5 Best Dog Beds To Help Your Pooch Get Quality Sleep

There are so many dog bed options on the market today that it makes it almost impossible to choose the right one for your dog. There are huge couch shaped beds, ultra-thin easy-clean mats with comfort foam, and everything in between.

So how do you choose the right bed for your pup’s needs?

In this article, we’ll look at the many components that go into the average dog bed including what materials they can be made with and the different shapes and sizes available. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each quality so you can figure out which bed is the right one to help your pup sleep well.

We’ll also review our top five picks of the best dog beds to save you time surfing the net and get your dog resting well even sooner.

Reviews of The Best Dog Beds

#1. The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Bed

First up on our list of the best-rated dog beds, is The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Bed. This bed offers memory foam support and different cover style options so you can find the right fit for your dog.

This dog bed is available in seven different colors and six sizes. You can also choose the flat rectangular design or a rectangle with a raised headrest at one end.

Best of all, this bed is available with a full waterproof oxford cotton cover for dogs prone to accidents or drooling, or a soft faux suede and plush cover for neater dogs who love to get snuggly.

This bed contains a 2” layer of memory foam on the top and a dense 4” layer of traditional foam on the bottom to make sure your dog has plenty of cushioning. By reducing the amount of memory foam used, this bed combines comfort with a slightly lower price than the top tier memory foam beds.

If you’re looking for the best quality dog bed with enough options to find the right pick for your dog, this is it. While the design is simple, the custom choices for color, size, and style make this one of the world’s best dog beds for the average pup.

#2. Joyelf Orthopedic Dog Bed

Next on our list of the best dog bed reviews, is a bed that was made for pups who like to cuddle. Joyelf’s bed combines the comfort of a memory foam mattress with the coziness of a side-bolstered nest bed.

If your dog enjoys curling up or denning when it’s time to sleep, the standard flat bed won’t do. This bed has four raised sides to allow your dog to feel safe and comfortable during their naps.

While the memory foam padding on the bottom of the bed doesn’t provide as much support as the padding in our number one choice, the bolstered sides and extra-soft cover still make this bed a good choice for comfort hounds.

The cover is made with a waterproof base on the bottom, durable woven sides, and plush on the bolsters and top. While the fabric is not waterproof, there is a waterproof cover over the memory foam pad and the cover can be washed.

The bolsters are made of cotton but are not protected from water or mess. This would not be the best choice for dogs who drool frequently or are likely to have large accidents that might soak into the bolsters.

This bed is available in three sizes and is much more budget-friendly than our first choice.

#3.AmazonBasics 20in Pet Bed

If you’re looking for a great dog bed for your small dog, then you’ll want to check this one out. AmazonBasics small dog bed was created for small dogs who love to nest and need that extra bit of comfort to help them get a good night’s sleep.

This bed is available in two shapes: a round bed with slightly bolstered sides and a deeper octagon bed for dogs who really like to hide away.

Both beds are made with a super-comfy flannel top and synthetic canvas sides that add durability and help maintain the shape. The cover is washable but must be line dried.

The inner padding of both the bottom pillow and sides is standard stuffing, but both areas are tightly filled to avoid clumping and provide extra support.

While the makeup of this bed would not last long if used by a larger dog, it is well suited for small dogs and will appeal to their need to nest down.

Best of all, this bed is very affordable and worth a try for your little pooch.

#4. Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Bed

While our number one pick is one of the best dog beds ever for dogs in need of a warm, comfortable spot to rest, our number four pick was chosen for its cooling abilities in addition to being extra supportive. Sealy’s Lux Quad Layer dog bed is a great choice if your dog suffers from sore joints or muscles.

This bed is available in four sizes and four colors to fit your pup and your decor. All sizes combine the best characteristics of a flat rectangular bed with the extra comfort provided by bolstered sides.

The flat middle area is spacious enough for your dog to spread out if they prefer to sleep flat on their side. But the square, padded edges also allow your dog to rest their head or curl up against the corner if they want.

The padding in this bed combines memory foam, orthopedic foam, and a cooling gel top layer to support your dog’s joints without overheating them. This bed is perfect for hot summer nights or for dogs with thick coats.

Best of all, the pad includes a pro-charcoal base that absorbs odors and keeps the bed smelling like new for longer.

The outer cover is made with a durable, quality fabric. While it isn’t waterproof, it is washable and the bed contains an inner waterproof liner to protect the foam padding.

With the semi-flat design and extra-large options, this bed is a great choice for large breed dogs as well as smaller pups. It is priced well considering the great features and thick orthopedic padding.

#5. AmazonBasics Elevated Pet Bed

Last on our list of the best selling dog beds is one chosen specifically with destructive pets in mind. The AmazonBasics Elevated dog bed can withstand a degree of abuse that no cloth bed could.

This bed is made more to resemble a cot than your typically cushy dog bed. While no fluff or padding means this bed isn’t as comfortable as the others on this list, it also means no material for your dog to destroy.

The design also makes this a great bed for use outside to keep your dog out of the dirt and away from bugs, as well as to keep them cool. The mesh sling is made of vinyl (PVC) and allows air to move through easily to keep your dog cool.

What sets this cot-style bed apart from other beds on the market are the durable metal legs. Many cots use plastic tubing for the legs and connector pieces, parts that many destructive dogs mistake for chews toys.

While this plastic is tougher than cloth, it can still be chewed, leaving jagged divots and cracked legs. The metal legs on this cot are durable and sleek, with no bulky joints to attract unwanted pet attention.

This bed is available in five sizes and two colors, making it a great choice for your destructive pup, no matter their breed.

These cots are also well priced and budget-friendly, even for the extra-large size. If you’re interested in finding more dog beds to fit your budget, check out our article on the best cheap dog beds.

The Best Padding Materials for Dog Beds

When it comes to comfort, the stuffing inside the dog bed is an important factor in your dog’s overall comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials used and what their good for and where they come up short.

Standard Stuffing

The most basic dog beds and those on the cheaper end are often made with stuffing material similar to what goes into throw pillows and stuffed animals. This material is often made of a cotton blend or straight polyester.

While this padding type is very inexpensive, especially the synthetic varieties, it also tends to clump and compress over time. If your dog needs a lot of support due to age or sore joints, you may want to avoid dog beds with this kind of filling.

Memory Foam

Many high-end dog beds are made with memory foam type materials. Just like memory foam mattress covers for people, this type of material offers a ton of support, is durable, and even hypoallergenic.

Unfortunately, this filler type is not waterproof and can also add a lot of weight to a dog bed and is more expensive. But, it is the best option for dogs who suffer from sore joints and muscles.

If your dog does suffer from an orthopedic disease, you may want to check out this article.

Egg Crate/Foam

Another cheap filler found in many economy dog beds is egg crate foam. This material is inexpensive but holds its form much better than stuffing and lasts longer.

Just as the name implies, most of this kind of padding is shaped like an egg crate with rounded pyramids of support sticking out of the top layer. These help the pad conform to your dog’s shape while keeping them off the ground.

Like memory foam, this material is not waterproof and depending on the quality, it may be easily torn if your dog digs at their bed frequently. But it is lightweight and inexpensive and a better choice for dogs who need support than standard stuffing.

The Best Cover Materials for Dog Beds

There are a number of material types that manufacturers use to cover their dog beds. And what’s on the outside can play almost as important a role to your dog’s comfort as what’s on the inside.

Microfiber

This synthetic material is commonly used on dog beds for its durability, stain resistance, and because it repels water. Untreated microfibers, however, do attract a lot of dust and hair, so picking one in the same color as your dog might be a good idea.

This is a great choice for the standard, durable dog bed and isn’t overly expensive. If your dog tends to have accidents or is overly rough with their beds you may be better off with an even more durable option and one that is completely waterproof.

Fleece/Plush

Many dog beds have a top liner that is made of fleece or similar material. Fleece is super comfortable and great for curling up on during a cold winter night.

But it does absorb moisture (though it dries quickly) and is almost impossible to keep clean. Fleece and plush are a perfect option for an old dog who likes to cuddle up and doesn’t spend much time playing in the mud.

Vinyl

If what you want most out of your dog bed is something that is easy to clean, durable, and waterproof, vinyl or similar waterproof synthetic fibers are a great choice. These slicker fabric types wipe clean with a wet rag and are thicker and less likely to be damaged by scratching than the average material.

Of course, vinyl isn’t the most comfortable thing to snuggle on. But for puppies and adolescents, it may be the only choice.

We have a helpful article you should read on the best indestructible dog beds if your dog has a habit of tearing their beds to pieces.

Cotton

Many dog beds use cotton in their covers, though most use a mix of synthetic fibers like polyester and cotton. For covers made with all or mostly cotton, you can expect a highly breathable material that is perfect for use in all seasons.

Being a natural fiber, cotton beds tend to be softer to the touch, and depending on the quality, they can even be pretty durable. Though, full cotton beds do cost more than synthetic mixes or fully synthetic covers.

Polyester

This is probably the most common fabric type used for dog beds. It is often mixed with a natural fiber, like cotton, to create a more durable yet soft material that is perfect for pet beds.

Polyester isn’t as breathable as cotton and isn’t a great choice for long-haired dogs. If your dog overheats easily, try to find a polyester blend that is higher in cotton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Dog Bed?

When it comes to a quality dog bed that will keep your dog comfortable, whatever their needs, there is no better choice than The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic pet bed. We chose this as the best dog bed because of its extra thick padding, memory foam top layer, and the multiple options available for size, style, and color.

This bed is available in a durable waterproof cover that’s perfect for puppies and dogs that have accidents, as well as a plush fleece cover for mature dogs who value having their own comfy space.

If your dog’s needs are more unique and you’re looking for a bed that’s close to indestructible or better suited for the dog who loves to nest, we’ve included some great options for those on our list as well.