Best Dog Beds of 2024 - CNET

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Your pet deserves a cozy spot to relax. Check out CNET’s top dog beds of 2024 -- tested and approved by my own dog.

Good sleep is essential not just for humans, but for our pups, too. It's key for waking up fresh. And a restful night starts with a cozy, comfortable environment. That means the best sheets, pillows, comforters and mattresses.

As man's best friend, our canine buddies deserve the same rest. Even if they share the bed with you at night, they still need a cozy spot to rest during the day. With so many options out there, it’s worth considering a memory foam dog bed if you’ve been enjoying one yourself.

For large dog breeds, size is key -- you’ll want to pick a bed that accommodates them. Also, consider your dog’s sleeping habits -- some prefer curling up, while others like to stretch out. And don’t forget about practicality; your dog’s bed should be easy to clean, ideally with water-resistant liners and machine-washable covers.

With so many choices at places like PetSmart, finding the perfect dog bed can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. My black lab, Louie, tested each of these beds. Here’s why we believe these are the best options, along with the types of dogs that will love them the most.

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You can even choose to have your dog's name stitched into the bed.

The best dog bed on the market right now comes from Orvis’ RecoveryZone series. While there are many in the collection to choose from, the FleeceLock Lounger dog bed is comfortable, durable and supportive. It's made with two pieces of solid foam -- a layer of Serene Foam that allows for airflow and a low-VOC CertiPUR-US foam base layer. On this bed, my dog has lots of space to either curl up or stretch out, and I know he's supported.

Why we chose the Orvis RecoveryZone FleeceLock Lounger: Orvis is a dependable brand that offers premium-quality products, and its dog beds are no exception. Orvis’ line of RecoveryZone dog beds are designed to support your dog's joints and help elevate pressure points, just as our mattresses do for us. My dog was able to stretch out on this bed or curl up, securely. I love how soft the fleece is and how comfortable the bed is overall -- even to me. I think I could sleep on it if I had to.

The cover is removable and can be easily washed. It also comes with an add-on for personalization, meaning you can get your pet’s name stitched into the front. Under the cover is a sturdy base of two layers of foam. One layer is an inch of Serene Foam that helps keep your dog temperature-neutral. The second layer is four inches of low-VOC CertiPUR-US foam that acts as a supportive base. It's firmer than the top layer and makes the bed more durable. Although the price tag of this bed is daunting, I think the bed is built to last for years and years -- and it comes with Orvis’ Great Catch Guarantee.

Not sure which Orvis bed is right for your dog? Try the Orvis Dog Bed Selector quiz.

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Why we chose the Bedsure Dog Bed: If you're looking for a dog bed that's the perfect size for your big dog, the Bedsure dog bed is a great choice. It comes in eight different sizes (and 10 colors). With that many choices, you should be able to find a bed that's wide enough and long enough for your pup. Larger dogs can sometimes require more expensive beds, so the Bedsure dog bed is a great value. The XXL size is still under $100 -- you can’t say that about a lot of pet brands. Another great feature is how well these beds fit in crates. The 36 by 27-inch size is perfect for my 75-pound dog and his kennel.

The Bedsure dog bed has a removable cover that's machine washable. One side is soft Sherpa fleece, perfect for cold weather, and the other is a textile that won’t heat up during the summer. The bed gets its shape from 3-inch egg crate foam that cradles your dog’s pressure points. If you think this bed is too thin for your older dog's joints, there are also 3.5-inch and 4-inch foam options.

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Why we chose the Nest bolstered pet bed: This disc-like bed is perfect for small and medium dogs and those who care for the environment. It’s bolstered along all sides, making it a perfect bed for dogs to nestle into. It’s also made with a recycled fill, the only dog bed on this list that’s extremely eco-friendly. It's similar to a bean bag chair -- your dog can nestle up into a ball and get cozy.

Although the Nest bolstered pet bed is available in only one color and three sizes (small, medium and large), the first two sizes are perfect for dogs under 50 pounds. My 75-pound pup nestled into the large size, but his paws did spill over the edge. I wouldn’t recommend this bed for dogs larger or heavier than mine. Smaller dogs that love to sleep in a donut position will love this bed. The Nest pet bed is also machine-washable.

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Why we chose the Lay Lo dog bed: If you're worried about your pet’s bed sticking out like a sore paw when it comes to your decor and room design, there are now dog beds made with you in mind. Lay Lo specializes in stylish dog beds that look good and keep your pet comfy. Each modernly designed cover is dig-proof, removable and machine-washable. The orthopedic insert is a combination of poly support foam and a soft polyfill. It's firm and supportive.

Lay Lo is unique in that it also offers just single covers. The company encourages you to find old clothes, pillows or bedding to fill the cover with. Instead of buying a whole new pet bed, you can revamp an old one or get more use out of old pillows. I think this is a really cool concept that helps to reduce waste.

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Why we chose the Lesure calming dog bed: This unique bed’s flower design has your dog curling up in the middle, amid the pedals. Like the Orvis and Bedsure beds, this product is made with soft, Sherpa-like polyester. While it isn’t as soft as Orvis’ FleeceLock, this bed is completely covered with fuzzy material that's quite cozy -- or at least, that’s what my dog thought. This was one of his favorites to curl up into. He sometimes likes to sleep in a donut position, and this bed was the perfect size for him.

The Lesure calming dog bed comes in seven different colors and four sizes. My 75-pound dog fits into the largest size, but I can’t imagine it being suitable for any dog bigger than him. This bed is best for medium to slightly larger than medium dogs. The best part is that the entire bed can go into the washing machine (so make sure your washing machine is big enough).

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The best dog beds were examined similarly to how we test mattresses at CNET. My dog and I assessed key factors like firmness, feel and performance. We also considered price, durability, support, washability, size and design. I tested how strong the beds were by having my dog roll around on each. The feel was tested by having both myself and my dog lie on the bed. Lastly, overall performance was based on what my dog gravitated toward. If he couldn’t move the bed around enough to sit down comfortably, it wasn’t going to be a good bed for any pet.

I ensured that each dog bed on our best list is machine washable, made with quality materials to help comfort dogs, and is of great value. The selected beds come with free shipping and free or low-cost returns.

If you're searching for the finest dog bed for your best four-legged friend, here's everything you need to keep in mind.

Although you don’t want a bed that's hard as a rock, you should look for one that's supportive enough -- especially if you have an older dog or a pet with arthritis. A top layer of support or softer foam is always a plus, as long as the base of the bed is sturdy and supportive enough. If you have an older dog, you don’t want a fluffy bed that they can sink into. A fluffier bed is more suitable for puppies and younger dogs.

The material used in a dog bed determines the price, firmness, durability and overall look of the bed. If you're looking for a cheaper bed, one made of polyester is the way to go. It might not look as nice as others, but it's affordable and fluffy. Dog beds made with foam are good for pressure relief and often last longer than those stuffed with various fillings.

Your dog’s size and sleeping position help determine which dog bed is best. My black lab, Louie, weighs about 75 pounds, and he requires a dog bed that's long and wide enough because he likes to sleep on his stomach, with all four paws stretched out. Large, rectangular beds are best for dogs like him. If you have a smaller dog that likes to sleep in a donut position, then a small, disclike bed may be a great fit.

When shopping for the best dog bed, stick to your budget. Some beds out there can get way too expensive. If your young dog normally sleeps on the hard floor and doesn’t have any arthritis issues, there’s no need to get a pricey bed. Amazon has lots of great-value dog beds, such as the Lesure calming bed and the Bedsure dog bed.

The best kind of bed for your dog is determined by your pet’s size, sleeping position and possible health considerations. If your older dog has arthritis, then you need to find a bed that's firmer and supportive. If you have a smaller puppy, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on a bed that they'll outgrow. An affordable, fluffy bed that they can cozy into (and that can be washed) might be best.

Older dogs, especially with older joints, might prefer a firmer, more supportive bed. Puppies oftentimes will like softer beds they can burrow into. You should consider firmness, materials, size, shape and your budget when looking for the best dog bed for your pet.

Some dogs like round beds because they can sleep in a donut position comfortably. Other dogs, like my own, like to sleep on their stomachs, and round beds don’t allow them to do that.