Importance of a Good Dog Bed
Why do you need the best dog beds? At the end of a long day, nothing feels better than sinking into a comfortable bed, and the same goes for your dog! Every dog loves a good bed, but dog beds are more than a simple extra comfort.
If you don’t provide your dog with a properly supportive bed, their joints can certainly suffer. Old dogs in particular need a comfortable and supportive bed for this exact reason.
A good dog bed can relieve aching muscles and help take some of the strain away from arthritic joints. At the same time, it provides a comfortable place for your dog to slumber the night away.
Five Best Dog Beds
Throughout my years as a certified dog trainer, I have seen many different types of pet beds. I have used that experience to create an all-encompassing guide to the best dog beds on the market.
Each of these beds has a certain scenario or feature that sets it apart from the rest: durability, all-around use, value, etc. It is difficult to provide an all-encompassing choice of which dog bed is best, but we have ranked them in terms of quality, price, versatility, ergonomy, and more.
Here is our unbiased review of the top 5 best dog beds available!
All-Around Favorite Dog Bed
Review Highlights:
“… [my dog] has experienced early onset arthritis since the age of 4 … From the second I opened the packaging and put the mattress into the zipped casing, she was in it … once she sat in it, I couldn’t get her out. She loves it and I love seeing how comfy she is. …”
“… The memory cotton is about 2 inches thick. It is very dense. The bottom of the fabric is waterproof and non-slip… Because my dog likes to bite his bed, my most satisfied point is that the bed is very strong. The outside material is thick and tear-resistant. …”
“… Seams are very well stitched, material seems durable, and fabric that contacts the dog is very soft and should last a nice long time. Based on our dog’s response, it’s a keeper and I am certainly very impressed with the comfort and quality … I definitely recommend this dog bed. …”
When I look for a good dog bed, I want to make sure that it’s supportive, comfortable, “cozy,” affordable, machine-washable, and durable. This bed hits each of those marks quite well!
Feature Highlights:
- Quality materials include non-slip bottom and durable, yet soft, bedding for your dog’s comfort.
- Memory foam provides imperative support for aching joints.
- Cover is easy to remove and clean in the washing machine.
- Comes in Small, Medium, and Large to fit most breeds.
The comfort is the most important part of a pet bed, and this product hits the mark. The memory foam supports all your dog’s joints and conforms to the shape of their body seamlessly. This helps relieve joint pain and general aches and pains for a better night’s sleep.
I’d say the next most important premise is durability. While it isn’t 100% chew proof, you do have greater chewing protection than standard beds without forfeiting comfort or style. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih-Tzus, and more.
Best Indestructible Dog Bed
Review Highlights:
“… My only regret is that I didn’t buy this sooner. He LOVES this bed. He did try chewing it though many times, and when he gets hyper he tries to scratch the canvas, but he can’t break through – and not for lack of trying …”
“… I am always skeptical of “chew proof”… [our mutt] has made his way thru 12 dog beds, yup 12. It nice to know that our big girl finally has a place to lay down that the little one won’t destroy. I definitely recommend this bed …”
“… So far, after a month, he has “attempted” to chew the corners and scratch up the cloth. He has been unsuccessful!!! … no matter how much he tries to scratch, he can’t get ahold of the cloth to chew it. Great construction! …”
Some dogs just don’t mix with dog beds. Many pet owners face dogs that destroy just about anything they get their paws or claws on. Finding a truly indestructible bed that still keeps your dog comfortable is incredibly challenging. That’s where the Kuranda bed comes in.
Feature Highlights:
- Virtually indestructible and money-back guaranteed with a one-year warranty.
- Raised platform keeps your dog off the ground and supports their joints.
- Easy to clean if your dog makes a mess.
Not only is this bed chew-proof, but it is also scratch/gnaw/lick/eat proof. The material also provides plenty of traction so that your dog does not slip while getting on and off the bed.
The raised design also works to cool your dog, which is great for hot summer days. Overall, this product has numerous useful features that make it the best dog bed for even the most destructive dog. Recommended for: Pitbulls, Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and more.
Best Value Dog Bed
Review Highlights:
“… I bought her $150 dog bed when she was younger and she has never used it … bought the Bark bed for her and she got on it as soon as I put it down on the floor. I brought it upstairs for the night and she immediately got on it rather than asking to get up on my bed. She absolutely loves it and I do too …”
“… [my dog had] NEVER had any accident in their bed, until this morning. There was a mess! So I unzipped the mattress pad cover it comes with and to my shock and awe NOTHING had gone thru to the mattress!! I was so amazed that nothing soaked thru to the mattress itself!! …”
“… Excellent bed. I thought at first it looked sort of thin but it does not really sink and is very supportive. My 75 lb german shepherd would rather lay on this half the time than sleep with me on my bed! …”
When it comes to beds, the best dog beds do not forfeit comfort and support for cost. This product is impressive because, despite its affordable price, it offers impressive joint support and many of the features you look for in a more expensive product.
Feature Highlights:
- Features memory foam and gel foam for joint support.
- Waterproof cover protects from spills/messes and is machine washable.
- Great customer service with satisfaction guarantee.
Another great feature of this bed is its waterproof cover. As anyone with a puppy can attest, accidents happen. In the case of this bed, one slip up won’t destroy the mattress within the bed. You can simply remove the cover, machine wash, and replace after it has dried.
You want good bang for your buck, and your dog wants a comfortable place to snooze. This product provides the best of both worlds, with a satisfaction guarantee to boot! Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Golden Doodles, and more.
Best Dog Bed for Small Breeds
Review Highlights:
“… My little Maltese LOVES this bed! She is not quite 7 pounds but her hair makes her appear bigger. It has plenty of room for her. The middle of the bed is nice and thick and comfy. …”
“… Our puppy loves this bed! I actually just bought a second one, to have on hand when I stick the first one in the washer to clean it. Super soft, comfortable and very durable …”
“… I was concerned that this bed might be too small, due to the customer images and reviews. However, she has a lot of space. She got into the bed as soon as I unwrapped it. She loves it and I love it. Sooo soft …”
Even a small breed needs a durable bed that is easy to wash and comfortable. Even though smaller breeds do not carry the same weight on their joints, you still need to provide them with soft supportive materials to prevent aches and pains.
Feature Highlights:
- Orthopedic memory foam cushions your dog and supports their joints.
- Ultra-plush material for utmost comfort, cover is reversible for a different texture as well.
- Material is soft, yet durable, and the cover is easy for you to remove and machine wash.
The cushion of this bed contains orthopedic memory foam. This foam supports your dog’s joints and keeps them off the floor. The foam also conforms to your dog’s body and provides a perfectly comfortable sleeping position every time.
Another great feature of this dog bed is the “coziness” factor. Not only does the bed feature a nest-like edge for your dog to cuddle up in, but it is also self-warming. Small breeds stay warm in this bed on chilly nights. Recommended for: Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih-Tzus, Toy Poodles, and even Cats!
Best Luxury Dog Bed
Review Highlights:
“… I know how frustrating it is to find a quality dog bed! This is by far one of the best dog beds I have ever purchased and at a good/fair price for the quality … it is worth every penny …”
“… It’s well made and very comfortable evidenced by the many naps she takes in it. I would recommend this to other large dog owners. She now chooses this bed over her other dog bed. It must feel good on her old bones …”
“… We love this bed! … [our cat] has arthritis and spondylitis, so it’s very important that I find something just right that he will be comfortable in, and able to get in and out of … it’s perfect for his precious little body and he just loves it …”
Sometimes you can’t help but splurge a little on your furry best friend. Your dog is the best, and sometimes you have to give them the very best too! This is one of the best dog beds, with some of the best reviews.
Feature Highlights:
- Made with human-grade memory foam for top orthopedic performance.
- Durable and long-lasting material is easy to machine wash.
- Non-slip material on the underside of the bed keeps your dog safe while getting in and out of the bed.
Even though we graded this bed at “luxury” it is incredibly affordable for the quality you receive. This is evident when you look at the glowing reviews. The memory foam used within the mattress is the same quality used in human mattresses.
The thickness of the mattress increases based on the size of the bed to compensate for the weight of the dog. The largest model features a 5″ thick mattress for ultimate comfort and joint support. The bed also provides a raised edge along three sides for your dog to comfortably rest their head on. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, and more.
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