As every paw-rent knows, dogs sleep A LOT, so finding the best budget dog bed will ensure your furry friend gets a good quality sleep without spending a small fortune. There are some great dog beds under £50 out there that offer style and comfort in equal measure.
Just like their owners, dogs need supportive, cosy and comfortable beds to sleep on. After all, adult dogs tend to sleep between 12-14 hours on average, so having a comfortable bed to lay their head down on is essential. You can get some fantastic luxury dog beds, but you can still offer your pooch the utmost of comfort but at a fraction of the cost with a budget dog bed.
Best budget dog beds at a glance:
• Best overall budget dog bed: AllPetSoutions Chunky Knit Dog Bed – view on Amazon UK
• Best budget sofa dog bed: Dove Gray Royal Pet Sofa – view on Amazon UK
• Best orthopaedic budget dog bed: Wainwright's Self Heat Square Bed – view on Pets at Home
When choosing an affordable dog bed, you’ll need to bear in mind the needs of your pooch as some dog beds offer extra support to those hounds that need it. For example, you may want to consider getting an orthopaedic dog bed for older pups to bring comfort to their ageing joints whereas hounds that tend to get a bit nervous and scared may benefit from an anti-anxiety dog bed.
Whether you’re after a classic comfy dog bed or after something a little fancier, like a dog sofa bed, we’ve searched the web to find affordable dog beds under £50. You can take a look at our top picks for the best budget dog beds below.
The best budget dog beds - great beds for under £50
Best overall budget dog bed
Description
This trendy chunky knit design would fit in perfectly with sophisticated shabby-chic interiors. This AllPetSoutions Chunky Knit Dog Bed not only looks fabulous but will make a cosy soft bed for your good boy or girl to relax in. The bed is machine-washable and can fit small and large pets.
Customer review: "This is a beautiful bed for our 4-year-old Papillon/King Charles/Jack Russell mixed breed dog. Every word in the description is true and spot on. Alice is 6.5 kgs and curls up perfectly on the medium bed. I tossed between small and medium but glad I got medium as she will be able to stretch out and use the sides as a pillow."
Pros
- Super soft and fluffy
- Machine washable
Cons
- Light colour may get dirty more easily
Best budget sofa dog bed
Description
This Dove Gray Royal Pet Sofa will give your pet the ultimate royal treatment. It has removable covers and a stylish design so your dog can lounge in style and make all the mess they like. Next time you switch the TV on and relax on the sofa, your pooch will feel part of the action, but no damage will be done to your furniture.
Customer review: "First class, my husky pup loves it 100 times better than I thought, would buy it again well done to the company that made it."
Pros
- Strong but comfortable material
- Allows your dog to join in like one of the family
Cons
- Perhaps not as cosy as others on our list
Best orthopaedic budget dog bed
www.petsathome.com
Description
If you have an older dog, this Wainwright's Self Heat Square Bed is designed like a mattress to help support any aching joints or limbs. It comes with a foam layer, which will comfort any painful joints and reduce any pressure points by distributing the weight. This dog bed is also convenient for you as the cover is removable and can be washed in the washing machine.
Customer review: "This mattress was so soft and my French Bulldog loves it. We got her a medium which fits her perfectly and she's always lying on it and at the discount price even better. Would highly recommend someone buying this, it's also nice and light so can be moved from room to room with ease but still firm and comfy for the pooch."
Pros
- Self-warming
- Dual-sided cushion
Cons
- Only available in one size
Best budget dog bed for travel
Description
If you're after a bed that can be chucked in the back of the car and used while you're out and about, visiting friends and family, or on a staycation, this Amazon Basics Round Pet Bed is a great budget option. It's lightweight and portable, with a slightly raised edge to give it structure and a pillow-like surface in the middle to ensure your pup is suitably cushioned while they nap.
Customer review: "Very surprised by this. Cost wise was budget and the bed is super soft and well padded. My fur baby is quite fussy but took to the bed immediately and practically hasn’t left it since!"
Pros
- Ideal for small and medium dogs
- Fleece on the top for your pooch's comfort
Cons
- Available in two shapes but only one size
Best budget dog bed for large dogs
Description
Give your pooch a plush place to rest their head with the Mirkoo Donut Dog Bed. As it's available in sizes L, XL, XXL and XXXL, it's ideal for those big boys and girls who love to curl up and get snuggly. The raised rim creates a secure and calming atmosphere, which is great if your hound can get a little anxious. Made from durable nylon and luxurious faux fur, it's super soft and snuggly while being able to withstand every day use.
Customer review: "My dog normally destroys beds. This is the first one he hasn’t. He’s sort of tried, digging and biting it but it’s still in great shape. Washes and dries well too. He loves it. He’s quite a small dog but I bought the big one for him. He stretches out sometimes, curls up other times. Would definitely recommend."
Pros
- Great for large dogs
- Available in seven colours
Cons
- Largest bed is designed for up to 45kg so this bed may not be suitable if your pooch is over this weight
Best fleece budget dog bed
www.petsathome.com
Description
This comfortable oval bed with its padded edge will give your dog somewhere soft and cosy to rest while allowing them to prop their head up for extra cushioning support. This Pets at Home Bone Oval Dog Bed has a removable padded cushion inside so you can move it around the house and place it wherever your pooch wants to be. When it comes to keeping it fresh and clean, all you have to do is pop it in the washing machine.
Customer review: "My cockapoo loves his new bed. I bought two beforehand somewhere else but as soon as I see this particular one on Pets at Home site on the internet, I knew that was the one & I was right. Value for money top marks for product. It looks good feels good & most of all my dog loves it so it’s a win-win situation. Well done pets at home. Five stars. Very, very soft & cosy"
Pros
- Fleecy
- Removable cushion
Cons
- Pets At Home advises that you avoid contact with light colours and wet floors as the colour could run and stain surfaces
Best budget dog bed for puppies
www.petsathome.com
Description
Welcoming a little fluff bundle of joy into your home? The Pets at Home Spotty Square Puppy Bed is a modern, affordable bed for a pup. We're just dotty about the spot print. The soft plush and teddy lining will ensure your puppy has a comfortable snooze and sweet dreams while they nap. The cushion inside is reversible and machine washable, making this bed practical as well as stylish.
Pros
- Stylish spot print
- Soft plush and teddy lining
Cons
- No customer reviews
FAQs
What are the benefits of dog beds?
On average, dogs only stand on their feet for five hours a day and sleep for around twelve hours, so it's no wonder they require a comfortable bed to relax on. Here are some reasons why purchasing a dog bed is essential for your pet and your household.
It gives dogs extra support
Dogs need somewhere comfortable to sleep. Sleeping on a cold, hard surface can produce sores, chafing or discomfort. No matter how old your dog is, they can develop joint issues, hip dysplasia or could be recovering from surgery or broken bones. If your dog is entering their senior years, they may need an orthopaedic dog bed for better support.
It gives them their own space
Dogs are denning creatures; in the wild, they will find a spot to keep themselves warm and gather leaves to create their den. It works the same in a domestic environment as well. If your pet does not a have designated bed, they will make their own cosy nest using blankets or laundry. Providing them with a dog bed or two will give them somewhere they feel warm, safe, and undisturbed.
It gives them security
If your dog suffers from anxiety, then a dog bed will give them a sense of security. For example, if you leave your pet at home for the day, they will feel secure and safe in their dog bed. Dog beds are also ideal for taking on trips or moving to a new house as even in a foreign environment, their bed will be predictable and comforting.
It keeps their fur contained
Dog beds not only benefit your pet but you as the owner too. Dog beds will help minimize the amount of fur shedding in other parts of your home. As dogs spend much of their time resting, most of the fur will collect in their beds – making cleaning up more manageable. Most dog beds come with a removable cover, so you can easily wash the bed if it needs a deep cleaning.
How do I choose the right size for my dog's bed?
When buying the best budget dog bed for your pooch, it’s important you get the right size for their needs. You’ll want to consider their weight and breed as well as their sleeping habits, like whether they stretch out or curl up when they’re snoozing. Their sleeping style may also affect the style of their bed, too. Dogs that like to stretch out would benefit more from a mattress-style bed, whereas dogs that like to curl up may like a donut-style anti-anxiety dog bed.
Before selecting the size of your dog’s bed, you’ll want to measure your hound from nose to tail and from the ground to the top of their head to make sure your pooch has more than enough room to nap comfortably.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.