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. If you're wondering where to buy cheap dog beds that offer great value but also comfort, take a look at our top picks for the best budget dog beds below.
The best budget dog beds - great cheap dog beds for under £50
Best overall budget dog bed
AllPetSoutions/AmazonThis 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 bed for your good boy or girl to relax in, thanks to its faux lambskin inner that is oh-so-soft and fluffy.
With the inside of the bed being cream in colour and the knitted exterior being grey, it might get dirty more quickly compared to a bed in a darker colour, but as it's machine washable, you'll soon be able to get it looking as fresh as can be again. Opinions are mixed about the sizing, with some reviews mentioning the bed came up small but others finding it was the perfect fit for their pooch so be sure to check the size guide before ordering.
Pros
- Super soft and fluffy so it'll make a cosy space for your hound to rest their head
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons
- Light colour may get dirty more easily
| Sizes: | Small: 51 x 36 x 12cm, Medium: 61 x 50 x 20cm, Large: 77 x 57 x 22cm |
Best budget sofa dog bed
AmazonThis 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.
Customers have found this bed to be a strong and sturdy dog bed but also comfortable as the inner is filled with foam. Although it's comfy, it may not feel as snuggly to your dog compared to others on our list as it doesn't have a faux fur or sherpa fabric inner like others on our list, but you can soon add some blankets to make it more cosy.
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 as it doesn't have a faux fur or sherpa fabric inner
| Sizes: | 96 x 96 x 34cm |
Best orthopaedic budget dog bed
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
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. Its double-sided design means your pup can stay extra warm and cosy in the winter months before flipping it over and enjoying the cooler side during warmer periods of the year.
As well as being a comfort for your pooch, this bed is also convenient for you as the cover is removable and can be washed in the washing machine. However, Pets at Home do warn that this bed could stain surfaces if it comes into contact with wet floors and cleaning chemicals so keep that in mind while tidying up your home with the bed on the floor.
Pros
- Takes pressure off joints and supports aching limbs with its foam-filled, mattress-style design
- Dual-sided cushion to ensure maximum comfort in both the winter and summer
Cons
- You should avoid putting this bed in contact with wet floors and cleaning chemicals as the colour could run and stain your floors
| Sizes: | 12 x 80 x 65cm |
Best budget dog bed for travel
AmazonIf you're after a bed that can be chucked in the back of the car and used by a small or medium dog while you're out and about, visiting friends and family, or on a staycation, this Amazon Basics Octagon Pet Bed is a great budget option. It's lightweight and portable, with raised edges to give it structure and a pillow-like surface in the middle that is covered in fleece to ensure your pup is suitably cushioned while they nap.
With over 16,000 reviews, this Amazon pet bed is a popular choice with customers who rate it highly for softness, comfort and value but some reviews do mention the filling could be better as they found it went a bit lumpy after a while.
Pros
- The size is ideal for small and medium dogs
- Has a pillow-like surface inside covered in fleece to make it cosy and comfortable
Cons
- Some reviews mention the filling inside got a bit lumpy after a while
| Sizes: | 50.8 x 50.8 x 15.2cm |
Best budget dog bed for large dogs
Mirkoo/AmazonGive 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. Customers appreciate the comfort and overall appearance of this large donut bed. It's easy to wash as it can be put in the washing machine but as it's so fluffy, it will take a while to dry.
Pros
- Great for large dogs as it's available in sizes L, XL, XXL and XXXL
- Donut style with a raised rim is great for dogs who like to curl up
Cons
- May take a while to dry after being washed because it's so fluffy
| Sizes: | L 60 x 45 x 19cm, XL 80 x 60 x 19cm, XXL 90 x 70 x 19cm, XXXL 110 x 85 x 19cm |
Best fleece budget dog bed
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
This comfortable oval bed with its padded edge and fleece covering 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 and once it comes out, it'll be as good as new again. Although the material is so cosy, it may be more susceptible to chew damage as it's so soft and easy for hounds to sink their teeth into so if your pup is a chewer, you may want to consider another option.
Pros
- Fleecy with padded edges to be cushioning and comfy
- Removable cushion so you can move it around the house and take it out for cleaning
Cons
- As the material is so soft, it may be more susceptible to chew damage compared to others
| Sizes: | Small 16 x 55 x 43cm, Medium 17 x 68 x 48cm, Large 19 x 76 x 53cm |
Best budget dog bed for puppies
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
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 and it will blend in with any modern, neutral home. 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.
Like other beds on this list, the light great and cream colouring will make this bed more prone to getting dirty, so you may find yourself needing to clean muddy footprints off it more often but as we've mentioned, the bed is machine washable so you can get it looking spick-and-span again in no time.
Pros
- Stylish spot print that won't look out of place in modern, neutrally-decorated homes
- Soft plush and teddy lining to ensure baby dogs are comfortable while snoozing
Cons
- Light colouring may mean this bed is more prone to getting dirty
| Sizes: | Small 20 x 50 x 45cm, Medium 21 x 55 x 65cm |
How we chose the best budget dog beds
All of these budget dog beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered price, quality and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cheap pet beds for dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeps 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.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Just like us humans when finding the perfect pillow firmness for our needs, dogs will also have preferences on how hard or soft their bed is. When searching for the best cheap dog beds in the UK, you’ll definitely want to take into consideration what firmness will suit your pooch the most.
Generally speaking, older pooches or those hounds with joint, muscle or bone issues may prefer a softer bed to cushion the areas where they’re experiencing aches and pains. Young pups may prefer cuddling up in a soft bed but just be mindful that softer beds are easier to chew so you may want to choose a hard one that will withstand a bit of chewing while your baby dog is teething.
Do dogs prefer circle or square beds?
What type of bed your pooch prefers may often be determined by their sleeping position. Circle beds are ideal for dogs that like to curl up when they sleep as the donut-style mimics their body shape whereas other pups may favour square beds as they offer more room to stretch out. The size and breed of your hound could also be a deciding factor, many cheap dog beds for large dogs are often square-style as they offer more room to accommodate their size but if you have a small dog, a circle bed should provide ample space.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home and Pets 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.