Bolstered sides, nonslip base and a removable, machine-washable cover make this a secure, easy-to-clean everyday bed for growing puppies.
Your puppy needs a cozy, safe place to sleep, but buying the wrong bed can mean chewed corners, ruined cushions, and endless laundry. Choose a bed that fits how puppies really live, grow, and make messes.
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but choosing the right bed can be surprisingly tricky. Puppies chew, have accidents, grow fast, and need a safe, cozy spot that helps with sleep and training.
This guide focuses on practical, real-world puppy beds that are comfy, washable, and tough enough to handle the first year. You will find the best options for crate training, anxious sleepers, travel, and everyday lounging so you can buy once and feel good about it.
Quick picks
- Paws & Snores Plush Bolster Puppy Bed: Best first bed for most puppies. Soft, supportive bolsters and a nonslip base make it feel secure, while the fully washable cover keeps accidents from turning into permanent smells.
- CozyNest Machine-Washable Puppy Mattress: Best for crates and playpens. A flat, dense cushion that fits standard crate sizes and goes straight into the washer, ideal for puppies still learning potty habits.
- SnuggleCave Covered Puppy Bed: Best for anxious or chilly puppies. The covered, cave-style hood helps nervous pups feel tucked in and secure, especially in noisy homes or colder climates.
- TravelTails Portable Puppy Crate Mat: Best for travel and small spaces. Lightweight, foldable, and easy to toss in the car or a tote, this mat gives your puppy a familiar spot wherever you go.
How to choose the best bed for your puppy
Before you fall in love with a cute bed, think about how your puppy actually lives day to day. The right choice depends on size, habits, where the bed will sit, and how committed you are to cleaning and training.
Size and room to grow
Buy for your puppy’s expected adult size, not just the tiny ball of fluff you see today. Your puppy should be able to stretch out fully without hanging off the sides, with a little extra room for growth.
If you have a large or giant breed, choose a bed that matches their likely adult measurements and plan to add rolled blankets around the edges at first. This keeps young puppies from feeling lost on a huge, empty surface while avoiding multiple bed purchases.
Support and materials
Puppies sleep a lot and need decent support for growing joints. Look for dense foam or thick polyfiber fill that bounces back rather than collapsing flat after a week.
Memory foam works well for larger breeds or puppies with joint concerns, but even a mixed foam and fiber mattress can be enough if it is at least 2 to 3 inches thick. Skip ultra-thin, flimsy pads as your primary bed unless you are using them as crate liners or travel mats.
Washability and accidents
Assume your puppy will have accidents. That means removable, machine washable covers and, ideally, a water resistant liner over the inner cushion.
Check washing instructions before you buy. Beds that fully unzip and allow you to wash both cover and liner are worth the extra few dollars in the first year, especially if your puppy is not fully house-trained or has a sensitive stomach.
Chewers, diggers, and rough players
Some puppies treat beds like stuffed toys. If your dog loves to chew or dig, skip loose piping, buttons, and decorative zippers that can be pulled off and swallowed.
Look for tougher upholstery-style fabrics or tightly quilted surfaces instead of long shag or faux fur. Shag is cozy, but it is also more likely to get ripped up, hold smells, and trap dirt.
Where the bed will live
A bed that sits in a drafty hallway needs thicker padding and bolsters, while a bed under a sunny window might need a cooler, more breathable fabric. For crate training, measure your crate interior and choose something that fits snugly without bunching.
Think about having at least two beds: one for your puppy’s crate or nighttime sleep and one for daytime lounging near where you spend time.
In-depth reviews
Paws & Snores Plush Bolster Puppy Bed review
The Paws & Snores Plush Bolster Puppy Bed is a great all-around choice for most new puppy owners. It combines high, supportive bolsters on three sides with a soft but not squishy center cushion, which helps puppies feel contained without being cramped.
The cover fully unzips, and both cover and inner liner are machine washable, which is essential during potty training and teething. A water resistant inner layer helps keep the main cushion from absorbing every accident, so the bed does not start smelling sour after a month.
This bed works best in a corner of your living room or bedroom or inside a larger crate. For heavy chewers, the plush fabric could be tempting, so you may want to reserve it for supervised naps and use a tougher mattress like the CozyNest in the crate overnight.
Compared with the SnuggleCave Covered Puppy Bed, Paws & Snores is more open and breathable, which is better for warm climates or puppies that sleep hot. If you are unsure where to start, this is the safest default pick for most families.
CozyNest Machine-Washable Puppy Mattress review
The CozyNest Machine-Washable Puppy Mattress is designed for crates, playpens, and owners who want cleaning to be as simple as possible. It is a flat, rectangular pad with dense cushioning and a tough woven cover that holds up better to scratching and light chewing than fluffy beds.
The entire mattress goes straight into the washing machine, which is a huge win when you are dealing with nighttime accidents or crate-training setbacks. There is no zipper to fuss with, and it dries relatively quickly in the dryer on low heat.
This mattress is not as visually cozy as the Paws & Snores bed or the SnuggleCave, but it shines in practicality. If your priority is a hygienic, easy-care surface for daily crate use, this is the smarter choice.
Side sleepers and puppies that like to lean may miss having bolsters. If your dog likes to curl against an edge, you can pair the CozyNest mattress with a rolled towel or add a second, more plush bed like Paws & Snores in your main living area.
SnuggleCave Covered Puppy Bed review
The SnuggleCave Covered Puppy Bed is ideal for anxious puppies, small breeds that get cold easily, or dogs coming from a noisy shelter environment. It features a soft, padded base with an attached hood that forms a cozy cave when your puppy crawls inside.
The interior is lined with a short, faux-fleece fabric that feels warm and comforting without being overly long or shaggy. The cover is removable and washable, though the hood does require a bit more effort to reshape after washing.
Compared with the Paws & Snores bed, SnuggleCave creates more of a den-like feel, which can be especially helpful in apartments, busy households, or for puppies that startle easily. The tradeoff is slightly less versatility in warm climates, since the covered design holds heat.
This bed is best used as a secondary nap spot rather than the only bed. You might keep a CozyNest mattress in the crate for training, then use the SnuggleCave in your bedroom or office as a quiet retreat when your puppy needs a break.
TravelTails Portable Puppy Crate Mat review
The TravelTails Portable Puppy Crate Mat is built for life on the go. It folds or rolls easily, weighs very little, and fits into most standard crates, making it perfect for car rides, vet visits, and trips to friends or family.
The cushioning is thinner than the dedicated home beds in this list, but it is still far more comfortable than a bare crate floor or hard tile. The fabric is smooth and easy to wipe down, and the whole mat is machine washable.
If you travel often with your puppy or want a bed that can move from the kitchen to the office to outdoor patio time, TravelTails is an excellent companion to a primary bed like Paws & Snores. It helps your puppy feel secure in new environments because the sleeping surface smells familiar.
This mat is not cushy enough to be your only bed for a growing large-breed puppy, so pair it with a thicker option at home. Compared with CozyNest, it sacrifices a bit of padding for portability and faster drying, which may be worth it if you are frequently on the road.
Helping your puppy love their new bed
Even the best puppy bed will not help much if your dog ignores it. A little training and consistency can turn the bed into a safe, happy place your puppy chooses on their own.
Make the bed smell like home
Puppies relax more easily around familiar scents. Rub a worn T-shirt or soft cloth on your hands and along the bed, or place a small blanket that smells like you or their breeder inside the bed for the first few nights.
If you are using a crate, put the primary bed or mattress in the crate and keep other surfaces in the room less inviting. The goal is for your puppy to associate the bed with comfort and security.
Reward calm time on the bed
Each time your puppy chooses the bed on their own, quietly drop a treat between their paws or offer a gentle pet. You can add a cue like “go to bed” once they start moving toward it predictably.
For puppies that chew, reserve special long-lasting chews for bed time only. This teaches them that relaxing on the bed is the best way to earn their favorite things.
Handle accidents and chewing calmly
Accidents will happen. Strip off the cover, wash everything promptly, and avoid scolding your puppy on or near the bed so it does not become a place they associate with punishment.
If your puppy chews the bed, redirect them to a chew toy and calmly remove the bed for a short break if needed. Tougher options like the CozyNest mattress or TravelTails mat can be helpful during heavy chewing phases before you transition back to plusher beds.
Final thoughts
The best bed for your puppy is one that fits their size and habits, is easy to wash, and matches how you actually live. For most households, the Paws & Snores Plush Bolster Puppy Bed makes a great primary option, with soft support and full washability.
If crate training and cleanup are top priority, start with the CozyNest Machine-Washable Puppy Mattress and add a cozier bed later. Anxious, chilly, or noise-sensitive puppies will likely feel safest in the SnuggleCave Covered Puppy Bed, while frequent travelers should add the TravelTails Portable Puppy Crate Mat for comfort on the go.
With one or two smart picks, you can give your puppy safe, restful sleep from the first week home through their rapid growth spurts.
See also
If you are investing in your dog’s long-term health and comfort, you may also want to read our detailed Embark dog DNA test review to better understand your pup’s breed mix and potential needs.
FAQ
How many beds should a puppy have?
Most families do best with at least two beds: one in or near the crate for nighttime sleep and one in the main living area. This lets your puppy rest close to you during the day while still keeping a consistent bedtime spot that signals it is time to settle.
What size bed should I get for my puppy?
Measure your puppy from nose to base of tail while they are stretched out, then add 6 to 8 inches to each side. If you have a young large-breed puppy, size up toward their expected adult size and use rolled blankets along the edges at first so they still feel snug.
Can my puppy use an orthopedic or memory foam bed?
Yes, memory foam or orthopedic beds can be great for fast-growing puppies, especially medium and large breeds. Just make sure the foam is protected by a water resistant liner and washable cover, since accidents on thick foam can be hard to clean and may shorten the life of the bed.
How often should I wash my puppy’s bed?
Plan to wash covers or entire beds at least every one to two weeks, and immediately after any accidents. During heavy shedding seasons or if someone in your household has allergies, weekly washing helps keep dander and odors under control.
When should I replace my puppy’s bed with an adult bed?
Most dogs can transition to a long-term adult bed around 10 to 18 months, depending on breed and growth rate. Replace the bed sooner if the cushion is noticeably flat, the fabric is torn or unsafe, or your dog has clearly outgrown the size and is hanging off the edges.
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