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Are you looking to splash out on a new dog bed? Dogs spend most of their day sleeping, so why not provide an amazing space they can call their own for dozing away those hours.
Our Buying Guide offers a range of dog bed styles from calming, orthopaedic, memory foam and nesting, sizes (from tiny to very, very large) and price points from cheap to pricey ones, so you can find the best dog bed to suit you, your four-legged friend and of course, your pocket.
UPDATE : APRIL 2024 Added Baker & Bray Eco Luxe Orthopaedic dog bed as our fully-tested pick for Best Memory Foam Dog Bed. |
We know this is a long article as we've put all the beds through their paces. So, you can use the links below to skip to the bed that interests you - or read on for every last detail to help you find the perfect dog bed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features to Consider
Dogs can sleep for 16 hours a day so their dog bed may well be the most important canine purchase you make. Each dog is as different as their owner, so we all approach this search with different requirements in mind.
Unfortunately it's not possible to "try before you buy" so we've compiled a series of features you should consider before making your purchase.
Size
The bed needs to be slightly larger than your dog but also consider where you are planning to place the bed in your home. Don't buy a bed too big for your space.
If you looking for a bed for a large breed dog or two dogs that simply love to snuggle, take a look at our Buying Guide for Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs.
Sleeping Position
Have a look at what position your pooch sleeps in. Curled up in a ball suggests a circular nest bed whilst sprawled out may suit a larger mattress or pillow style bed.
Older Dog
If you've got an older dog who suffers from joint pain or arthritis, consider investing in a memory foam mattress or a specific orthopaedic bed for extra support and comfort.
Puppy
Buying for the latest addition to your family ? It may be worth getting a cheaper bed until they're fully grown, then invest in something a bit grander. Or you could look at a dog crate and a crate bed. Most of the dog beds we feature here offer small and extra small bed sizes for puppies and small breeds.
Chewers
If your dog is prone to chewing cushions and furniture, the bed you choose needs to be durable. Chew-proof beds are few and far between but we've featured some contenders. Of course, another option is to buy a cheaper bed knowing you'll be replacing it regularly so we also feature some cheaper options.
Cleaning
Clearly in most cases a removable and washable cover is a must to keep your dog bed looking and smelling fresh. Some smaller dog bed designs are completely machine washable, simply throw the whole bed in !
In some cases a waterproof bed may be beneficial for those oopsie moments! We've highlighted both features in our dog bed review.
Our Picks of the Best Dog Beds
1. Best Bed Overall
We've awarded the Topology dog bed by Omlet top spot in our review due to the extensive range of features and options available to customise the bed for your four-legged friend.
Omlet are a UK company renowned for specialising in high quality pet products with their truly original design features incorporated into everything they do.
The Topology bed can be completely customised to suit your dog so it's not really one dog bed but can become any dog bed you need.
Choose from a wide selection of toppers including sheepskin, microfibre, beanbag or bolster. Whether your dog prefers to curl up or stretch out, they have a bed topper style to suit.
The memory foam base really offers dogs of all ages a comfortable night's sleep but it's particularly good for older dogs suffering with arthritis and joint problems.
Our one issue with dog beds in general is the smell. Inevitably, how ever hard you try to keep them clean, they all start to smell - well 'doggy'.
Omlet have put considerable thought into this issue. The covers on their bed are removable (unzip from the base) and machine washable. We've been using out Omlet dog bed for over a year and it still looks and smells fresh.
Available in three sizes and a whole range of gorgeous colours, it's definitely designed with the discerning dog in mind. |
Our Verdict : The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable bed which will suit your four-legged friend and look amazing in your home, we would definitely recommend the taking a closer look at the Omlet dog bed range.
Specification : Sizes: Three sizes | Colours: Lots | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ Customisation options
+ Wide range of toppers
+ Range of sizes
+ Stylish looks
+ Removable covers
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricier than some
- Not for those prone to chew
2. Best Memory Foam Bed
Baker & Bray's popular Eco Luxe Orthopaedic dog bed was recently chosen by the Telegraph as their top bed for 2024.
Combining the popular nesting style with a touch of luxury and amazing eco-friendly credentials, this bed certainly delivers a high level of comfort and support.
The Scandi design incorporates a lower front edge which is ideal for small dogs or senior dogs making it easy to enter and leave the bed.
The fabric feels super-soft yet it's hard wearing and developed to avoid snagging. In testing our dog loved the wide, padded bolster walls and the orthopaedic central cushion. Baker and Bray's luxury memory foam provides just the right amount of cushioning for your dog's pressure points like shoulders and hips.
Does your dog love mud ? Don't worry the covers are removable and can be machine washed to keep it looking and smelling great.
Where Baker & Bray are head and shoulders above other dog beds is their use of eco-materials. They use re-purposed premium grade memory foam to pack the central cushion, surplus mixed polyester fibre collected from the textile industry to fill the bolsters and recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles to make the luxury outer cover.
I know ! Great dog bed and fantastic eco-credentials. Win! Win!
The Eco Luxe Orthopaedic dog bed is available in a range of 3 sizes and 8 gorgeous muted colours to complement your home decor.
You can even try the bed out for 30 days with the option to return it if your dog doesn't love it - trust us your dog will definitely adore this bed !
Our Verdict : Whilst it's not the cheapest, we think that the Baker & Bray dog bed is one of the best we've tested for many reasons. Ultimately we felt it was superbly supportive with a plush, soft and hardwearing surface. Seriously it's like the Rolls-Royce of doggy comfort! |
Specification : Sizes ( L x W x D ) : S/M L80cm x 60cm x 25cm | L/XL 100cm x 70cm x 28cm | XXL 120cm x 82cm x 28cm | Colours: navy blue, slate grey, sage green, teal, regal blue, stone grey, peach fuzz, rhubarb red, warm grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable covers
Reasons to Buy
+ Orthopaedic support
+ Popular nesting style
+ Eco-friendly
+ Range of colours & sizes
+ Easy to keep clean
Reasons to Avoid
- If you are searching for a budget bed
Buying Options
For 10% OFF enter discount code SMARTBARK10
Want more information ? Read our full test - Unveiling the Secrets of the Baker & Bray Dog Bed
3. Best Budget Dog Bed
If you're looking for a soft, easy to keep clean, waterproof, orthopaedic, bolster bed in a range of sizes and colours that's also easy on the pocket then we've found one !
Bedsure offer a newly updated range of colours in the Dog Bed Sofa which we fully tested in 2023.
The first thing to mention is that this bed is low lying with a gap in the bolsters, so super easy to get in and out for both puppies and older dogs with mobility problems.
The raised bolsters act as a pillow for those weary heads but your dog can still keep a watchful eye on what's going on around them. Perfect for any dogs suffering from FOMO!
During testing, Freddie was a big fan of the supporting bolsters and the slightly enclosed space they provided. These pillow bolsters are surprisingly firm offering optimum support for your dog's neck and back.
The fabric has a velvety feel, surprisingly soft and luxurious offering a warm, plush space for your dog to simply conk out.
The base of the dog bed is constructed from a 6.4cm memory egg crate foam for orthopaedic support.
We loved that the foam is protected by a zipped waterproof liner to deal with any accidents and the covers are removable plus machine washable on the cold cycle. So you should be able to keep the soft bed clean and smelling fresh.
This Bedsure dog sofa bed range has recently been extended due to customer demand. You can now buy the bed in a range of 5 gorgeous colours and 6 sizes (including XXL)
Our Verdict : If you're looking for a well designed, great value, low lying, orthopaedic dog sofa for those who simply love to sprawl, we definitely recommend this bed from the Bedsure range.
Specification : Sizes: Medium 71 x 58 x 18cm | Large 89 x 63 x 18cm | Large Plus 97 x 71 x16cm | X Large 106 x 80 x 18cm | X L Plus 122 x 89 x 20cm | XXL 134 x 106 x 20cm | Colours: Grey, Navy Blue, Pink, Brown, Dark Green | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ Great value
+ Range of colours
+ Waterproof liner
+ Washable covers
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
4. Best Calming Bed
Like sleeping in a cloud! Extremely popular and great value dog beds, the calming nest works by providing your puppy or dog with a comfortable and enveloping space in which to rest.
The raised rim creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support, while the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.
Puppies love these donut style beds with super soft material as it takes them back to a time when they snuggled up with their mum and littermates so creates a relaxed and safe environment for them.
It's also the perfect bed for dogs suffering from anxiety as the high pile creates a cosy and safe atmosphere.
There are so many brands of nesting beds on the market with many of them offering cheap fillings which won't retain their loft and covers which can't be machine washed. Don't waste your money on one of those. We recommend taking a look at the Pet Collection from Sleepy People.
Their Donut dog bed is designed and manufactured by the UK's favourite and most trusted sleep brand Silentnight, a bed company with a wealth of experience.
Performance wise, this bed is filled with responsive fibres, meaning that it will keep its loft and bounce back into shape after each use. Let's face it, nobody wants a flat donut! In testing, we found that it kept it's loft really well with the odd shake it did indeed bounce back to it's original shape.
Better still, you can simply toss the whole bed in the washing machine at 40° when the need strikes. We love that they've designed this bed to be incredibly easy to keep looking and smelling fresh.
Silentnight have recently launched some new, absolutely gorgeous colours to choose from.
Don't worry if you have hard floors. Silentnight have cleverly added a non-slip backing to all their dog beds to stop them moving skidding round your kitchen.
Our Verdict : If you are looking for a nesting dog bed for an anxious dog or a puppy, we think that Silentnight offer a great value range from a company with experience |
Specification : Sizes: Two sizes | Colours: blush, natural, sage, hot pink & grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ A trusted brand with experience
+ Great for dogs suffering with anxiety
+ Ideal for puppies
+ Quality filling
+ Range of colours
Reasons to Avoid
- Not big enough for very large breeds
Buying Options
You may be interested in .... |
We take a look at a range of the best dog calming products from jackets and beds to supplements and sprays which can calm your dog in times of stress - Best Calming Products for Dogs |
5. Best Dog Bed Range
Pets Love Scruffs or Scruffs® for short, are based in the UK and known around the world for their premium beds and accessories. In fact, they've sold over 11,000,000 pet beds globally, so definitely deserve a place or two in our review.
Scruffs® offer a gorgeous collection of extremely high quality dog beds with designs to suit every dog and home decor.
Their brand new Seattle Box Bed caught our eye and it's part of their new range of 3 styles available in 4 gorgeous pastel shades. We love this simple contemporary design which will fit with modern decor.
The deep-filled 100% polyester centre of this bed will cocoon your dog in a calming space, making sure your dog is always comfortable.
Whilst the deep sided walls offer somewhere for your dog to rest their head and keep them free from draughts. The whole bed is machine washable at 30 degrees ( that's right - the whole bed!)
Our Verdict : We recommend Scruffs®, as their beds are expertly designed and crafted with a wide range of styles to suit every dog. You might be surprised by just how affordable these top quality beds are. |
Specification : Sizes: med 60 x 50 cm | large 90 x 70 cm | Colours: Sienna Brown, Topaz Green, Coral Pink & Stone Grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ Award winning beds
+ Wide range of styles
+ Colour and size options
Reasons to Avoid
- If your dog prefers to stretch out
Buying Options
6. Best Orthopaedic Bed
Orthopaedic beds are designed to ensure older dogs (especially those suffering with arthritis or joint problems) get better, more restorative sleep by providing additional support and comfort.
The VetRelieve Ortholuxe dog beds are designed by a vet and made right here in the UK to offer your dog the perfect place to rest their head.
The primary feature of an orthopaedic dog bed is it's use of specialised foam. This foam, moulds to the body in response to heat and pressure, evenly distributing body weight and reducing pressure on joints to provide better support.
Crucially the VetRelieve Ortholuxe beds are designed with patent-pending orthopaedic foam technology which has passed robust pressure testing to ensure your dog gets the best night sleep.
But it doesn't stop there! As large breed dogs often suffer more from joint pains and stiffness, the VetRelieve bed range is available in some extremely large sizes (up to XXL) to cater for extra large breeds.
Available in a mattress style or a bolster style with two raised edges, the low-line design makes it easier for older dogs with mobility issues to get on and off the bed. This 'walk on walk off' height can be especially helpful for dogs with arthritis or other conditions that affect their joints and muscles
We loved that the outer cover is fully removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. Absolute lifesaver for those 'oopsie' moments. The design ingeniously includes a waterproof inner liner which protects the memory foam core. What more could you ask for?
Available in sizes from small to XXL.
Our Verdict : The truth is that the VetRelieve offer a high-quality orthopaedic dog bed range. If you're looking for a dog bed that's going to offer a very comfortable night's sleep, is fully tested, designed by a vet and still look great in years to come, then look no further. The range ticks all the boxes and yes, they're pricey but they are built to last. |
Specification : Sizes: S 70 x 50 x 7.5cm | M 90 x 60 x 10.5cm | L 117 x 75 x 12cm | XL 130 x 90 x 16cm | XXL 145 x 110 x 16cm | Colours: grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable Outer
Reasons to Buy
+ Orthopaedic
+ Exceptional quality
+ Memory foam core
+ Waterproof
+ Mattress or Bolster styles
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey option
Buying Option
If you would like to find out more, check out our deep-dive review of the VetRelieve Bed
7. Best Breathable Bed
Another winner from the Silentnight range is their the Airmax Pet Bed. This two-piece dog bed offers a cosy sleep pillow and a supportive wall for cushioning.
The Airmax dog bed has a smart and durable quilted exterior coupled with a soft and cosy on-trend teddy fleece lining.
We love that the inner cushion has a reversible design with the choice of the soft and warm teddy fleece on one side or matching cooler wicking, quilted fabric on the other.
The extra padded inner cushion guarantees a comfortable spot to rest and the soft walls give the bed a nesting feel.
Better still, the edges of the inner cushion use Silentnight's Airmax sleep technology.
This mesh fabric allows air to travel through the cushion to prevent your dog overheating and to help keep your pet at a comfortable temperature.
It features a non-slip base and the whole bed is machine washable so super easy for us to keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Freddie adored this dog bed, and he's tested a lot of dog beds for us. He liked the soft slightly raised walls which offers that nesting quality so many dogs prefer.
We love the styling of this Silentnight bed, with the contrasting quilted and teddy fleece and finished with a signature Silentnight brand logo.
Our Verdict : If you're looking for a good quality breathable dog bed at a great price then we'd recommend taking a closer look at Sleepy People's range of Silentnight dog beds.
Specification : Sizes: Small – 61 x 48 x 18cm, Medium – 75 x 58 x 19cm, Large – 90 x 70 x 20cm | Colours: Grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ Designed with Airmax technology
+ Features reversible cushion
+ Walls to create a nesting feel
+ Non-slip base
+ Machine washable
Reasons to Avoid
- Only available in grey
- No extra large sizes
Buying Options
8. Best Luxury Bed
Designed in the UK and handmade in Italy, Ralph & Co. offer a capsule range of luxury dog beds designed with the finest upholstery grade fabrics.
Winners of the Independent's Best Large Dog Bed 2022 their beds are definitely worth a closer look.
Choose from a luxury nest or pillow style bed in a wide range of colours, fabrics and sizes. We put their popular Balmoral Nest Bed through its paces.
The first thing to say is that this dog bed oozes quality. From the reversible cushion to the gorgeous Italian leather label and clever carry handles, Ralph & Co. certainly have an eye for detail.
Essentially the bed consists of two parts, the surround and the cushion. We loved the reversible and washable inner cushion (for me it's often just the cushion part of the dog bed you need to freshen up).
Our tester, a one year old Beagle called Bella, loved her new dog bed. It held it's shape well during testing and didn't flatten under her weight.
The nesting shape offered Bella comfort and security whilst being large enough for her to stretch out.
You can choose from the iconic Herringbone upholstery fabric on one side or sumptuous and soft faux on the other.
Plus it's packed with polyester fibre to ensure a comfortable sleep or a cozy nap. The surrounding walls feature both the sophisticated and durable Herringbone fabric and the new super soft and luxurious faux fur lining.
Designed to support, this style of bed is ideal for those dogs who love to simply curl up and rest their heads when they snooze.
Available in 2 colour ways - Balmoral (Charcoal Grey) and Lincoln (Light Brown). Or, if you prefer it's available in chenille or stonewashed fabrics in a range of colours including green & blue to suit your home decor.
We also think you'll appreciate the wide range of 5 sizes available to suit every dog from Dachshunds to German Shepherds.
It's worth mentioning that Ralph & Co offer a 1 year warranty on their dog bed range.
Our Verdict : The bottom line is, if you're looking for a beautifully designed and crafted dog bed, using the best fabrics to ensure not only comfort but durability, then we would recommend taking a look at Ralph & Co.
Specification : Sizes X Small - 50 x 40 x18cm, Small - 60 x 48 x 22cm, Medium - 70 x 57 x25cm, Large - 82 x 70 x 26cm, X Large - 100 x 85 x 28cm | Colours: Light brown, Charcoal grey, Stonewash green, Sky blue| Cleaning : Machine-washable at 30°C
Reasons to Buy
+ Designed in the UK
+ Handmade in Italy
+ Luxury upholstery fabrics
+ Walls to create a nesting feel
+ Machine washable
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricier than some
Buying Options
9. Best Elevated Dog Beds
Ever considered an elevated dog bed ?
Offering a whole range of benefits for dogs including improved comfort and reduced joint pain, an elevated dog bed may be a good option for you.
Veehoo offer a selection of patented elevated beds which we put through their paces.
Raised off the floor on cute paw shaped feet, each bed is perfect for keeping your dog away from draughts and cold floors.
The design incorporates a breathable mesh base which not only enables heat to escape from under your dogs body easily, but also encourages the circulation of fresh air reducing damp air and those inevitable dog smells!
Ultimately, they help to keep your dog cool in summer and warm in winter. Win-Win !
We love that the mesh fabric is heat resistant so makes the perfect bed for outdoors on those warm summer days and because they are incredibly lightweight they are portable.
Veehoo offer a stack of different options so you can select the right elevated bed for your dog.
Magic is a beautiful 13yr old Westie/Jack Russell who helped us review the Veehoo bed range. Although a bit too large for him, he loved the bed especially with his favourite blanket.
With a range of mesh colours and frame colours so you can coordinate the bed with your home decor.
If you've got a dog that loves to chew their bed, take a closer look at Veehoo's newer All-Enclosed Aluminium bed. The metal frame encloses the fabric mesh completely - so there are no edges available for your dog to chew.
Our gorgeous Labradoodle tester - Mitch is only 9 months and needed a little encouragement to use his new elevated bed, so they placed his mattress bed on the top.
Mitch lives in an old farmhouse in Suffolk, which is quite draughty and has lots of cold, tiled floors so the raised design worked perfectly.
With his thick labradoodle coat, they're looking forward to using the bed in the garden this summer, so that the breeze can blow around him and hopefully he will lay on top without the cushion so this will keep him extra cool.
The extra-large Classic style bed also boasts an additional central joist so can support dogs weighing up to 68kg !
Our one bit of advice would be to make sure you have a friend to help you assemble the bed. After assembling 4 Veehoo dog beds, we can confirm that it is definitely a two-person job.
Specification : Sizes: 3| Colours: Mesh and frame colour options | Cleaning: Wipe clean
Reasons to Buy
+ Lightweight
+ Portable
+ Chew resistant
+ Washable
+ Hygienic
Reasons to Avoid
- If your dog prefers an enclosed space
Buying Options
10. Best Value Large Bed
If your dog is a sprawler then the mattress style of dog bed is ideal. Offering a large space and all round vision, your four-legged friend can stretch out unimpeded.
We tested the great value Bedsure Washable Orthopaedic bed in large. As you can see it was certainly big enough for our Cockapoo Freddie and would be a good size for two dogs to share or one much larger dog - they also offer a medium and an extra large size.
What's more the thick mattress won’t flatten with use, keeping your dog fully supported.
The impressive, egg crate foam mattress (also featured in the Bedsure Dog Sofa Bed) is designed to be more shock absorbent and softer than a single block of foam. So it's ideal for older dogs with joint issues.
It also has the additional benefit of improving air circulation which will help keep your four-legged friend cool while they lounge around in the heat.
For extra cosiness, the top is made from a plush sherpa fabric and the whole cover is removable and machine washable. If you're not keen on grey it's also available with a white plush topper or a very smart navy.
Our Verdict :- A great value, mattress style dog bed for those dogs that prefer to sleep stretched out.
Specification : Sizes ( LxWxD) : M 76 x 51 x 7.6cm, L 91 x 69 x 7.6cm, XL 112 x 81 x 7.6cm, XXL 137 x 111 x 10cm | Colours: Navy, white & grey | Cleaning : Machine-washable
Reasons to Buy
+ Great for dogs that stretch out
+ Supportive foam base
+ Great value
+ Cool in the summer
Reasons to Avoid
- If your dog prefers an enclosed space
Our Verdict
If you have the cash to splash on a fantastic dog bed, we'd recommend three -
We recommend the Topology dog bed by Omlet because of their customisation options, you can almost create any bed to suit your dog and your home. The covers are easily removed and machine washed. So big ticks all round !
The Baker & Bray Eco Luxe Orthopaedic dog bed was awarded Best Dog Bed by the Telegraph and we think it's one of the best dog beds we've ever tested. Built to provide an amazing level of comfort and support with a big dollop of luxury thrown in and those outstanding eco credentials.
We also highly recommend the VetRelieve range of orthopaedic beds for older dogs and those suffering with joint issues. They may be on the pricey side, but you are paying for excellent quality. You just need to decide whether your dog would prefer a mattress or bolster edged bed.
If your buget is a bit smaller -
The Bedsure and Silentnight bed ranges offer a comfortable and great value option. Both washable and quality tested they will offer a long lasting bed.
How We Picked
As I'm sure you're aware you will find hundreds of styles of dog beds, and searching through them is a tough task since choosing the best is dependent on your dog and their needs and preferences.
To help make the choice easier, we began our research by splitting the different styles of beds into categories based on how dogs like to sleep.
Our research across large and small businesses helped us narrow the choices down to those suited to 'sprawlers', 'ballers' and 'loungers'.
We considered some premium models compared alongside more budget-friendly options to suit everyone's budget.
We then read through owner reviews of dog beds across product listings to get a sense of what was worth considering.
You know your dog best, so whether you need a cave-like bed to create a cosy feel with a sense of security or something big and comfortable for an older dog to spread out on, hopefully there's some stylish dog bed ideas in our review for you.
Thank you for reading our article and we hope you've found a dog bed to suit your dog and you in our round up of the Best Dog Beds in the UK for 2024.