The 6 Best Dog Beds Worth Buying—Based On Testing By Our Editors’ Pups

Most dogs spend long stretches asleep each day, so it’s important to consider where they snooze. “Choosing the right dog bed is not just about comfort,” says Dr. Brian Hamm, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist. “It’s a fundamental part of supporting a dog’s health and quality of life.” The best dog beds use supportive foam and durable fabrics in shapes that match how dogs sprawl, curl or lean, which makes them more likely to choose the bed over your floor or sofa. That’s exactly what made the Casper Dog Bed a clear favorite in our testing. It keeps larger breeds well supported without feeling stiff, stays cozy for everyday naps and has held up for years in editors’ homes.

The best dog beds are more than just a comfy place for your pup to snooze.

Illustration: Forbes / Image: Lindsay Boyers

Because no two dogs rest in the same manner, we tested a variety of beds to cover the many ways dogs actually live and sleep. You’ll find orthopedic dog beds that cushion aging joints, like the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed, and a low-profile BarkBox mattress that slides cleanly into a crate. Every recommendation in this guide has been used by Forbes Vetted editors and their dogs for months or, in some cases, years. We focused on comfort, long term durability and easy cleaning, including removable machine washable covers for real homes with fur, drool and the occasional accident. What all of the best dog beds have in common: They’ve been lived in, slept on and loved by real pups who also gave their approval.

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We’ve tested a lot of the best dog beds, but this is the one our dogs keep coming back to. After more than a year of daily use in multiple Forbes Vetted editors’ homes, the Casper still holds its shape, looks good and gets snoozed on every day. It’s not the softest or fluffiest option, but the firmer feel gives dogs of all sizes a stable and supportive place to rest—which every vet we spoke to said is one of the most important things a dog bed can offer.

The two-layer foam base features a good mix of cushion and structure, especially for medium to large breeds who might need a little more support. Even after long-term regular use, the bed continues to maintain its shape and firmness; larger dogs stay elevated off the floor, and smaller ones don’t get swallowed up by too much loft. The large size easily fits a 60- or 70-pound dog, with enough room for them to stretch out or curl up. (Even the smaller sizes comfortably fit two small dogs at once.) And the bolstered edges are firm but comfortable, so they create just enough of a boundary for pups who like to rest their heads, without making the space feel confined.

The Casper Dog Bed is comfy enough for two shih tzus to cuddle up.

Kara Cuzzone for Forbes

The Casper’s cover is soft to the touch and easy to remove for cleaning, though it doesn’t quite live up to its “stain-resistant” claims in our experience; fur, dirt and slobber tends to show more easily on the lighter colorways. That trade-off didn’t bother our human testers, who found the material washed nicely and still fit well after drying. The zippers are hidden in sewn-in pockets to prevent floor scratches and keep the bed looking clean and finished. Another interesting feature of this bed is that its cover isn’t entirely taut, but instead is designed with a little excess material to engage—and withstand—dogs’ natural instinct to dig before they find the perfect sleeping position. (Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla often finds her dog taking advantage of this, happily digging away before snoozing.)

“The Casper dog bed has an understated high-quality look that can work well in any room,” says Bridget Chapman, Forbes Vetted’s senior mattress and sleep editor. “Its cover and foams are still just as durable as day one, and my dog loves cuddling up on it every night. It’s been a great bed that’s standing the test of time.”

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I bought this bed four years ago, and my dog still uses the original every day. Since then, I’ve repurchased it three more times—not because I had to, but because it’s become our go-to for all the places my pup frequents, like my parents’ house. I also recently got a second dog and bought her the same bed, simply because I already knew it worked. (Plus, I didn’t want to invest in something more expensive that a puppy might destroy.)

The large size gives my 50-pound dog enough room to curl up or stretch out, and it fits easily inside her crate when needed. It’s also roomy enough for my second dog, who now weighs 40 pounds, to sneak in and share the space. There are several foam options to choose from: convolute orthopedic foam, solid orthopedic foam, memory foam and cooling gel foam. I’ve tested both the cooling gel and convolute orthopedic, and while I didn’t notice a dramatic difference, every version my dogs have tried has felt supportive and comfortable. The foam base has compressed slightly with time, but it hasn’t gotten so thin that you can feel the floor beneath it.

My dogs, Sunny and Koda, both love the Furhaven.

Kelly O'Sullivan for Forbes Vetted

The cover is soft, durable and, at this point, has survived literally hundreds of washes without showing any wear and tear. It also does a great job of disguising fur in between cleanings. Reassembling the bed takes a bit of patience, but I’ve found that this true of most dog beds. For under $100 (for the medium or large size; there are two larger sizes as well that will run you a bit more), the FurHaven holds up better than any other bed I’ve tried in this price range.

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It didn’t take long for one of our arthritic senior dogs to claim this bed as her favorite. Our editor describes the orthopedic foam base as feeling more like a real mattress than a typical dog bed. (Yes, she laid in it.) It holds its shape and distributes weight evenly, giving dogs the support they need to stay off the floor—something Hamm says is especially important for aging pups and those with arthritis or joint pain.

The bed itself feels thick and sturdy; it kept our four-legged testers lifted rather than “in” the bed, and the raised headrest adds a little extra comfort. The microfiber cover is velvety to the touch and, while it’s not fully waterproof, it wasn’t ruined by slobber, fur or the occasional muddy paw. After a few months of use, some subtle stains were visible, but nothing that didn’t come out in the wash. Assembly takes a little extra effort, especially aligning the headrest panel with the cover, but once it’s zipped on, the bed looks polished and clean. The minimalist shape also blends in well with any home décor.

The Big Barker provides comfortable joint support and lots of room to lounge for Favilla's senior dog, Connie.

Emmy Favilla For Forbes Vetted

Even the large size feels massive compared to most beds on this list, with enough room for a 70-pound dog to fully sprawl out. The XL easily fits two large dogs, and the Giant is built for Great Danes, Newfoundlands and other oversized breeds. That scale makes it a smart pick for long-term use too; buy it for a growing pup, and it’ll likely last well into adulthood. Plus, the 10-year “no flatten” warranty adds peace of mind for pet parents making a bigger investment.

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This is the bed that lives in both of my dogs’ crates, and it’s the one they sleep on every night. There’s nothing fancy about it—it’s just a thick, supportive slab of memory foam with a snug-fitting, soft cover. But that simple design is exactly what makes it so useful for crates. The sizing is spot-on: Each bed is just a little smaller than standard crate dimensions, so it fits neatly inside without bunching or leaving big gaps. For example, my dog’s large crate measures 36 by 23 inches, and the large-sized bed is 35 by 22 inches. It feels like it was made to slide right in.

The BarkBox Orthopedic Dog Bed fits perfectly inside a crate.

Kelly O'Sullivan for Forbes

The foam is dense and supportive without being stiff, making it comfortable enough for pups to sleep on it for long stretches or overnight. And the snug cover doesn’t wrinkle or bunch like some dog beds; my younger dog, who usually likes to dig and burrow, leaves this one alone because there’s nothing to pull at. It has held up for years with nightly use and weekly washes, and it still fits cleanly around the foam without stretching out. The bed is also lightweight, easy to move and packs flat in the car for travel. And while it doesn’t have bolsters, there’s plenty of room to layer in a blanket or pillow if your dog prefers a little more structure. Plus, it’s surprisingly durable: Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla also used this dog bed with her previous pup, and it held up well for many years.

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This indoor/outdoor dog bed will look right at home next to your patio furniture. The indigo herringbone fabric is more stylish than most outdoor-friendly designs, but it’s also practical: The exterior is UV- and fade-resistant, water-repellent and resistant to mold and mildew, so it can handle being left outside full-time. Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla keeps this bed on her porch and says it has already survived several rainstorms. Plus, it’s comfortable. “It has enough fluff to seem quite supportive for outdoor lounging,” she says. “My dog Gizmo laid right down on it as soon as I put it on our porch.”

The La-Z-Boy Gatson Indoor Outdoor Dog Bed is weather-resistant and a great choice for your yard or porch.

Emmy Favilla For Forbes

Despite being available in just one size, it’s surprisingly accommodating for larger dogs (Favilla’s dog is 70 pounds, for reference), but it will be far too small for extra-large and giant breeds like mastiffs or Great Danes. Its fiberfill gives the bed a supportive and cushy feel that’s comfy enough for long outdoor naps. A bolster that wraps around three sides provides a soft edge for dogs who like to lean, which our tester pup took advantage of right away. Just note that the cover isn’t removable, but it’s easy to wipe clean with a paper towel.

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I’ve tested a lot of dog beds, but this is the first one my youngest (and most mischievous) pup hasn’t been able to put a single hole in. She’s prone to scratching, chewing and tearing things up when left alone—especially soft beds—but this Orvis model still looks great and hasn’t shown any damage despite being subject to her long nails and anxiety-driven tendencies. The ripstop nylon and polyester cover feels thick and tightly woven, and the zippers are hidden well enough that she hasn’t shown any interest in finding them. That said, it’s not super squishy or plush. The orthopedic foam base is dense and firm, which is great for support, but it might take some getting used to if your dog is accustomed to softer beds. (I’ve found that adding an old blanket on top can help ease the transition.)

Koda's long nails and sharp teeth haven't made a scratch on this durable Orvis model.

Kelly O'Sullivan for Forbes Vetted

Beyond its durability, the bed is also very nice to look at. It’s available in neutral colors and has a structured shape that resembles a mini couch more so than a typical dog bed. My 40-pound pup uses the medium size, which gives her plenty of space to lie down, though the bolsters do take up some room; if your dog likes to stretch out fully, you might want to size up. We also named this model the best chew-proof pick in our guide to the best orthopedic dog beds. And if your dog does somehow manage to chew through it, Orvis backs the product with a no-questions-asked guarantee.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home team has tested hundreds of pet products, from litter boxes to fresh dog food, to help readers make smart and confident purchases for their pets. Every recommendation in this guide to the best dog beds is backed by hands-on testing, real-world use and insights from trusted veterinary and pet care experts.

• This story was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan, a lifelong dog owner and proud parent to a Labrador retriever and lovable mixed breed. She’s personally tested every bed on this list—many of them for months or even years—with her own two dogs. At Forbes Vetted, she frequently covers pet content, including deep dives into more complex topics like raw dog food, cat food and more.
• This piece was overseen by Forbes Vetted managing editor and resident pet expert Emmy Favilla, whose two large-breed dogs tested several of the featured beds as well, including our top pick overall. She regularly covers pet content for Forbes Vetted, has a monthly pet column, maintains an active network of veterinary professionals and helps ensure every product we recommend is both safe and functional.
• We consulted Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers and supervising deals and coupons editor Kara Cuzzone, whose own dogs helped test several of the beds featured here as well.
• We spoke with three experts: Dr. Brian Hamm, DVM, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist; Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian with Embrace Pet Insurance; and Shalom Marantz, founder of luxury pet lifestyle brand Noah & Paw. They helped us better understand which features in dog beds matter the most when it comes to a dog’s comfort, joint health and day-to-day use.
• We regularly update this guide to ensure our recommendations remain current, accurate and relevant. This version was last reviewed and published in August 2025.

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How We Chose The Best Dog Beds

To find the best dog beds, we combined long-term testing, expert insights and in-depth product research to figure out which ones are actually worth buying.

• Every bed on this list was tested by Forbes Vetted editors and their dogs, many of whom used the beds for months or even years. I personally tested each pick with my two dogs, a Labrador retriever and a mixed breed, and several of our editors, with dogs of various sizes, contributed feedback about their own real-world experiences. We evaluated how well the beds held up to digging, drool, accidents and daily use, as well as how easy they were to clean and whether our dogs actually wanted to sleep on them.
• We spoke with three experts to understand which features impact comfort, joint support, durability and safety.
• We looked at specs like size, shape, material, washability and design, and considered how each bed might suit different dogs and households. Whether you need something supportive for an older pup, a bed that’s attractive for your living room or a low-profile option for a crate, we aimed to include high-quality products to suit a range of needs and budgets.
• We carefully considered online reviews, sticking to beds with strong ratings and consistently positive feedback from other pet parents. Every bed on this list has at least a 4-star rating.

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What To Look For In The Best Dog Beds

The best dog beds balance comfort, support, durability and design to give your dog a comfortable sleeping area that matches their lifestyle and yours.

Support And Comfort

At the most basic level, a dog bed should be a supportive place for your pup to rest. That becomes especially important as they get older or start showing signs of joint stiffness, which is why Hamm points to high-density memory foam as one of the best options for easing pressure. “It distributes weight evenly, alleviating pressure on joints and reducing the risk of pressure sores,” he explains. This should be a focus for all dogs, but particularly large breeds and for dogs with arthritis.

Orthopedic beds usually layer different foams, like memory or eggshell foam, so the bed molds to your dog’s body. Bolsters can make a difference too, acting like a built-in pillow to support the neck and spine. Dr. Liza Cahn adds that a bed should be “large enough that your dog can turn around, stretch out and sleep in their preferred position.” (Whether that’s curled up in a doughnut or sprawled out on a mattress-style pad is up to your pup.) For hot sleepers, look for cooling gels or breathable fabrics that help regulate temperature. As Shalom Marantz, founder of luxury pet brand Noah & Paw, notes, overheating disrupts sleep for dogs the same way it does for people.

Durability And Stain-Resistance

Durability isn’t just about whether the cover can survive scratching or chewing—it’s also about whether the bed keeps its shape. “The best beds resist flattening over time and hold their shape under your dog’s weight,” says Marantz. Look for firm foam cores that don’t cave in, plus hidden, heavy-duty zippers that aren’t easy to snag or chew when you’re not looking.

When it comes to fabric, polyester blends and microfiber tend to hold up best for the outer cover. Hamm suggests choosing materials labeled hypoallergenic or antimicrobial if your dog has sensitive skin or you’re worried about odor. A waterproof or water-resistant liner can also be a lifesaver for puppies or senior dogs, protecting the foam from accidents, drool or spills.

Ease Of Cleaning

If you’re tossing your dog’s bed into the wash every week (as many vets recommend), ease of cleaning is essential. “All parts of a great dog bed should be able to go in the washing machine,” says Cahn. “Keeping bedding clean is an important way to help reduce the allergen load in your home.”

That said, most foam inserts aren’t machine washable—and that’s okay. What really matters is having a removable cover that zips off and can handle regular laundry cycles. A waterproof liner helps with messes, and Hamm suggests keeping enzymatic sprays or mild detergent on hand for quick spot cleaning. (We recommend options from Rocco & Roxie or Nature’s Miracle.) He also recommends a garment steamer to sanitize foam that can’t go in the wash. Extra covers are worth the investment too; they let you swap one out while the other is in the laundry.

Style And Design

A dog bed doesn’t have to look like one. If it’s going to sit in the middle of your living room, appearance might matter to you almost as much as comfort does. “A well-designed dog bed made with premium materials can offer more than comfort,” says Marantz. “It can also integrate beautifully into your home.”

These days, plenty of options come in muted tones, elevated fabrics and modern silhouettes that read more like furniture than pet gear. The Orvis Couch Dog Bed, for instance, looks like a mini sofa that blends into a living space. Whether you prefer a streamlined rectangle or a statement piece, the best dog beds balance comfort with design so your dog’s favorite nap spot doesn’t clash with the rest of your décor.

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