The Best Dog Beds of 2022

The Best Dog Beds— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

If you thought people had a mind-boggling number of options to choose from when selecting a new bed, try shopping for dogs! Of course, considering dogs sleep an average of 12 to 14 hours a day (those lucky pups!), it stands to reason that having the perfect place to rest their furry heads—and legs, and backs—is of utmost importance.

That’s why we waded through the world of bolsters, pillows, caves, mats, cots, and even orthopedic beds, to determine which styles and brands appeal to the largest cross-section of canines. Overall, we (or should we say, our fur-kid) were especially drawn to the K&H Original Bolster Cot Elevated Dog Bed (available at Amazon for $73.95), for its indoor-outdoor versatility, ease of maintenance, and breathability. But if you have a dog that prefers a luxe plush experience, look to our upgrade pick from Casper (available at Casper) for its durability and unmatched comfort.

These are the best dog beds we tested:

  1. Best Overall: K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed
  2. Best Value: K&H Pet Products Self Warming Lounge Sleeper
  3. Best Upgrade: Casper
  4. Best for Small Dogs: Best Friends by Sheri Orthocomfort Deep Dish Cuddler
  5. Best for Large Dogs: PetFusion Ultimate Lounge with Solid Memory Foam
  6. Frisco Sherpa Bolster Rectangular Dog Bed
  7. Sealy Pet Bed
  8. Snoozer Cozy Cave
  9. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
  10. Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
  11. Furhaven Memory Foam Pet Bed
  12. Midwest Plush Bolster
  13. Frisco Quilted Fleece
  14. Furhaven Orthopedic Mattress
  15. Majestic Pillow
The K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

The K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed is the best dog bed we tested.

Best Overall
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot

Cots tend to have a specific, built-in audience, being great outdoor options for keeping canines cool while lounging in the sun. They’re also popular among the elderly pet set, or owners of pups with orthopedic issues, since they don’t need to heave themselves up and down from the floor. But the K and H Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed expands its reach with a puffy, removable, wrap-around foam bolster, which adds neck and back support for dogs of all sorts, and adds serious smush-appeal, for animals that like to burrow and nest.

A breathable mesh center helps circulate air, while a water-resistant nylon cover presents an obstacle for enthusiastic chewers, and resists bacteria, mildew, and mold. It can be easily assembled and taken apart without tools—a big plus when it comes to transporting, storing or cleaning the washing-machine safe cover and bolster—although the whole thing can also simply be wiped or hosed down. The bed includes skid-free rubber feet, which both assure its stability, and keeps it from scuffing up the floors in your house, comes in three sizes, and is rated to hold up to 150-pounds of pup. There’s even a line of replacement covers available, including cooling and self-warming varieties, as well as a pet canopy, all of which can fit on the same basic frame.

Pros

  • Especially versatile

  • Transforms from a Cot to a Bolster

  • Circulates air

  • Chew and mildew resistant

Cons

  • None that we could find

The K&H Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The K&H Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper is friendly on your wallet and keeps your pet warm by radiating its own body heat.

Best Value
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper

The K and H Self Warming Lounge Sleeper delivers lots of bang for your buck. In addition to being built from high-quality, eco-friendly, easy-to-clean materials—including a poly/cotton cover, super soft micro-fleece liner, and filling made from recycled bottles—the pillow has a layer of metalized insulation that radiates warmth generated from your pets’ own body heat. A non-slip bottom provides extra stability, and the bolster shape is a reliable winner amongst pups, giving them plenty of opportunities to cuddle up and nest.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly

  • Affordable

  • Easy to clean

  • Radiates warmth

Cons

  • Difficult to wash

Credit: Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau

This cushy upgrade from Casper is made from two layers of memory foam.

Best Upgrade
Casper Dog Bed

There’s no question this is one cushy bed. Like Casper’s human-grade mattresses, it’s made with two layers of memory foam. The sturdy yet snugly materials mold perfectly to your pup's shape but spring back when not in use, and are ideal when it comes to support and pressure relief; a primary concern for older or arthritic dogs.

The bed is fitted with removable bolsters around each side, so your buddy will be cozily ensconced, and have lots of available options for chin-resting, head-dangling, or toy-propping-and-chewing. And it’s designed to appeal to the innate doggie instinct of pawing, digging, and shaping their sleep surface before coming to a rest, thanks to an excess of baggy material gathered on top.

There’s no question the bed is expensive, although not jaw-droppingly so in the land of high-end models. Just keep in mind that the Casper is durable but not indestructible, so if you’re looking for a mattress for an enthusiastic chewer, this might not be for you.

The Best Friends Deep Dish Cuddler.
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Best Friends Deep Dish Cuddler is our favorite for small pets who like to burrow and snuggle.

Best for Small Dogs
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

Burrowers and snugglers will love to cuddle up inside the Best Friends Deep Dish Cuddler; be they dogs, cats, or any animal weighing up to 25 pounds (or 35, if you choose the Jumbo version). High walls promote a sense of security and safety, and flexible, pillow-like contours adjust to your furry friend’s shape. That said, there’s just enough structure to provide orthopedic support, including elevated front and rear bolsters and a flat, waterproof bottom.

Since it’s light and non-ridged, you can take the Deep Dish on trips, in cars, stash it in a closet, or simply drag it to your pup’s preferred place inside the house. The pet-safe fiber stuffing reportedly holds its shape up to three times longer than other fillers commonly found on the market, and the entire bed is machine washable. So while the cushy sherpa cover is quick to collect fur, it’s pretty hassle-free to keep clean. It also comes in an array of colors, such as dark chocolate, teal, fuchsia, and light gray lux, meaning your adorable little nugget can snooze away in style.

Pros

  • High sides for security and snuggling

  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Doesn't accommodate larger dogs

Best for Large Dogs: Pet Fusion Ultimate Pet Bed
Credit: Pet Fusion

The Pet Fusion Ultimate Pet Lounge's couch-like design makes this bed great for not just large dogs, but provides easy access for short or senior dogs, too.

Best for Large Dogs
PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed & Lounge

Available in small, large, extra-large, and jumbo (the dimensions of which are 50 inches by 40 inches by 13 inches), the PetFusion Ultimate Lounge has what it takes to be the go-to den for almost any dog, even Great Danes. The sofa-style shape has an open front, providing easy access for short or senior dogs, but also boasts squishy bolsters stuffed with recycled Poly-Fil the rest of the way around. Pups can rest their chins, bury their noses or support their backs from almost any angle. The base of the bed is composed of a thick layer of memory foam (two inches on small, four inches on large and extra-large, six inches on jumbo), which is key in providing joint relief, easing pressure points, and orthopedic support. And the base has a waterproof liner, while the tear-resistant cover, made from breathable cotton and polyester twill (especially comfortable materials during warmer months) can be easily spot cleaned, or simply removed and thrown in the wash. The PetFusion is also rather attractive, as far as dog loungers go, so even the bulkiest version wouldn’t be out of place in a stylish house.

Pros

  • Provides joint relief and orthopedics support

  • Tear-Resistant Cover

  • Waterproof Liner

  • Available in multiple sizes

Cons

  • Expensive

How We Tested Dog Beds

The Tester

I’m Sarah Zorn, and I’ve reviewed dog products, developed pet-friendly recipes, and written animal rescue stories for outlets like Rachael Ray Every Day and Animal Fair magazine for almost 12 years. Which means that my 1-year-old hound mix, Zander, is truly living his best life, as official house recipe taster and product tester. Like most adoring pet parents, I’ve always made sure to purchase him top of the line beds, although his go-to favorite remains our own.

Rowdy takes a break from testing dog beds.
Credit: Reviewed / Sarah Zorn

Rowdy takes a break from testing dog beds.

The Tests

We tested the beds on small and big dogs of various ages and breeds, to help determine overall favorites. Over the course of several days, we set out the beds and observed which the dogs were drawn to, how comfortable they looked in them, how long they remained in them, and if they held their shape throughout prolonged usage. We evaluated if the advertised size of each bed was accurate in reality, if purported special features and accessories were actually useful, as well as the quality/durability of every bed’s build. Finally, we assessed how portable and storable they were, how easy it was to wash the beds or clean fur off with a brush, and if they held on to any bad smells after long periods of time.

What You Should Know About Dog Beds

There are hundreds of recognized breeds of dogs, as well as a literally countless variety of mixes. So it’s no wonder so many different types of dog beds exist, to cater to different needs. These are the most popular dog beds to choose from:

Mats: Mostly used to line crates and carriers, these are thin, inexpensive and no-frills, generally made from a thin piece of foam or filler covered with cotton, fleece or polyester. Their selling point is portability.

Mattresses: Significantly thicker than mats, with much more orthopedic support (as they’re often made with egg or memory foam), these can also be placed inside crates, or used as a standalone bed. They also frequently feature water-resistant, removable covers that can be placed in the wash.

Pillows: Essentially that—these beds are big floor pillows that your dog can sink into. Since they are, by definition, unstructured, they’re definitely best for pups that like to burrow into couch cushions and don’t require orthopedic support.

Bolsters: Does your dog tend to prop his chin on top of things when resting? He’d likely appreciate a bolster bed, which comes with raised, padded edges. Not only do bolsters support the neck, they create a snug cushion around the body. This tends to appeal to a dog’s natural nesting instinct, and their inborn desire to sleep tucked against (or on top of) their brothers and sisters.

Cots: Raised off the ground and made with breathable, durable materials, cots are great for outdoor use, and serve to keep a dog cool. They’re also ideal for pups with joint issues, because they can access their bed without having to bend off of or onto the floor. And while they’re not often a go-to for the owners of smaller dogs, it should be noted that fluffy dogs often get overheated (especially when they’re given small, fluffy beds), making cooling cots well worth your consideration.

But no matter what kind of bed you buy, you should always keep these factors in mind:

Size: Dogs enjoy being closely contained, but you still want to give them the opportunity to sprawl. Check dimensions to make sure you’re selecting the right size for your canine, as small, medium, large, and even jumbo can differ wildly among brands.

Materials: Make sure the fabrics are heavy-duty, durable, and, of course, pet-friendly—so you don’t need to constantly replace the beds, especially if your dogs tend to be destructive. And if you have older dogs, ones with joint issues, or just want to provide your furry companion with especially comfy accommodations, you’ll want to look for options made from orthopedic foam (which assists circulation and offers joint and muscle support) or that have a memory foam base, which molds to dogs bodies, and springs right back after long-term use. You’ll also want to make sure beds are waterproof for easy cleanup, and able to be placed in the washing machine, or at least have a removable cover that can be.


Other Dog Beds We Tested

Product image of Frisco Rectangular Bolster Pet Bed
Frisco Rectangular Bolster Pet Bed

You can’t go wrong with a basic bolster like the Frisco Sherpa Bolster Rectangular Dog Bed, which offers comfort, security, and full-body support. And while it lacks the bells and whistles of K and H’s dog beds, Frisco’s classic sherpa-covered cuddler is still a quality choice. Granted, it’s not padded with memory foam. But small to medium-sized dogs with minimal orthopedic issues can log some serious smush-time against the downy polyester fiber filling and rest their heads against the surrounding bolster (one lowered side provides entry) padded with a chenille jacquard cover. Being lightweight and all of one piece, it’s also no-muss no-fuss when it comes to moving, storing and cleaning—just hoist it up and put the whole thing in the wash.

Pros

  • Lowered front for easy entry

  • Lightweight and machine washable

Cons

  • Minimal orthopedic support

Product image of Sealy Lux Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed
Sealy Pet Bed

Casper isn’t the only premium mattress company that’s gotten into the dog bed game. Sealy has also entered the scene with their own memory foam contender, which conforms to the pup’s shape for added comfort. The Sealy has bolsters on three sides for snuggling up against or resting one’s furry head. And it has the added benefit of being lined with cooling energy gel, so the fabric stays breathable and cozy, even during the dog days of summer.

The reasons it ranked a bit further down on our list is that even though it was very heavy, the materials felt a bit less durable than the Casper. It’s also less attractive, and at this price, you might as well spring for a stylish option.

Product image of Snoozer Pet Products Luxury Orthopedic Cozy Cave Dog Bed With Microsuede
Snoozer Cozy Cave

Dogs are natural burrowers, as most owners have doubtlessly observed when their dog is anxious or afraid, sick, or just plain sleepy, and eager to be tightly ensconced. Snoozer’s clever Cozy Cave directly addresses this instinct, with a tent-like top that pups can hide and nestle under, lined with nubby Sherpa that retains heat in the winter and keeps cool in the summer. Cedar poly filling plumps out the cushy base, and a poly-cotton cover can be removed, and machine washed. The bed is reasonably light, so it can be transported with ease, although the domed top can make it more difficult to store. Its structure is maintained with a thin plastic rod, which can potentially bend over time, calling into question its long-term durability.

Pros

  • Great for burrowers

  • Removable, washable cover

Cons

  • Can lose shape over time

Product image of Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed

One of the leaders on the cot-style pet bed market, the Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed is definitely great to have on hand during warmer months, being elevated off the ground (which allows for airflow) and made from UV-treated material that doesn’t hold heat. It’s also a good choice for dogs with joint issues, since it releases pressure on the knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders, and enables them to get on and off the bed with ease. Owners of chewers should consider the Coolaroo as well since it’s composed of a steel frame lined with sturdy polyethylene fabric, which is also designed to withstand all weather conditions and is resistant to mold, mildew, mites, and fleas. That said, dogs that like to nest may straight up reject the bed, and the canvas-esque fabric isn’t quite as conducive to extended nap sessions. Although you can certainly bring it inside, it’s definitely ideal as an outside option, and unlike K and H’s Bolster Cot, can’t be put together or taken apart without tools.

Pros

  • Heat-resistant materials and improved airflow

  • Ideal for dogs with joint issues

  • Mold, mildew, and mite resistant

Cons

  • Flat canvas cover isn't especially snuggly

  • Tools required for assembly

Product image of Big Barker 7
Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

A frequent “best in show” among beds specifically designed with older dogs and long breeds in mind, the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed aims to address and prevent orthopedic issues. Available in large, extra-large, and giant (coming in at a whopping 60x48x7)—which are great for bigger dogs—they’re crafted by master furniture makers, not mass-produced in factories, and are constructed from the highest quality American orthopedic foam. The Big Barkers come with a 10-year warranty, along with the promise that the 100 percent microfiber covers can be washed 1,000 times, without shrinking by more than fractions of a millimeter, and that the foam will retain 90 percent of its original shape, even after a decade of use. But while we’d never put a price on our dog’s health and happiness, the price tag is enough to give anyone pause—think around $240 for the large, and up to $400 for the giant.

Pros

  • Ideal for older or impaired mobility dogs

  • Available in x-large and giant sizes

  • Made of high-quality materials

  • Includes 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Very expensive

Product image of Furhaven Deluxe Chaise Lounge Dog Bed - Plush & Velvet
Furhaven Memory Foam Pet Bed

We can’t say our dog did much sleeping in this bed. The lightweight, egg crate foam-like material and L-shaped, flimsy build had him chomping at the bit to pick it up and drag it around. Even for non-chewers, we question the Furhaven’s long-term durability, as it already began to look a bit collapsed and smushed after minimal use. We did like the addition of cooling gel foam, however, we imagine the plush, faux fur lining could begin to feel oppressive in hotter weather.

Product image of MidWest 36
MidWest 36" QuietTime Deluxe Gray Bolster Pet Bed

While a bit too flat to qualify as a true bolster, the Midwest Plush Bolster is definitely a cut-above just a mat. Slightly raised edges provide a small lip for head-resting, and the extra thick and silky plush material is cozier than your average nubby fleece. While you probably wouldn’t want to use it as a standalone bed, the generous range of dimensions (from 18 to 54 inches), and extreme portability and storability makes it ideal for lining crates, taking on car trips or vacations, or even using it as an extra layer for your dog’s existing bed.

Pros

  • Raised edges for head rest

  • Highly portable and storable

Cons

  • Too flat for a stand-alone bed

Product image of Frisco Quilted Fleece Pet Bed & Crate Mat
Frisco Quilted Fleece Pet Bed & Crate Mat

Our dog loved nibbling at the fleece of the Frisco Quilted Fleece, but that was about it. That said, mats are mostly meant for lining crates, and their portability and affordability heighten the appeal for people rather than pets. So we hardly expected our test dogs to favor it over more luxurious options. The Frisco does come in a good range of sizes, though, from 18 to 54 inches, and even has a little loop—so after machine washing, you can allow it to drip dry (although it’s also dryer safe). The factors that really pushed it down on our list, however, are that it only comes in white—not a preferred shade with long term dog use—and if you’re going to go the mat route, the MidWest is considerably cuddlier.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Portable

  • Attached loops for drip-drying after washing

Cons

  • Not plush enough

  • Lacks support

  • Only comes in white

Product image of FurHaven Orthopedic Foam Ultra Plush Deluxe Mattress Bed
FurHaven Orthopedic Foam Ultra Plush Deluxe Mattress Bed

While our own dog happily sleeps on mattress-style bed(s), he turned his little nose up at the Furhaven Deluxe Mattress. As did our other four-legged volunteer testers—only stepping on it begrudgingly, with treats and prodding, and then quickly running off again, in search of other nests. As we said, dogs are true individuals and are absolutely subject to moods and specific likes and dislikes, so we'd hate to reject this bed out of hand. From a human perspective, it’s affordable (we’ve spent over $200 on mattress-style options, while the Furhaven averages $39.99), and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from small to jumbo. It can be ordered padded with either orthopedic or memory foam, the basic, step-on design is good for older or disabled pets, and the cover is removable and machine washable. Why isn’t this a top scorer then? We did find it less generously padded than the mattress beds we have at home. But more importantly, our large assembly of testers has spoken, and we must respect their bark.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Machine washable cover

  • Wide range of sizes and colors

Cons

  • Lacks sufficient padding

Product image of Majestic Pet Super Value Dog Bed
Majestic Pet Super Value Dog Bed

The Majestic Pillow is an amorphous mattress that proved to be a headache for our collection of test people (it’s unwieldy to drag around, hard to find an unobtrusive space for, and exceedingly tricky to clean fur off of with a brush) as well as their pets. It didn’t conform to their shape in a satisfactory way, and dogs with mobility and orthopedic issues would find it difficult (and potentially unsafe) to maneuver on and off it. Pluses for this dog bed are that it’s made from environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic materials, you can run the whole thing in the wash, and it comes in lots of patterns and colors—although only two sizes; the larger of which is 46 inches. And it’s not even a tremendous value, being the fifth most expensive out of the 12 dog beds we tested.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Lacks support for dogs with impaired mobility

  • Unwieldy, obtrusive and amorphous shape

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