The 11 Best Outdoor Dog Beds
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
It's a good idea to acquire a sturdy bed for your dog to rest on when he or she is out in the elements, as dogs like to spend time outdoors on sunny days and often do so in cold weather as well.
However, there are a large number of models available, and it might be difficult to choose the ideal one for your dog.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has picked the best outdoor dog beds to evaluate so that you may compare them. We'll talk about the pros and cons of each bed and whether or not our pets like sleeping in them.
We've also included a brief buyer's guide that discusses what makes a good outdoor bed and what to look for while shopping.
Join us as we talk about height, materials, durability, and comfort to help you make a choice that is right for you.
Reviews
K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed – Superior All-Around
The K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed is the greatest outdoor dog bed overall. It is available in numerous sizes ranging from 22 to 50 inches in length, making it suitable for most dog breeds.
Moreover, it can support up to 150 pounds. It elevates your pet a few inches off the ground, allowing them to relax more comfortably without soil moisture soaking into their fur.
The mesh fabric enhances airflow, allowing your dog to remain cooler. It is simple to build without the use of tools and weighs less than 5 pounds, making it convenient to transport.
The only issue we encountered while using the K&H bed was that the fabric might become harder to maintain as it aged.
Pros
- Multiple sizes
- Up to 150 pounds capacity
- Simple assembly
- Mesh material
- Elevated from the ground
Cons
- Hard to clean
Travel Pillow Dog Bed – Best Price
The Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed is our top selection for the most affordable outdoor dog bed. This model is ideal for traveling and even includes a travel bag for storage.
It is a terrific vehicle bed, and the machine-washable, breathable material makes it simple to maintain clean. It is available in a single, big size measuring 39″ L x 30″ W, which should suit most small and medium-sized dogs.
We enjoyed reviewing the Chuckit! Trips Pillow Dog Bed, and we keep one in the van for emergencies and travel. The only issue is that it can accumulate wet if left on the ground.
On some surfaces, it will also be less comfortable than a raised bed. If your dog is a chewer, it can pull apart one of these beds in a few minutes despite the material’s durability and excellent stitching.
Pros
- Travel bed
- Material with comfort
- Includes transport bag
- Large size
- Machine washable
- Durable material
Cons
- Not to be chewed
- Lie on the floor
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed – Top Pick
Our top pick is the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed. This elevated bed contains a tent-style covering that will protect your pet from rain, snow, sun, and other elements, as well as dew if it spends the night outdoors.
In addition to being water-resistant and durable, the 600-denier nylon fabric is also resistant to the formation of mold, mildew, and germs. Two windows promote airflow in the bed, allowing it to keep cooler, and assembly is straightforward and tool-free.
Our dogs like using the K&H Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed, especially when we go camping and they have their own tent.
The only issue we experienced with this model is that the tent poles are extremely thin and easily twisted, resulting in a distorted tent or one that would not stand up.
Pros
- Elevated from the ground
- Provides cover
- Durable fabric
- Water-resistant
- Mold, mildew, and bacterium resistant
- No-tool assembly
- 2 windows
Cons
- Slender tent poles
FurHaven Orthopedic Deluxe Outdoor Dog Bed
The FurHaven Deluxe Orthopedic Outdoor Dog Bed is a mattress-style bed available in many sizes ranging from 20 to 53 inches in length, making it suited for the majority of dog breeds.
It is also available in a variety of colors to complement your other yard items. The orthopedic foam is comparable to memory foam and is ideal for dogs with painful joints and elderly canines suffering from arthritis.
The bed has no side bolsters, making it simple to enter, and its 5 pound weight makes it easy to carry to any area. The water-resistant foundation keeps the bed from sliding and protects the foam from absorbing wet from the ground.
The FurHaven Deluxe provides a firm mattress for your pet, but it lies on the ground, so you can only keep it outside for a few hours at a time or it will collect wet despite its water-resistant foundation.
Additionally, it must be washed by hand, as neither the foam nor the cover are machine-washable.
Pros
- Base resistant to water
- Numerous sizes and hues
- Therapeutic foam
- Easy to mount
- Portable
Cons
- Sits on floor
- Not washable by machine
Outdoor Dog Bed with Cheerhunting
The Cheerhunting Outdoor Dog Bed has a foldable design, allowing you to transport it anywhere. It weighs less than 2 pounds and fits neatly into the provided travel case.
The material is robust and machine-washable, making it simple to maintain cleanliness. It is 43 inches in length and 26 inches in width, so it can accommodate most dogs.
The major disadvantage of the Cheerhunting bed is that it rests on the ground, causing it to absorb damp. It is also really lightweight, so it tends to move quite a bit, particularly if your pet is restless.
Multiple times, we caught our dogs attempting to gnaw it, which may rapidly cause a hole.
Pros
- Portable
- Foldable
- Includes transport bag
- Machine washable
- Durable material
- Large size
Cons
- Lie on the floor
- Dogs may rip apart objects
Love’s cottage Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed
The Love’s cabin Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed is a simple elevated bed that raises your pet approximately 8 inches off the ground for maximum comfort.
The bed does not absorb soil moisture, so it remains dry and is less susceptible to mold and mildew growth. It is available in many sizes, with the largest being 49 inches in length, making it perfect for even the largest of dogs.
We found it to be fairly sturdy, and the nonslip feet hold it in place while your pet climbs on and off.
The only significant issue we had with the Love’s Cabin bed was that the mesh is incredibly thin. Although we did not have any holes or tears, the material began to sag almost quickly, so it may not be suitable for larger breeds.
Additionally, smaller breeds may initially have trouble entering and exiting this bed.
Pros
- Raise framework
- Multiple sizes
- Durable
- Skid-resistant feet
- Simple to construct
Cons
- Fine mesh
Waterproof Dog Bed by Bedsure
The waterproof cover of the Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed prevents the polyfoam from absorbing moisture, even on rainy days. It comes in numerous sizes ranging from 30 to 44 inches in length, making it ideal for all except the largest dog breeds.
The cover is removable and machine-washable, making it simple to maintain cleanliness, and the material is an incredibly soft ultra-plush fleece.
While the Bedsure does a wonderful job of keeping moisture away from the inside foam, you can feel the plastic covering that makes it possible through the fabric, and it creates a crinkling sound that our dogs disliked, so they did not use it much.
The material gathers a great deal of filth when left on the floor, and although it is impervious to moisture, you’ll need to wash it regularly, which might be a hassle owing to the relatively lightweight and weak zipper.
Pros
- Waterproof membrane
- Removable cover
- Machine washable
- Multiple sizes
- Ultra-soft
Cons
- Lie on the ground
- Flimsy zipper
- Creaking sound
The Pet Company’s Peaceful Outdoor Dog Bed
The Pet Craft Supply Calming Outdoor Dog Bed is constructed from a UV-treated material that, unlike many other products, will not fade in direct sunlight.
The material is also water-resistant and wicks away moisture to keep it dry. The stitching is tight, and the fabric appears to be sturdy. It is machine-washable and comes in three color options.
We loved how the Pet Craft Supply Calming Outdoor Dog Bed divided the filling into portions, so that if a dog nibbles a corner, the remainder of the bed will still be filled.
However, our dogs did gnaw on it, and every day there was additional filling on the floor. In addition, it accumulates a great deal of dirt and moisture when left on the ground and might create an odor.
Also, with only 40 inches in length, it may not be ideal for some medium and big dog breeds.
Pros
- UV protected
- Water-resistant
- Durable materials
- Three shades
- Machine washable
Cons
- It may be inadequate for smaller dogs
- Lie on the ground
- Dogs could gnaw on it
The Amazon Basics Waterproof Dog Bed
The Amazon Basics Water-Resistant Dog Bed is a smaller-sized bed made of a stylish and resilient oxford fabric. It is touchable and waterproof, even when left outside overnight. It is lightweight and available in lengths between 17 and 30 inches.
It includes elevated edges for additional support and security and a cushion insert to keep your pet cozy and comfy. A sloping entrance makes it simpler for elderly and smaller dogs to enter.
The Amazon Basics is only appropriate for cats and small dog breeds due to its diminutive size.
Our dogs also enjoyed chewing on it, and even a little hole would enable moisture to enter, but the worst issue is that there is no way to keep it clean. It gathers dirt and cannot be washed in a machine.
Pros
- Raised sides
- Reduced entrance
- Multiple sizes
- Soft, resilient fabric
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Small
- Uncleanable
- Some dogs may gnaw on it
Buyer's Guide
Let’s examine some of the most crucial considerations while selecting an outdoor dog bed.
Size
The first factor to consider when selecting a pet bed is the size of your animal companion. The bed will not be comfortable if it is too tiny, and your pet will be less inclined to use it.
If the dog is excessively hefty, it might break the bed’s metal structure or rip the fabric. If the bed is excessively huge, it will consume more room and cost more, resulting in a loss of funds. Since dogs sleep in a variety of postures, bed size is often determined by their weight.
Here is a beginning point for your consideration.
- Small 15 to 20 pounds 20 inches wide by 30 inches long
- Medium 20 to 40 lb 25″ W x 35″ L
- Large 40 – 60 pounds 30″ W x 40″ L
- Extra Large 60 – 80 pounds 35″ W x 45″ L
- Extra Extra Large Above 80 pounds 40″ W x 50″ L
Shape
In addition to your pet’s weight, you should learn their sleeping patterns so you may choose a bed that they are more likely to utilize.
If your pet prefers to sleep on its side or stomach, a rectangular bed will be more tempting. However, if your dog prefers to sleep curled up, it will be more likely to sleep on a circular bed, avoiding beds that do not permit this position.
Elevated Beds
We strongly suggest raised beds for usage outside. Thin material is stretched tightly over a metal frame for elevated beds. These beds are often affordable and simple to assemble.
They keep your pet elevated, so you do not have to worry about sharp pebbles or moist dirt. The airflow minimizes the growth of mold and mildew and keeps your dogs cooler while they sleep.
It is often lightweight and portable, and if it gets wet, it dries quickly so your pet may enjoy it again. Your dog is less inclined to chew on it because it does not resemble plush toys and does not accumulate fur.
If your dog is too hefty for an elevated dog bed or if you store it improperly, the bed’s structure may be crushed or twisted. It can also rust if it’s made of steel, and the feet can damage the floor if it’s used indoors or on a porch that has been painted.
The cloth can droop and develop holes and rips from your dog’s claws, and some dogs are reluctant to use these beds, particularly if they slip.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Excellent air circulation
- There is no mold, mildew, or stink
Cons
- Must adhere to weight constraints
- Could rust
- Could tear
Stuffed Beds
Stuffed beds are excellent for use indoors, as well as on the porch or in the garage. This sort of bed requires no assembly, making it portable, and many are made with high-quality memory foam to minimize pressure points and improve your dog’s sleep.
Additionally, these beds are simpler to enter and exit than elevated beds, making them more ideal for elderly dogs with arthritis. You can often find filled beds in a variety of colors and designs, and the most are machine-washable, making it simple to keep them clean.
The disadvantage of filled outdoor mattresses is that they tend to retain moisture. Mold, mildew, and germs will form if there is moisture within the foam, and many beds do not enable you to wash the foam, only the cover.
The wetness will also cause the bed to acquire that unpleasant dog odor. Even waterproof mattresses will eventually degrade, and it only takes a pinhole for moisture to enter.
These beds mimic your pet’s plush toys; hence, many dogs will gnaw on them, and they can also develop holes from their claws, pebbles beneath the bed, and loose stitching. Unmoved outdoor filled mattresses will also entice creepy crawlies to reside below.
Pros
- Attractive
- Comfortable
- Simple to enter and exit
- Machine washable
Cons
- Mildew and mold
- Bacteria
- Can hold odor
- Bugs
Conclusion
We propose a raised bed for the majority of dog owners who wish to provide an outside retreat for their pet. Raised beds are affordable, long-lasting, and simple to assemble. The majority of canines will enjoy it, and they will sleep easier without wetness and sharp pebbles.
Our top selection overall serves as a prime illustration. The K&H Pet Products elevated dog bed is incredibly durable and available in many sizes. It can fit even the largest dogs and requires no equipment for assembly.
If you have your heart set on a filled bed for your deck or porch, we recommend obtaining the finest deal possible.
The Scumbags! Dog travel pillow The bed is aesthetically pleasing, water-resistant, and machine-washable. It comes with a travel bag, so you can bring it to the beach or on any other excursion.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our readers for visiting our website to learn about and research the best outdoor dog beds.
We hope you’ve chosen a few products that you believe your pet would love after reading these reviews. Please share our guide to the finest outdoor dog beds on Facebook and Twitter if we’ve helped your pooch appreciate the outdoors more.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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