Best Dog Beds for the Money

If you’re looking for the best dog beds for the money, you’ve come to the right place. We spend our days researching and reviewing the seemingly countless dog bed options in today’s massive pet products market. And we know the best value in dog beds isn’t always straightforward.

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a dog bed. First, you need to think about the size of your dog. You’ll also want to consider things like comfort, support, and durability, and that’s before you get to the price. But we’re here to save you time, so you have more of it to play with your precious fur baby. So, we’ll get right to it with the best dog beds for the money.

1. FurHaven – Orthopedic Sherpa and Suede Oval Dog Bed 

Three sizes, three colors, and orthopedic support – right off the bat, you’re off to a good start with FurHaven’s Orthopedic Fur and Suede Oval Dog Bed. It’s a cuddler with sidewalls that double as a pillow for your pup’s neck or legs.

In addition to the joint support from the bolsters, there’s an egg-crate mattress hidden inside the removable machine washable cover. Not only is this particular model priced right, but FurHaven sells replacement covers. So, if it’s time for a refresh or color change, you don’t need to replace the entire bed.

Bottom Line – FurHaven is an excellent brand with an expansive catalog of pet beds. You’ll find pretty much every model and price range. The Orthopedic Oval Dog Bed offers considerable savings over some comparable products without skimping on quality. Unfortunately, it’s not for all breeds, as the large size tops off at about 55 pounds.

2. Best Friends By Sheri – Original Calming Cuddler

Best Friends By Sheri’s Original Calming Cuddler is like sleeping in a super soft faux fur cotton ball, which is why it’s considered a calming bed. It’s self-heating and has just enough give in the middle to mold around your fur baby. However, it’s still designed for orthopedic support, easing muscle and joint pain.

The Calming Cuddler will care for your pup and is also easy to care for, as it’s machine washable and dryable. Even though it looks like a bed for the little ones, this particular model comes in Extra Large, with a 45” diameter.

Bottom Line – There’s a lot to like about Best Friends By Sheri’s pet beds, like this Original Calming Cuddler. It provides an ideal combination of coziness and support. However, even though it’s an inexpensive dog bed in smaller sizes, it hits the three-figure range for medium and large breeds.

3. Coolaroo – Elevated Pet Bed

If you take a military-style cot and shrink it down to dog-size, you’ve got Coolaroo’s elevated pet bed. Instead of a mattress or foam filling, this particular value-priced dog bed features canvas stretched over a lightweight powder-coated steel frame.

Elevated dog beds might not appeal to your sense of comfort, but they’re excellent, especially for aging fur babies who have joint or muscle pain. Instead of struggling to get up or down from the floor, they can easily flop down on their cot. 

Other benefits to this pet bed style are indoor-outdoor use, availability of replacement parts, chew-proof, and easy cleanup with a hose or damp cloth.

Bottom Line – You’ll find quite a few elevated cot-style models in the wide, wonderful world of pet products. However, Coolaroo’s gives you more bang for the buck. It’s an affordable dog bed that should last for a long time. But if you run into any issues with the frame or cover, you can buy replacement parts. 

4. FurHaven – Deluxe Oxford Orthopedic Indoor-Outdoor Bed 

FurHaven’s Deluxe Oxford Orthopedic Indoor-Outdoor bed isn’t just an affordable dog bed; it’s simplicity at its best. Yes, you can take advantage of the savings compared to other brands. However, you also get a bed that works outside and inside. The removable cover can be hand washed or wiped down to keep it clean, and you can even spot clean the mattress if needed.

The cover is water-resistant and holds up pretty well to those little gnawing teeth or claws. It’s another orthopedic model, so the mattress isn’t going to collapse under your dog’s weight. Plus, with sizes up to Jumbo Plus, the Deluxe Oxford bed covers all breeds.

Bottom Line – We had to return to FurHaven because the company has an entire collection with some of the best dog beds for the money. This indoor-outdoor model isn’t just relatively inexpensive; it’s versatile. Inside, outside, on your bed, it goes anywhere and provides joint and muscle relief for pups that need it (which is most!).

What are the best types of dog beds for the money?

The best dog beds for the money can be any style or brand, but they don’t skimp on essential features. They include orthopedic support or at least a quality mattress that won’t bunch up or deflate. Removable covers or easy-to-clean, chew-proof models are also desirable.

How much should you spend on a dog bed?

While we can’t manage your budget for you, we can tell you that you’ll probably want to spend at least $40 on a quality dog bed. And that’s with savvy shopping for a small to a medium breed fur baby. You could easily get into three figures with more top-of-the-line models, but it’s unnecessary. Unfortunately, if you have a larger breed dog, you’ll spend more, as beds are priced according to size.

Are there good value dog beds that are chew-proof?

There are plenty of chew-proof or chew-resistant dog beds that are relatively inexpensive. Brands like Kong produce affordable cuddler and mattress-style models with ripstop fabric and a hefty mattress. Another option is to look at elevated cot-style beds, like Coolaroo’s. They’re typically less than most other models, especially for large and jumbo breeds. Elevated beds are tough to damage as they don’t have mattresses or fill.

How can you tell if a dog bed is a good value?

There are a few clues to determining if a dog bed is worth it for the money. One of the most straightforward ways is to look at the fabric and mattress. The ideal scenario is a washable cover that’s either coated or made with furniture-grade material combined with an orthopedic mattress instead of a fill that can bunch or sag. Models with replaceable parts also add value, as you don’t need to replace the entire bed. And, you’ll find that brands with extra covers or parts tend to come from more quality manufacturers.

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Beds for the Money

Brand Doesn’t Always Matter – Don’t let the brand deter you on your quest for a quality but inexpensive dog bed. Many pet product providers produce entire collections with various models and price points.

Think of the Long Term – Sometimes, it’s best to invest a little more on a quality dog bed than buy a cheap model that you might need to replace in a few months. However, you can still get by with a lower price tag for a durable pet bed if you choose wisely.

One Bed Could Fit All –  If your pup travels with you, goes on camping trips, or spends a lot of time outside, you can find some excellent indoor-outdoor beds at attractive price points. With a versatile, portable model, one is enough.

Easy to Clean is Key – We would steer clear of pet beds that aren’t machine washable or are challenging to clean. You could end up spending more on frequent replacements. 

Start with the Size – Larger dog beds cost quite a bit more than smaller versions. So, if you’re shopping for large, extra-large, or jumbo breeds, use the shopping site’s search option to narrow the list by size. Otherwise, you’ll get excited about a $30 bed for small breeds that ends up $130 for yours.