If being greeted with the sight of chewed-up beds is a regular occurrence in your home, finding an indestructible dog bed will be a top priority for you. Whether you have a teething pup who just can’t resist gnawing on their bed or a hound that has a bad habit of sinking their gnashers into their bed until it’s completely shredded, these are the best dog beds for durability and are designed to withstand even the most persistent of chewers.
As a pet owner, it can be frustrating when you’ve spent your hard-earned money on a comfy bed for your pooch, only for them to have it resemble confetti the minute your back is turned. You might think your pooch is being a bad dog for chewing their bed, but as we found out from chatting with Lindsay Arliss, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, there are a number of reasons why your dog might resort to chewing. We have more on this in our FAQs, but puppies often chew to soothe their gum during teething and they’re still learning the wrong and right things to chomp, while older dogs might chew out of boredom or anxiety. By switching to an indestructible dog bed, you can provide your pooch with a more durable resting place that will withstand some gnawing while you get to the bottom of why your hound is destroying their bed.
Best indestructible dog beds at a glance:
When it comes to choosing the right indestructible dog bed for your pooch, there are a couple of things to consider. Look for tough dog beds that are made from more robust materials, like polyester and plastic, which are more likely to be able to take some chewing and clawing without breaking. Depending on the outer material, you may want to avoid memory foam dog beds or any other dog beds made from soft materials as these can easily be torn apart by chewers. It’s also a good idea to get one that has reinforced stitching and strong zippers to further enhance its durability as a chew-proof dog bed.
To help you find a dog bed that will provide your dog with a tough yet cosy space to rest their head, we’ve rounded up the best indestructible dog beds that are recommended by other dog owners who have faced the same challenge of finding a more durable bed. We’ve also got some top tips in our FAQ sections to help you identify why your pooch may be destroying their bed and something you can try to get them to stop it.
Best indestructible dog beds
Best overall
The Dog’s Bed/AmazonWith a durable polyester cover, double stitching for reinforcement and strong YKK zips, The Dog’s Bed Utility Dog Bed is a pretty tough choice. As well as being tough and abrasion-resistant, the outer cover has a waterproof coating on it so it's water-resistant, which is a feature that is appreciated by customers in the reviews. This makes it a great choice for those pups who love to get down and dirty on walks or are prone to the odd toilet accident.
In the reviews, customers have mentioned that even the most destructive dogs haven't managed to destroy the bed, although they've tried their hardest to! Pet owners online thought this bed could be more padded but believe overall that it is good quality.
Pros
- Durable polyester cover that is double stitched for reinforcement and strong YKK zips
- Water-resistant as the outer cover has a waterproof coating
Cons
- Customers thought it could be more padded
| Sizes: | L, XL, XXL |
| Material: | Polyester |
Best scratch-resistant bed
allpetsolutions/AmazonThe Oxford fabric that this allpetsolutions Waterproof Dog Bed is made from means it's scratch-proof so even if your pup tries to shred their bed with their claws, it should be a bit more robust. It's designed to be removable and washable, with a cover that can be zipped apart to be washed and a smooth and glossy finish that means pet hair can be just brushed away without sticking.
Customers comment on how well-made the bed is and also appreciate how tough and thick the fabric is but opinions are mixed on how water-resistant it is with some saying they felt like it seemed to absorb moisture and others saying it's definitely waterproof.
Pros
- Made from a scratch-proof material to make it more robust
- Cover can be zipped apart to be washed for easy cleaning
Cons
- Reviews are mixed about how waterproof the bed is
| Sizes: | 61 x 48 x 18cm, 75 x 58 x 19cm, 90 x 70 x 20cm |
| Material: | Hardwearing Oxford fabric |
Best for puppies
Petface/AmazonA great option for those looking for an indestructible dog bed for a pup, the Petface Plastic Dog Bed is made from a strong and sturdy plastic that will be able to withstand gnawing from those razor-sharp puppy teeth. It has a lower entrance so little ones won't need to strain their legs or jump up to be able to get into bed. It's also got rubber feet at the bottom which will prevent it from slipping and sliding about as your pup moves around inside.
While a plastic bed doesn't come with soft bedding or padding, you can make it as cosy as can be by adding blankets. It does only come in one size but customers online feel it's big enough for puppies and small dog breeds to stretch out and get comfortable.
Pros
- Made from a strong and sturdy plastic that will be able to withstand gnawing from razor-sharp puppy teeth
- Lower entrance so puppies don't need to strain to get inside
Cons
- Only comes in one size so not suitable for all dogs
| Sizes | 70 x 45 x 22cm (one size) |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best polyester indestructible dog bed
Buntywww.very.co.uk
For an alternative to a fluffy pet bed but with all the same levels of comfort, consider the Bunty Woodland Polyester Pet Bed. The outer is made from a strong polyester fabric and it uses durable stitching for extra strength, with a soft polyester fibre filling inside to make it more cosy for your hound to lay on. The high sides of the bed will also make your pet feel safe and secure, so if your pup tends to destroy their bed out of feeling anxious, this bed may help them.
Some customers comment that their dogs have managed to chew their previous beds but this Bunty one has managed to stay intact. Although the cover isn't removable compared to other beds on our list, customers found it was still easy to keep clean as any messes can simply be wiped clean.
Pros
- Durable yet cosy with a strong polyester fabric outer and cosy fibre filling inside
- High sides to help your pooch feel safer and more secure
Cons
- Cover isn't removable compared to other beds we've featured
| Sizes: | Medium, Large, Extra Large |
| Material: | Polyester |
Best for size range
Scruffs/AmazonChew and weather-proof, the Scruffs Expedition Box Bed is designed with a robust, water-resistant outer fabric that can easily be wiped clean from wet, muddy or sandy paws. The heavy-duty fabric is made in one piece so it'll be harder for your hound to chew as there aren't multiple seams for them to get their teeth into. Inside, the bed is filled with polyester fibre to be nice and comfortable, which is 100 per cent recyclable if this Scruffs bed unfortunately succumbs to chew damage.
Customers appreciate that this bed comes in many sizes and colours, but some found the sizing does come up a bit small so make sure you check the dimensions before you order. Some reviews also felt the stitching could be stronger but overall thought it was good quality and very durable and found the bed kept its shape very well even after being laid on by their dog and washed.
Pros
- Fabric is made in one piece to make it more heavy duty and robust
- Available in many colours and sizes to suit many homes and different breeds
Cons
- Some customers found the sizing come up small so be sure to check the dimensions before you order
| Sizes: | Small, Medium, Large, XL |
| Material: | Stoff/Polyester |
Best for ease of cleaning
Lifemax/RSPCAwww.robertdyas.co.uk
With a woven fabric that prevents pet hair getting stuck between it, a removable inner pad and a polyester outer that can simply be cleaned with a cloth, it's easy to keep the Lifemax RSPCA Extra Tough Dog Bed fresher for longer. As it's made with a hard-wearing polyester, it's tough too. Not only that, but this type of material is also great for keeping pets cool in the summer months.
As the name of the product has 'extra tough' in it, some customer reviews online found that it wasn't as tough as they were expecting but thought it was still pretty durable as it's made from polyester. It's only available in one size too so may not be the best option for large dogs.
Pros
- Easy to keep clean as the texture means pet hairs won't get stuck to it and muddy pawprints can be wiped off with a cloth
- Polyester material is tough but also cooling so great for sleeping in during the summer months
Cons
- Only one size available so may not be the best option for large dogs
| Sizes: | 50 x 48cm (one size) |
| Material: | Polyester |
Best for large dogs
PetfaceAvailable in sizes large and extra large, the Petface Oxford Oval Red Dog Bed will be paw-fect for destructive big boys or girls. It's made from a durable Oxford fabric to make it tougher against chewers with a non-slip backing that will stop the bed from moving about when your hound has jumped in. The removable and reversible inner bed and wipe-clean base make it very easy to keep clean and it can also be popped in the washing machine on a 30°c cycle for those more stubborn messes.
Many pet owners note that their pets find this bed very comfortable as it is filled with a plush yet supportive fibre but some felt it did lose its structure a bit after being washed in the machine or if their dog had laid against one side for a while. The design and how easy it is to clean also gets a big thumbs up (or should we say paws up) from customers, with it being recommended by 77 per cent of reviewers online.
Pros
- Available in large and extra large sizes, making it a great option for large dogs
- Can be wiped clean and washed in the washing machine so it's easy to keep clean
Cons
- While pet owners online noted how comfortable the bed is, some commented that it did lose its structured look after being washed/their dog laying on one side for a while
| Sizes: | L, XL |
| Material: | Oxford fabric |
How we chose the best indestructible dog beds
All of these indestructible dog beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered toughness, quality and comfort in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching tough dog beds 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. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQs<br>It can be frustrating for us pet owners when we see our dogs have destroyed yet another bed, but it's important to understand why they do it before putting things in place to stop them from doing it. We called in expert advice from Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, Lindsay Arliss, to answer the most frequently asked questions when it comes to dogs chewing their beds.
How to stop dogs chewing their bed?
How to stop your dog chewing their bed all depends on why your dog is chewing their bed and there are many reasons why this may be the case, according to Lindsay.
Teething
"Most puppies will chew everything," says Lindsay, but she goes explain that this usually is a phase they will grow out of. "This is a phase and can be easily managed by providing suitable outlets for chewing, such as consumable chews and toys. Teething puppies will also chew to relieve pain so try soaking a knotted tea towel and then freezing it to provide some relief and an alternative to chewing their bed."
Boredom
Another reason that a dog might chew their bed is because they're bored, because of this, Lindsay says it's important to keep your canine friend busy and active. "This may include giving them suitable chew toys and other enrichment or puzzle-feeding toys, but make sure not to leave your dog unsupervised while they're using these. You could also practise basic training with them and ensure they have appropriate exercise to keep them busy and active. Rather than simply throwing a ball for them to retrieve, add in opportunities for your dog to explore, sniff and search."
Anxiety
"Dogs who struggle being left home alone may panic and then destroy their beds to provide relief," explains Lindsay. "If your dog is distressed while at home the first step is to have a conversation with an experienced dog behaviourist."
What material can dogs not chew through?
While there are materials that are more chew-resistant than others, there isn't one that is completely chew-proof. If your dog is a strong chewer and persistent, they will unfortunately find a way to sink their teeth through it, one way or another.
However, as we've mentioned, there are materials that are tougher than others, such as polyester and plastic. Any of the beds we've featured should be a good place to start as they've come recommended by pet owners who have also been struggling to stop their pooch from destroying their beds.
If you're buying for a young pup, Lindsay thinks it's best to avoid spending lots of money on a bed, so you may want to opt for a more budget dog bed. She also advises getting your puppy a plastic bed with blankets rather than a bed filled with stuffing. A plastic bed should last a bit longer compared to a stuffing-filled one while they're going through teething and learning what is and isn't okay to put in their mouth.
Should I take my dog's bed away if they chew it?
Lindsay says, "It’s important that your dog has their own comfortable space to sleep undisturbed. If there’s a safety issue with their bed chewing, then remove this bed and provide your dog with something more suitable, such as a plastic bed with blankets, as this may last longer."
What age do dogs stop chewing beds?
The good news is that chewing tends to reduce as dogs mature, "anywhere between eight months and two years old, depending on the breed," according to Lindsay. However, Lindsay goes on to say some dogs will enjoy chewing into adulthood. "It’s a very normal and healthy behaviour and chewing is good for the mental well-being of dogs, so allow them to chew appropriate things if they wish to".
This article contains expert advice from Lindsay Arliss, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity. Lindsay has more than 15 years of professional experience working with dogs, as well as living with dogs. She has an Honours degree in animal behaviour, is a registered dog trainer with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and is a COAPE-qualified behaviourist, as well being an Animal Behaviour and Training Council registered practitioner.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & 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.