Choosing a doughnut dog bed: a practical guide to comfort, hygiene and size

A doughnut dog bed looks simple: a soft, round bed your dog or cat can curl up in. But models can vary considerably in size, filling, care requirements and stability. Choosing the wrong one could mean the bed quickly goes flat, slides on a smooth floor or is difficult to clean.

So, keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:

• A sleeping area that’s too small: the outer diameter doesn’t tell you everything. The raised rim takes up some of the sleeping space.
• “Washable” without a clear explanation: sometimes only the cover is washable, not the inner cushion or filling.
• A non-slip base that doesn’t suit your floor: rubber grips can help limit movement, but they’re less effective on wet, dusty or uneven floors.

By checking the right things, you can find a round dog bed that suits your pet’s size, sleeping habits and care routine.

What to look for in a soft dog bed

1. Check the size of the sleeping area

Measure your dog from nose to the base of their tail, then add around 15 to 25 cm. Dogs that like to curl up can manage with a little less space. A pet that often stretches out will need more usable room.

With a doughnut dog bed measuring 70 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height, the outer dimensions are clear, but the raised rim leaves less room in the middle. A model measuring 90 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height offers more space for medium-sized dogs, but also takes up more room in your living room or crate.

Also consider:

• the overall diameter;
• the height of the rim;
• the weight of the bed;
• the space available next to furniture or radiators;
• the distance between the sleeping area and a walkway.

2. Take a realistic look at the material and filling

A plush dog bed feels soft, but softness alone doesn’t tell you how well it will keep its shape or how easy it is to care for. The models mentioned use plush fabric with PP cotton filling. That’s a specific product detail, not a guarantee that every pet will find the bed comfortable or that the filling will stay springy indefinitely.

Look at how the bed is made:

• Plush or polyester-cotton: comfortable for pets that like to nest, but may trap hair.
• PP cotton: lightweight and voluminous; regular plumping can help keep the filling evenly distributed.
• Raised rim: gives your pet somewhere to rest their head and creates a cosy, enclosed feel.
• Zip or removable cover: makes cleaning more practical than with a fully enclosed bed.

A bed delivered vacuum-packed needs time and a good shake after unpacking to regain its original shape. Wait until the filling has expanded sufficiently before using it.

3. Check the washing instructions carefully

A dog bed with a removable cushion isn’t automatically fully machine washable. Check which parts can go in the washing machine and which should only be spot-cleaned.

For several Ochama models, the product information says that the central cushion can be removed via a zip underneath. According to the care label, the cover can be washed carefully in the machine. The description says the inner filling isn’t suitable for machine washing and should be spot-cleaned.

Practical tips:

1. Use a mild detergent and follow the care label.
2. Let all the parts dry completely before putting the bed back together.
3. Check the zips, seams and fabric after every wash.
4. Don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners.
5. Replace the bed if the filling becomes visible or the seams come apart.

A washable dog bed makes regular care easier, but it won’t stop hair, sand and moisture from collecting between the fibres. Regular vacuuming or shaking it out is still useful.

Non-slip features, sofa protection and everyday use

A non-slip dog bed is especially useful on smooth floors such as laminate, PVC or tiles. The models in this selection have rubber grips underneath. According to the product descriptions, these are designed to help prevent the bed from sliding around. They’re no substitute for positioning it securely: place the bed on a flat, dry surface and make sure the whole base is in contact with the floor.

If your pet mostly sleeps on the sofa, a dog sofa bed or cat and dog cushion may make more sense than a freestanding bed. A sofa cushion protects the upholstery from hair, scratches and dirt, and can be placed on the sofa or floor. Measure the width and depth of your sofa seat beforehand, especially if you have a corner sofa or a narrow armchair.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Ochama Round Doughnut Dog Bed, Camel Brown, 70 cm

Why it suits this type of buyer: The 70 cm diameter is a manageable size for small and medium-sized dogs, and takes up less room than a 90 cm model.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size and height are clearly stated. The central cushion layer can be removed via a zip, so you’re not reliant on a fully enclosed bed.

Key benefits and features

70 cm diameter, plush fabric, PP filling, removable central cushion and rubber non-slip grips.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Ochama Plush Doughnut Dog Crate Bed, Grey, 90 cm

Why it suits this type of buyer: The larger round shape gives more room for a medium-sized dog that alternates between curling up and stretching out.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives the dimensions as 90 × 20 cm and clearly states which parts can be washed.

Key benefits and features

90 cm diameter, raised rim, plush outer fabric, PP cotton filling and removable central cushion.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use

FUNNYFUZZY Drawn Plush Sofa Cushion, Size M, Dark Grey

Why it suits this type of buyer: This sofa cushion, measuring 85 × 72 × 14 cm, is designed for use on a sofa or as a soft resting place on the floor.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size makes it easy to compare with your sofa beforehand. The non-slip backing is listed as a separate product feature.

Key benefits and features

Machine-washable material, polyester-cotton and plush fabric, non-slip base and raised rim for head and neck support.

Frequently asked questions about doughnut dog beds

Is a doughnut dog bed suitable for a small dog?

It can be, as long as the inner space is large enough. Don’t just look at the diameter; consider the height of the rim and the way your dog sleeps, too. A 70 cm model may suit small and some medium-sized dogs, while a dog that likes to stretch out will need more room.

How do you clean a dog bed with a removable cushion?

Take the central cushion out of the cover and follow the care label. For the models mentioned, the product information says the cover can be washed carefully, while the inner filling should be spot-cleaned. Let everything dry completely before using the bed again.

How long does a plush dog bed last?

How long it lasts depends on your pet’s coat, behaviour and care routine. Check the seams, zips, non-slip layer and filling regularly. If your pet chews the bed, or you notice loose threads or exposed filling, it’s better to replace it than keep using it. A non-slip base won’t always prevent movement on every type of floor, either; placing the bed on a flat, dry surface is still important.