A donut dog bed looks inviting, with its round shape, soft covering and raised edge. But a fluffy appearance doesn’t tell you everything about how it will perform day to day. A bed can quickly lose its shape, be difficult to wash or slide across a smooth floor. A few checks before you buy can help you avoid a disappointing purchase.
In this buying guide, I’ll cover the key things to consider when choosing a soft dog bed, from size and filling to cleaning and stability. Then I’ll share some recommendations for small, medium and large dogs.
With a dog bed that has raised sides, the edge takes up some of the surface area. So a bed with a diameter of 70 cm doesn’t offer 70 cm of flat sleeping space. Measure your dog while they’re lying stretched out, then allow some extra room to move.
A bed that’s too small forces a dog to stay curled up. But one that’s too large may feel less cosy and secure for a small dog.
Check exactly which parts can be washed. Some models only have a removable cover; the inner filling can’t go in the washing machine. That’s not a problem as long as the zip is easy to reach and you know how to remove stains from the inner cushion.
A washable dog bed with a removable cover is handy for muddy paws, shedding or accidents. Also check the care label and drying instructions. Don’t use bleach or harsh detergent unless the label says it’s safe to do so.
A dog bed with an anti-slip base will generally stay more stable on laminate, vinyl or tiles. The floor should still be flat, dry and clean. Rubber dots help reduce movement, but they’re no substitute for choosing a safe spot. Check regularly that the base and seams are still intact, too.
Don’t rely on “small”, “medium” or “large” in the product title alone. Check the diameter, the height of the edge and the recommended build. The range includes:
A donut dog bed can also be used as a cat bed, especially if your cat likes a round, sheltered place to sleep.
Plush, PP cotton and egg-crate foam each have different qualities. PP filling feels soft and can create a springy raised edge. According to the product description, the FUNNYFUZZY model uses egg-crate foam. The description also mentions a raised headrest.
Treat terms such as “calming” or “helps with anxiety” as product claims, not medical promises. According to the brands’ own information, the round, raised edge is designed to create a sheltered feeling. Whether it actually helps your pet feel calmer will vary from one animal to another.
A practical choice has a zip that’s easy to open without straining the fabric. Check whether:
Many models are vacuum-packed. Shake out the bed after unpacking and give the filling time to return to its original shape. Some models need 24 to 48 hours.
Why it suits this type of pet: The 60 cm diameter is a manageable size for cats and small dogs. The long plush fabric and rounded edge suit pets that like to sleep curled up.
The product information lists a removable cover and rubber anti-slip dots. Before buying, check the cover’s exact washing instructions and measure your pet.
60 cm diameter; PP filling; removable centre section; suitable for cats and small dogs.
Why it suits this type of pet: This model combines fluffy faux fur with a raised headrest. It’s a good fit for pets that like to rest their head on an edge, so you can choose it for its features as well as its appearance.
According to the product description, the cover is removable and machine washable. The inner cushion core must not be washed, so you know what to expect when it comes to care.
Egg-crate foam according to the product information; raised headrest; machine-washable cover; anti-slip base.
Why it suits this type of pet: The 120 cm diameter is designed for large dogs. It’s a practical choice when a compact bed doesn’t offer enough room to lie down.
The size is clearly stated, and the central filling can be removed via the zip. The anti-slip dots help limit movement across the floor.
120 cm diameter; PP cotton filling; removable cover; suitable for large dogs.
Place the bed in a dry, level spot away from radiators and open flames. Fluff up the filling regularly and remove hair with a vacuum cleaner or lint roller. Wash the cover according to the care label and let all the parts dry completely before putting the bed back together.
Also check the zips, seams and anti-slip base. If you spot loose threads, tears or exposed filling, stop using the bed. Dogs that like to chew need extra supervision when they’re first introduced to it.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail while they’re lying stretched out. Allow extra room for turning and stretching. Compare that measurement with the flat sleeping area, not just the bed’s overall diameter.
First, check whether the cover and inner cushion can be removed separately. If the care label allows it, wash the cover on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. You can air a non-washable filling and spot-clean it. Let everything dry completely to prevent moisture from building up.
How long it lasts depends on the filling, your dog’s weight, how often you wash it and whether they chew it. Regularly airing the bed, washing it carefully and checking the seams and zips will help keep it in good condition. No bed is suitable if your pet constantly chews it to pieces.