the other foam bed companies
  • Beds are sized bigger than other large sized beds
  • Removable/Washable Microfiber Cover
  • Waterproof liner (extra cost)
  • Guarantees that the foam will retain 90% of original shape & loft for 10 years or your money back
  • Made in the USA: Handmade by in their small California workshop
  • Certified Certi-PUR-US®

Dis-likes

  • Although not the most expensive bed on the market these beds are pricey
  • Comes in basic solid colors
  • Not chew proof – If you have a heavy chewer these beds may not be right for you
  • Made for the weight of large dogs only.  Too hard for smaller dogs or large lighter weight dogs
  • Waterproof liner is an extra cost

Buy a Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed with Pillow-Top (Headrest Edition) at Amazon

Best Dog Beds For small/medium sized dogsMade in the USA

There are many more options for medium and small sized dogs then large dogs.  Here are two of our favorites:

  • Big Barker Jr
  • The West Paw Heyday

Big Barker Mini

The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog

Likes

  • Provides the same great quality and foam technology as the Big Barker Beds for larger dogs, but specially calibrated for small & medium size dogs.
  • Beds are made with dense foam suited for small and medium sized dogs
  • Removable/Washable Microfiber Cover
  • Waterproof liner (extra cost)
  • Guarantees that the foam will retain 90% of original shape & loft for 10 years or your money back
  • Made in the USA: Handmade by in their small California workshop
  • Certified Certi-PUR-US®

Dis-likes

  • Comes in basic solid colors
  • Not chew proof – If you have a heavy chewer these beds may not be right for you
  • Waterproof liner is an extra cost

Buy a Big Barker Mini Orthopedic Dog Bed at Amazon

West Paw Design Heyday

Likes

  • Made with durable micro suede that resists stains and scratching
  • Easy to wipe clean or wash in a washer and dryer for a deep cleaning
  • Has an antimicrobial protection that repels odor
  • Eco-friendly – Beds are filled with a thick 100% recycled IntelliLoft polyfill made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Proudly handcrafted in the USA
  • Replacement parts are available
  • Certified B Corporation – Certified B Corps are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Dis-likes

  • Middle cushion is not a plumb as other beds
  • Not waterproof
  • Cost more than average dog beds

Buy a West Paw Design Heyday Dog Bed at Amazon

Majestic Pet Faux Suede Nesting Bagel bed for all sized dogs

Likes

  • Designed for comfort, the bolster and waterproof middle cushion will keep your pup warm and cozy.
  • Machine washable: small and medium beds can be washed in oversized washer; larger beds come with a washable slipcover
  • Base of bed is made of waterproof 300/600 denier for unwanted accidents or spills
  • Eco-friendly – Filled with recycled Polyester Fiber-fill
  • Stuffing is hypoallergenic for dogs with allergies
  • Assembled in USA

Dis-likes

  • Slipcovers are only available on 40-inch & 52-inch bagel beds
  • Uses imported materials

Buy a Majestic Faux Suede Nesting Bagel bed at Amazon

Conclusion

We like the beds listed and would purchase them for our dogs. However in the end, only you can decide that is best for your dog. Make sure to carefully evaluate your options and then go for it. They will love you no matter which bed you pick.

Looking for some more dog inspired ideas? Check out these posts: