Consumer Reports Dog Beds

Looking for the perfect dog bed? Don’t know where to start? As a dog bed expert, I still find Consumer Reports’s guides on the best dog beds to be very helpful. I actually read word-by-word and often share new insights with my readers. In this. post, I have shared detailed guidance from CR to help you make the right choice for your furry friend. From affordable options to luxury dog beds, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Read our report and find the perfect bed for your pooch today!

What does CR say about dog beds?

CR has detailed guidance on dog beds and recommends that dogs should sleep in their own bed or on your bed, but not with you. They recommend buying the right size dog bed for your dog.

They say that there are three things to consider when purchasing a new dog bed:

1. Durability (will it last?)

The majority of the beds tested by CR were chew-resistant, but not chew proof. Only one bed was completely indestructible according to CR.

2. Cover (the cover is the most important part of the bed)

3. Comfort (can your dog get comfortable?)

Only two beds were rated as “fair” or better by more than half of the owners who tested them for CR, but they were both inexpensive beds.

The number one bed is the Snuggle Bed by Big Barker (pictured below). It’s 100% cotton with a duck cotton cover, 5 inches thick and costs $249.99.

Good Housekeeping for pets says that you should “invest in materials like Sherpa or velvet to make your pooch feel like they’re napping in a cloud.”

The top rated dog beds from CR are:

1. Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed by Big Barker ($249.99)

2. EH Pet Supply Memory Foam Orthopedic 4-Inch Dog Bed ($70-$100)

3. K&H Manufacturing Original Bucket Sleeper ($45-$70)

4. Snoozer Cozy Cave Full Body Dog Bed ($30-$50)

5. Big Barker 6″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed by Big Barker ($199.99)

21 worst dog beds rated by CR include:

1. K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Bed

2. K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Cuddle Cube Pet Bed with Sherpa Lining

3. Lucky Dog Cuisine Orthopedic Canine Comfort Bed

4. Kyjen Slumber Pet Cot Raised Aluminum Bed with Fleece Cover

5. Majestic Pet Products Fleece-Lined Cot Dog Bed

6. K&H Manufacturing Indoor Heated Folding Pet Cot

7. Kuranda Chew Resistant Dog Bed – PVC/Vinyl

8. Premier Pet Products Designer Series Plush Bolster Sleeper Sofa, 18″ x 24″ x 4″

9. Penn Plax Cascade Scratching Post

10. K&K Pet Products Comfort-Chew Natural Rubber Bone Dog Toy

11. Kuranda Chew Resistant Dog Bed – PVC/Fabric

12. Snoozer Luxury Lookout Car Seat in Khaki

13. Snoozer Round Orthopedic Memory Foam Couch Dog Bed

14. K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Heated Folding Pet Cot

15. Majestic Pet Products Sherpa-Lined Cozy Cave

16. K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Cuddle Cube – Sherpa Lining

17. 4Knines Dog Bed – Luxury Plush Memory Foam – XX-Large 46″ x 28″

18. Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed – Headrest Option – XX-Large 36″ x 48″

19. K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Soft Cuddle Cube Pet Bed with Sherpa Lining

20. 4Knines Dog Bed – Luxury Plush Memory Foam – Medium 34″ x 22″

21. K&H Manufacturing Original Bucket Sleeper Dog Bed – Large 28″ x 36″

What types of dog beds does CR recommend?

CR recommends that you avoid:

1. Buying a pet bed designed for the size and weight of an adult dog for a growing puppy – All too often, owners make the mistake of buying a pet bed designed for an adult dog when they get a puppy. This can cause problems when the young pup outgrows their tiny bed within weeks or months.

2. Buying a large pet bed for small dogs – There are not many styles of dog beds on the market designed to accommodate smaller breeds; most are made for large dogs.

3. Buying a pet bed that’s too small – Even if your dog will only share his or her bed with another smaller breed, buying one that is clearly made for a single pup may pose certain risks. CR cautions against using beds of any size intended for puppies under 6 months old.

Purchasing a bed that is the right size, has chew-resistant construction and comes with a removable cover can cut down on your dog’s damage to his or her bed.

What types of materials do CR recommend?

CR recommends:

1. Buying a pet bed with a fabric top rather than an uncovered foam cushion – Foam is a common material for dog beds, but using it alone poses the risk of choking and suffocation.

2. Buying a pet bed with non-skid feet – Preventing your bed from sliding around on the floor may help prevent injuries because pets often crash into furniture as they attempt (unsuccessfully) to take their naps.

3. Buying a pet bed with removable, washable covers – A removable cover that can be washed means you won’t have to replace the whole bed if your dog’s chewing leaves it covered in unspeakable stains and smells.

4. Using heated beds during winter months – Some dogs may find extra warmth comforting and snuggly when the cold weather hits. If you want to invest in a heated bed, CR recommends pet owners do their research beforehand to avoid placing heating elements in areas where pets sleep.

5. Purchasing an orthopedic dog bed – Dogs with arthritis or other joint problems will benefit from this type of pet bed, which provides firm support.

What dog beds does CR recommend?

CR recommends pet owners avoid:

1. Sears’ Comfy Couch Pet Bed – This model isn’t covered in chew-resistant fabric, and the removable cushion is not machine washable to help prevent stains from being undetected until it’s too late. Plus, it doesn’t have a non-skid bottom.

2. K&H Manufacturing Elevated Pet Cot – The fabric between the elevated cot’s floor and cover is not chew resistant, and this bed is not waterproof or machine washable either. The non-skid foam base might be a plus for some pet owners, but it doesn’t have a removable cushion.

3. Nature’s Sleep Elevated Ortho Pet Bed – There are no non-skid feet on this model, either.

4. K&H Manufacturing Bucket Style Indoor Pet House – The fabric covering this item is not chew resistant, and the cushion has to be removed in order to clean it properly.