Best Donut Dog Beds

There might not be jelly in the middle, but donut dog beds have a unique type of appeal. After all, what’s not to like about a soft and squishy sleeping area that makes you feel cozy and secure? It kind of makes you want one for yourself, doesn’t it?

Despite the cute appearance, you’ll want to know about the filling. Are these types of pet beds good for pups with joint problems? Do they come in larger sizes to hold your Great Dane?

We’ve posed quite a few questions here, but we’ve also got the answers. So, you’ve come to the perfect place if you’re shopping for the best donut beds on the market!

Pros and Cons of Donut Beds for Dogs

1. L.L.Bean – Plush Cuddler 

While technically, the L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler is a cuddler bed and not officially a donut bed, it’s got all of the features of one. It’s round, soft in the middle, encircled in bolsters, and made with a furry shag material to boot.

This model comes in gray and khaki with polyester fiber stuffing in the juicy middle. It’s quick and easy to clean, as the shag cover is both machine washable and dryable. And, with a donut-style pet bed, a good refresh is essential.

Bottom Line – You’ll be jealous of your fur baby snuggled up in one of the plushest donut-style beds. It’s great for users who like to paw and dig, as the shag cover has some depth. The only negative is the size availability. The largest model is 36” in diameter, but quite a bit is dedicated to the bolsters.

2. Nest Bedding – Bolstered Pet Bed

Like L.L.Bean’s, Nest Bedding’s Bolstered Pet Bed isn’t explicitly labeled as a donut bed. But that’s why you have us – to get you the inside scoop on the best dog beds even if they don’t pull up in your online search.

Nest Bedding’s donut-style bed is a departure from the rest on this list. Instead of super plush fabric, the 100% green waste recycled plastic fill is covered by a 5 oz breathable cotton canvas. It’s a sleek-looking pet bed that only comes in off-white, ideal for matching any décor, and you can feel good that you’re buying from an eco-friendly brand.

Bottom Line – This particular donut dog bed by Nest Bedding is the ideal choice for smaller pups with allergies. The cotton canvas should keep them from sneezing or itching. So, the Bolstered Pet Bed might not be as soft and inviting as the others, but your pup won’t care when he’s resting comfortably instead of trying to soothe irritated skin. 

3. Best Friends by Sheri – The Original Calming Donut Cuddler

It’s called the Original Calming Donut Cuddler, and when you see all that this Best Friends by Sheri donut dog bed has to offer, you’ll see why it sets the standard.

The donut is covered in a soft shag fur that’s not quite as thick as L.L.Bean’s but still plush and soothing to the skin. It comes in extra-large with a 45” diameter that’s tough to find in a good donut-style pet bed. Additionally, pups benefit from an insulation layer that circulates heat from their bodies to keep them warm through the night and orthopedic support from the sturdy bolsters. 

Bottom Line – Best Friends by Sheri’s Original Calming Donut Cuddler isn’t an inexpensive option, but you get what you pay for as it’s a high-quality product. And it’s not easy to find a top-of-the-line donut-style pet bed that’s generously sized, but 45” is enough for most large breed pups.

4. FurHaven – Calming Cuddler Long Fur Dog Bed

We were initially going to recommend FurHaven’s Plush Donut Dog Bed, as it’s slightly different from our other recommendations, but we found that it’s been discontinued, so stock is low. You might be able to get your hands on one while supplies last, but we have an equally as good alternative with the brand’s Calming Cuddler Long Fur Dog Bed.

There are quite a few similarities to the Best Friends by Sheri option. However, FurHaven’s is about half the price. You’ll see that sizes are comparable, the material is plush, and they both provide benefits like self-warming and anxiety relief. The Best Friends option is easier to clean as the covers are machine washable, and FurHaven’s is hand wash-only. But you can’t go wrong with either.

Bottom Line – FurHaven provides a viable and lower-priced alternative to Best Friends by Sheri’s Original Calming Cuddler. It comes in four sizes, three colors, and is covered in long shaggy faux fur that’ll entice you to give it a try. It’s also easy to find the right size when you shop FurHaven direct, as the brand matches each to specific breeds. For example, a medium is perfect for Beagles and Bulldogs, and the extra-large is big enough for a 90 lb. German Shepherd.

What is a donut dog bed?

A donut dog bed is also sometimes called a round cuddler. It’s a circular pet bed that tends to be much heftier or taller than other models. Higher bolsters encircle the cozy sleeping area, so the whole thing resembles a donut with a soft and squishy middle. Some pups will curl up in the center or against the bolsters, while others use them for orthopedic support, resting their necks or legs over the edge.

Why are donut-style dog beds good for relieving anxiety?

By their design, donut dog beds are great for calming and comforting fur babies of all ages, shapes, and sizes (well, most sizes, anyway). They tend to be softer than other pet beds and typically, but not always, covered in plush faux fur, so the material feels great on the skin. Plus, the bolsters provide perfect spots to snuggle up into and are tall enough to make the users feel safe and protected.

Is a donut dog bed appropriate for pups who need joint support?

In many cases, a donut dog bed will provide adequate relief for fur babies who have arthritis or other muscle or joint ailments. The bolsters are the key to pain relief, as dogs have built-in neck and leg supports that soothe those problem areas. However, most donut-style pet beds don’t come with orthopedic-style mattresses, so that’s a consideration.

Can a puppy benefit from a donut-style pet bed?

Puppies tend to love donut-style dog beds, which are highly recommended for them. These types of sleeping areas are usually soft and furry, so snuggling up in one is like being next to Mom. Plus, they feel safe and secure with the tall bolsters surrounding them.

Tips for Buying the Best Donut Dog Beds

Plush isn’t necessarily the best – The majority of donut-style or snuggler dog beds you’ll come across feature faux fur covers. They’re soft and feel soothing to most users. However, if you have a pup with allergies, you’re better off turning to a brand like Nest Bedding. Nest has a 100% cotton donut dog bed made with eco-friendly products that won’t irritate the skin or prompt sneezing fits.

Consider your pup’s favorite sleeping position – If you have a dog who stretches out during the night, they probably aren’t the best candidate for a donut bed. Donuts are specifically for pups who like to curl up or hang their heads over the bolsters.

When more support is needed – While donut beds have some pressure point benefits because of the circular bolsters, they’re not considered orthopedic beds. When you have a dog who suffers from severe pain, you’ll want the bolsters combined with an orthopedic or memory foam mattress.

Easy to clean is a must – With all of the tiny crevices in donut-style dog beds, you’ll want to clean them more frequently than a simple mattress-style model. So, check the care instructions before you settle on a specific bed.