The best dog bed in 2024: 8 top dog mattresses

The best dog bed will provide a comfortable  sanctuary for your pooch to rest in. Not only should they be durable and practical, but the best dog bed should offer enough room for your canine to stretch and move around in.

But with so many different options of dog bed available, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your pup. Ranging from thick dog mattresses to plush and snuggly donut-shaped beds, there is a bed to suit every-sized canine. 

Other things to consider include the firmness of the mattress, type of material and more importantly, how easy it is to clean. What's more, you can find best dog beds that include washable, antimicrobial covers and non-slip bases to prevent too much movement once your pooch is resting.

If you have an older dog, you may prefer to opt for an orthopedic dog mattress for extra support. We've selected some of the best dog beds to suit every pooch, need and budget right now.

The quick list

Here’s the best dog beds you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.  

The best dog beds you can buy today 

Best overall

Not content having engineered one of the best memory foam mattresses for humans, the US-based Casper design team placed their focus on giving the most supreme sleeping experience to your dog, too. The result is the Casper Dog Bed - and it's brilliant.

The specs list reads like something you'd expect to read in a human bed shop. Casper's dog mattress is built with a two-layer foam construction, combining Visco Elastic Memory Foam and Polyurethane Support Foam to offer comfort and durability for your four-legged friend. Yep, memory foam isn't exclusive to humans any longer. Casper says that the "supportive foam bolsters of the bed also create a safe space for dogs to lay their heads - literally and figuratively."

You won't need us to tell you that your attractive new Casper dog bed (they come in your choice of blue, grey or sand) won't be clean for long, so the removable cover for washing is a welcome feature here. That cover's been made to be durable, too - just like the dog mattress itself. And with three sizes to choose from - catering for canines up to 30lb, 60lb or 90lb - you should be able to find the perfect option for your pooch. Occasionally it pops up in a Casper mattress sale, so it's worth keeping an eye out for offers.

Best comfort

'Donut Cuddler' may at first seem like rather a strange name for a dog bed, but it all makes sense when you get your first glimpse of the luxury shag fur sleeper from Best Friends by Sheri. Of all the dog mattresses in our guide, this one stands out as being a luxurious area that your dog (and maybe even you) will want to curl up and doze in.

It's not just about looks. The manufacturer says that the round shape and raised rim make for a more comfortable slumber for your pet, giving plenty of support to the head and neck. It's also kitted out with AirLoft Fibers that should offer joint and muscle pain relief.

The fur is fake, in case you were concerned. In fact, it's vegan. Meanwhile, the bottom section benefits from being water and dirt resistant, so any night time accidents won't harm your carpet. In terms of cleaning, this is another dog mattress that's safe to machine wash and dry on a gentle cycle.

It has the comfort, it has looks - the one thing that this entry in our list is lacking is a warranty. We've scoured the manufacturer's website and can't see any mention. And there's no free trial for this dog bed, either.

Best mattress

Sleep specialist Purple has created a pet bed that has excellent credentials for a variety of furry friends: dogs, cats and so on. The mattress provides orthopedic support for tired limbs, and is engineered to ease pressure and adapt to the shape of your pet. It looks like a mattress topper at first glance, but there's more going on.

It comprises Purple’s ‘grid system’ made from hyper-elastic polymer, sandwiched between layers of medium-high density foams. The grid system is both hypoallergenic, non-toxic and, to top it all, vegan. This dog bed also comes in three sizes to accommodate different breeds - the largest one can even hold your pet’s ‘sleepover guest’.

Importantly, the outer cover is anti-microbial and moisture resistant, killing the bacteria that many pets harbor - leaving the bed and your home smelling fresh. The cover is also ultra tough, and up to the challenge of coping with all the rough and tumble that a pooch might bring to it. If there are any accidents, the cover is easily removed and washed in the machine.

Purple is so sure this is one of the best dog beds you can buy, the company offers a 100-night trial: if your pet doesn't love it, you can return it. A quick check of the T&Cs shows that you must allow at least 21 days to enable your dog to adjust to the new bed, and that the mattress should be clean and undamaged to qualify for the refund. The MSRP is from $149, but, like the Casper above, it's occasionally discounted - take a look at our Purple mattress sales round-up or the latest prices.

Best eco-friendly

This pet bed from FurHaven has a lot of options to enjoy. First of all, it doubles up as a comfy dog or cat snuggle spot. It comes in the ‘couch’ style, enabling full neck, hip and back support for your dog when it's resting.

The first option you’ll want to consider is the mattress type. There are four choices here from the cheapest fibre fill, through orthopedic and memory foam, to cooling gel foam at the highest price point. This reduces the surface temperature of the mattress by 1-2 degrees, allowing your dog to dream in cool comfort. The cherry on top is a faux fur cover for ultimate luxury.

This dog bed’s bolsters are 100 per cent recycled. The so-called CERTI-PUR foam is also made without harmful chemicals and heavy metals, making it a really safe space for your pet. And to reduce its carbon footprint, the company ships the item to you in a compressed format – but don’t worry, the foam has been especially designed for smooth recovery from compression.

You’ll need to be into jazzy patterns to buy this dog bed for your Bruno – it's available in three colors, but each sports a rather bold diamond pattern. Nevertheless, if you're looking for mid-range option, we think this is one of the best dog beds you can buy.

Best orthopedic

Big Barker started life with one specific purpose: to give the company founder's pet Hank (a 92lb half Lab, half Basenji with a dodgy hip) somewhere much more comfortable to sleep. What started as a passion project soon turned into an obsession, and then a flourishing dog bed business specializing in orthopedic dog mattresses for humungous hounds.

It's one thing for companies to claim that their dog mattress designs are orthopedic, but it's another to have scientific papers proving it as fact. The University of Pennsylvania carried out a study to show that the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed really does reduce joint pain and stiffness, and improve joint function and night-time restfulness.

That's thanks to its triple-layer OrthoMedic Foam, which comfortably wraps around your dog's bones and joints, and prevents them from suffering an uncomfortable night's sleep. You also get to choose whether or not to include a headrest.

It may not be one of the most beautiful dog beds on the block, but if you're looking for an orthopedic dog bed, this is easily one of the best mattresses for dogs you can buy. Plus, the free trial makes it easy to test. Your pet can try the Big Barker for a full 365 days, and you can return the (undamaged, unsoiled) mattress if you're not 100% satisfied - even if it "comes back with some hair or drool marks". 

Best for pressure relief

The PetFusion Ultimate is a traditionally shaped dog bed with a ‘couch’ look comprising bolsters on three sides. The bolsters themselves are generously filled with a recycled poly filling, making this luxury pet bed a greener choice. The base is made with memory foam, enabling targeted support for dogs of all ages and stages of health.

Owners of rambunctious dogs will be pleased to hear that this pet bed has a non-slip base, as well as a water and - even better - tear resistant cover. The cover is 35 per cent cotton, which stands out from other dog mattresses that are mostly exclusively polyester, and is easily washed in the machine. It comes in three subtle shades: a soft grey, sandstone and chocolate brown.

Shipping is free and returns look straightforward with PetFusion. You’ll only pay postage if it’s a preference return, and there are no restocking fees to worry about.

The dog beds come in four sizes, so you’ll be able to find one to accommodate your dog as it stretches out after a hard day – but you will have to spend well over $200 if you’ve got a huge pooch. From an eco-friendly perspective, the PetFusion Ultimate is one of the best dog beds you can buy, and it leads on comfort and support too. 

Best cooling

Sealy is another company that's well known in the mattress world. It makes a range of dog beds, but we're taking a look at the Lux in this instance. This dog bed is all about comfort, and is designed to deliver a good night’s sleep for dogs of all ages and abilities.  

The orthopaedic element provides support for pets with arthritis or bone problems. Sealy’s ‘Certipur Foam’ is made without mercury or heavy metals, allowing your dog to doze in a completely non-toxic environment. There are four sizes to accommodate diverse dog dimensions, and there are also four different shades that you can match to your home’s color palette. 

All Sealy dog beds come with a one-year limited warranty, but your pet isn't able to sleep trial these beds. You can of course return your item within 30 days if you're unhappy with it, but it must be in its original, resalable condition. Be warned that if it’s a ‘preference return’ the customer pays postage and will be liable for a 15 per cent restocking fee, too.

Sealy says that the bed comprises both cooling energy gel, as well as an absorbent pro-charcoal base that takes in any nasty odors. Your dog should be as fresh as a daisy when the alarm clock goes off in the morning.

Best affordable

If you're looking for the best cheap dog bed, the Deluxe Pet Bed from MidWest Homes for Pets is worth considering. You can get a snuggly snoozing spot for your pooch from around $10. Don't expect any impressive claims about orthopaedic dog bed designs or odor-free technology. This simple dog mattress from the popular pet supplier is just about providing cosiness for your canine.

But that simplicity has its benefits, too. Rectangular in shape and quite a lot thinner than other mattresses, it fits rather nicely in most carrying crates. And, let's face it, you're going to be much less concerned about filthy footprints being walked all over it at this price point (that said, it's completely machine washable and dryer friendly, too).

You won't be surprised to hear that some owners of this dog mattress have been displeased by how quickly the bed begins to look dishevelled. But this remains an excellent choice for anyone after a low-budget dog bed. 

How to choose the best dog bed

With so many different types available, it can be tricky to know what do go for. Firstly, you'll need to consider the size and dimensions to allow your pup sufficient room to fit, move around in and get comfortable. In addition, check out the materials and sleep surface to ensure it's soft and cozy for your dog. Generally, natural fabrics offer the best surface, compared to synthetic materials. And ensure the material is strong and sturdy enough to accommodate your pooch.

Another factor is what type of bed your dog needs? For older or larger dogs, you could get orthopedic beds or memory foam types. There are also calming beds for anxious pups, elevated or covered dog beds and caves for added warmth and security. So it's vital to buy a bed more suited to your pup's needs. 

You'll also need to know how easy it is to clean and maintain. Dog beds usually come with removable machine washable covers to make light work of cleaning stains. 

What size bed should you buy for your pet?

This will all depend on the size of your pet, so it's important to measure your pooch from nose to tail when they are fully stretched out, before buying a dog pet. Also, add a few extra inches to ensure they have adequate room to get cozy. For younger pups, consider their growth, and how much space they'll need without being too gigantic for them. 

In addition,  if your pooch enjoys rolling around or curling up to rest, a smaller bed with raised edges might be more ideal. It's best to take their sleep habits into consideration!