5 Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs – Keep Your Doggo Cozy!

This post was most recently updated on April 16th, 2021

A comfortable bed is also important for dogs as much as it does with humans. The dog bed also becomes their safety spot where the pooch can lounge with peace of mind. For older dogs and those with orthopedic problems, the best dog beds for large dogs can help them recover from their condition.

DOG BED	DOG BED BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed for Dogs		Check Price
	Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Dog Bed		Check Price
	Barksbar Orthopedic Dog Bed		Check Price
	K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed		Check Price
	Best Friends by Sheri Donut Cuddler Bed		Check Price

To be honest, there are tons of dog beds in the market. To save you from the hassle of choosing one, I’ve compared dozens of beds and chose these 5 premium options.

MY TOP PICK: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed for Dogs

Product Name: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed for Dogs

Product Description: My top recommendation is the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Bed. It’s made from ultra-soft sheepskin fleece lining and polyester bolster that surrounds the bed. This can also fit inside crates which makes it a flexible option for a dog’s bed. At the bottom, this has a polyester lining that keeps it in place on the floor. Overall, this is polyester-filled and paired with cushioned poly.

Price: $$$

Availability: InStock

• CHECK PRICE HERE

• Comfort Level
• Material
• Support

Overall

4.8

Summary

This Midwest bed is available in 18 inches to 54 inches and in 5 different colors. The largest size can cradle dogs that are over 110 pounds. If you have a Mastiff, Great Dane, and other extra large dogs, this could be the ideal bed.

What I love the most about this bed is that it’s machine-washable and dryer friendly. It also comes with a 1-year quality guarantee.

Pros

✔️Made with sheepskin fleece lining

✔️Machine-washable

✔️Comes with a 1-year guarantee

Cons

❌Can be difficult when used with a heavy shedder

RUNNERS-UP

Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Dog Bed

The Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Dog Bed works like a couch and a bed in one. It has a three-bolster design which gives plenty of headrest for your dog.

All the materials of this dog bed are very soft and cozy enough for long hours of snuggling. This bed has egg-crate orthopedic foam that helps distribute the weight of your pooch. It also smoothens pressure points to aid the aching joints of your doggo.

If you have a large senior dog or a pooch recovering from a post-op condition, this bed might suit them well. This bed is also breathable, thanks to the egg-crate foam. It’s available in Large, Jumbo, and Jumbo Plus sizes.

Barksbar Orthopedic Dog Bed

If you’re looking for a thicker bed for your dog, the Barksbar Orthopedic Dog bed might be the one you’re looking for. It’s made from super soft polyester cover sporting a quilted design. This has a cotton-padded rim paired with orthopedic foam.

The Barksbar bed also comes with a built-in non-slip rubber backing so the bed will not slide around. Even if it’s a thicker bed, this is actually machine-washable. Just set the washing machine to gentle cycle to avoid damaging the bed.

If you have a dog that needs more support on its bed, this one from Barksbar is a great choice. My dog doesn’t want to get out of it and I think it’s a good way to distract him away from our new couch.

K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bede

If your dog sleeps outside or is an aggressive chewer, I recommend the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot. It’s made from 600-denier waterproof fabric that can last for years.

This elevated cot also has a strong metal frame that’s foldable for easy storage. Since it has a raised construction, it’s guaranteed to keep your dog cool.

The frame also has rubber feet that prevents it from slipping around. This is available in extra large size that can suit a very large dog or multiple medium-sized canines.

I also like the 1-year warranty that comes with the purchase. I bought this one for my dog and it’s holding up pretty well.

Best Friends by Sheri Donut Cuddler Bed

My last pick for this roundup is the Best Friends by Sheri Donut Cuddler Bed. It’s like a bolster dog bed but the rim is a continuous roll with a shallow center. This allows your dog to lounge and sleep while enjoying the elevated edges.

This is made from synthetic fur and durable nylon. There are inner cushions too which you can remove using the three zipper openings.

Also, I like that this has a water-resistant shell which prevents accidents from reaching the floor. Most of all, the bed is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

Dog bed for large dogs buying guide

Purchasing a bed for your large dog should be like buying your own. You should ensure that it’s comfortable for your pooch. Here are some of the important considerations you should know first:

Types of Dog Beds

Choosing the right type of bed for your dog is related to their sleeping preferences (discussed below) and health conditions. Here are the major types of canine beds that you can consider getting.

-Bolster/Donut beds

Bolster or donut type beds have soft walls which provide a safety feeling to your pooch. Since it has a cradling effect, some dogs would prefer it over other types. You can also drape a blanket over it to give your dog a snug place to hide and get some shut-eye.

Bolster beds are usually made of poly core or foam to keep the dog warm and cozy while sleeping.

-Elevated/Outdoor Beds

If your dog sleeps outdoors, an elevated dog bed is the best choice. It’s an off-floor cot that provides a cooling effect while your dog sleeps. Unlike other bed types, this doesn’t come with thick foams. Instead, it’s made from a metal frame and a sturdy fabric where your dog can lie down.

It’s fast-drying and can even come with a canopy to shield your dog from direct sunlight. Of all dog bed types, elevated cots are the easiest to clean.

-Dog Pads/Mats

This is a low profile option since the bed is thinner than bolster types. It also lies flatly on the floor and perfect for senior dogs that are having trouble climbing to elevated beds.

Dog pads are like plush rugs that can vacuum and wash easily. However, it’s not ideal for dogs with orthopedic conditions since it offers less support to the joints.

-Pillow-style Beds

Pillow-style beds are plushier can be stuffed with polyester, foam, and cotton. It’s perfect not just for sleeping but also for daily lounging of your dog. Just take note that regular pillow-style beds don’t offer much orthopedic support.

This type of pillow is easy to place in just about any part of your house.

-Orthopedic Beds

Orthopedic dog beds are made specifically for canines with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic problems. It’s also a top choice for senior dogs as it helps release the pressure on their knees.

For dogs with recovering from injuries, orthopedic dog beds are also advisable. Most orthopedic dog beds are made of high-density foam.

Dog bed material

After identifying the type of bed that suits your pooch, it’s time to check the material.

Let’s start with the bed cover. I personally prefer a blend of cotton and polyester since it’s easy to clean, especially if your dog is a heavy shedder.

You can also purchase one made of fleece as it offers more warmth during cold days. However, it can be a nightmare to clean if your dog sheds a lot.

Next, choose the right padding. Most dog beds nowadays use memory foam, egg crate foam, and more. Here’s what you need to know about these commonly used materials:

-Egg crate foam

Egg crate foam looks like egg crates and intended to keep airflow under the dog’s skin. Also, the bumps on egg crate foam contours on the dog’s body which help reduce pressure points.

However, after continuous use, the bumps will flatten and lose its indentations. Also, egg crate foam can be a bit hot to sleep in during summer.

-Memory foam

Memory foam has taken the mattress world by storm. Even dog beds are being stuffed with this foam type. It contours on the body of the dog which is ideal for those with orthopedic problems.

However, memory foam retains heat and can be very uncomfortable during hot days, unless your dog is in an air-conditioned room.

Still, this is ideal for types of sleepers while relieving the pressure on your dog’s hips and shoulders.

-Poly-fiber

Poly-fiber puffballs give a bean-bag feel to the dog’s bed. The balls disperse and contour around the dog’s body. However, it doesn’t provide support for orthopedic conditions and can be a bit uncomfortable for very large dogs.

-Support foam

Support foam is a more affordable alternative to memory foam. This foam is suitable for most canines, except those with orthopedic problems.

This type of foam padding could be single-piece padding or shredded bits stuffed inside the bed.

-Cedar

Some dog beds are filled with cedar chips with a poly fiber layer for added padding. It’s not the most comfortable padding but it helps repel fleas and dog odor.

Most DIY dog beds are made of these chips.

-CertiPUR-US certified foam

CertiPUR-US certified foam can be memory foam, support foam, or just any type of foam. What sets them apart from typical foam is they are cleared from any toxic retardants and heavy metals that could potentially harm the dog,

CertiPUR-US certified foams are also being used on human beds. It’s deemed safer since it’s free from harmful substances.

Sizing

Sizing is crucial when choosing the bed of your large dog. Just because it says “large” doesn’t mean it can fit any large dog. You have to be more specific by measuring the dimensions of your pet.

Aside from that, we also have to factor in the weight of your pooch. Generally, a 36 to 41-inch long bed can hold up to 75 pounds. If your dog is heavier, you probably need anywhere between 42 inches or 50+ inches.

Personally, I recommend that you stay within the 36-inch to 50+-inch length range. This can accommodate most large breeds like Labradors, Goldies, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, and more.

If you have a semi-adult pooch, I suggest that you get a bigger bed already. These dogs grow fast and before you know it, they’ve already outgrown their small bed.

For a more exact measurement, check your dog’s height and width then compare it to the bed’s size. Always give around 5 inches of room on the exact dimensions of your pet.

Durability

The quality of the lining is very important when it comes to large dogs. Aside from the fact that it should support their weight, it should also withstand the possibility of chewing.

If you know that your dog has the tendency to mouth and chew things, it’s probably best to purchase an elevated dog bed instead of padded ones.

Your dog’s sleeping preference

Lastly, consider the sleeping preference of your pooch. Does the dog lie flat on bed or does it prefer to prop its head on the bolster of the bed? By taking account the dogs’ sleeping preferences, you can pick the right design of the bed. If not, your dog might prefer sleeping somewhere else.

Conclusion

Finding the best dog beds for large dogs is matter of knowing what your dog actually needs. It’s not just about the look of the cot; you should consider what material it’s made of. Also, it should suit your dog’s sleeping habits. What do you think of my 5 picks here? Do you have bed recommendations? Feel free to leave a comment below!