We Go Over the Best Raised Dog Beds

Whether you’re looking for a new folding bed for camping with your pup, letting them sleep next to a human bed, a chew-proof option for a heavy chewer, or something that will make it easier for your senior dog to get in and out of bed, a raised dog bed may be a great option to consider. Raised beds, also commonly called elevated beds, are available for dogs of all sizes, allow for enhanced airflow, and are cooling to help dogs stay comfortable, both indoors and outdoors.

There are many different raised dog beds available online, so you understandably may be having a hard time deciding which bed is the best overall choice for your dog. Worry not! We’ve reviewed some of the top options on the market to help you select the perfect bed to keep your pup comfortable. And we’ve supercharged this list with an extra fourth recommendation to keep our list current for 2022!

The Top Picks for the Best Raised Dog Beds: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed

The K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot is our favorite raised dog bed. This elevated dog bed can be used indoors or outdoors to keep your pet cool and comfortable. The elevated design and breathable mesh sleeping surface allow for sufficient airflow to keep dogs from getting too hot and also keeps pups off the cold or wet ground outside.

You’ll find that this is a durable and long-lasting bed. The metal frame and denier cover can support up to 200 pounds. The materials used to make the frame also allow for quick and easy clean-up; you can remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine or even clean the bed outside using a hose.

This bed comes disassembled, but assembly is quick and easy and requires no tools. If necessary, you can also disassemble the bed for travel or compact storage.

Choose from small, medium, large, and XL sizes in four color options: gray/black mesh, all-season tan mesh, chocolate/black mesh, and Realtree edge camo/black mesh.

The biggest customer complaint is that this raised dog bed isn’t chew-proof.

Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed

Best Elevated Bed

K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed

• Available in 4 sizes
• The largest size can easily -- and comfortably -- fit a mastiff
• Available in 4 colors
• Elevated beds are particularly useful in hot weather, and this one features a mesh center for breathable airflow
• The rest of the cot is constructed from durable, waterproof, heavy denier fabric

Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best with Canopy: SUPERJARE Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

If you’re looking for shade to keep your dog cool in the hot sun, the SUPERJARE elevated pet cot with a canopy is a great choice to consider. This bed is available in large and XL sizes, and each size option includes a removable canopy.

The frame of this elevated bed is constructed from steel to ensure durability, and the sleeping surface is made from a very strong 1680D Oxford cloth. These materials allow the large bed to support up to 100 pounds and the XL bed to support up to 120 pounds.

The fabric is also breathable to allow for sufficient airflow to keep dogs cool and comfortable. A carrying bag is included with each purchase to allow you to bring this bed and canopy wherever you travel with your dog.

A number of customers reported that various components of this elevated bed broke or tore after minimal usage.

Pros and Cons of the SUPERJARE Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

Best with Canopy

SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

• Canopy shades your dog from the sun
• The frame is constructed from steel
• The sleeping surface is made from breathable, super-durable Oxford fabric
• The large-sized bed can support up to 100 pounds and the XL bed can handle up to 120 pounds
• Includes a carrying bag

Check Amazon

3. Best Folding: Pet Gear Lifestyle Portable Pet Cot

The Pet Gear Lifestyle Portable Pet Cot features a folding design to allow you to pack it along for camping trips and any other getaways with your dog. This bed comes in three different sizes to accommodate different dog breeds. Choose from a 30-inch, 40-inch, or 50-inch bed. There are also two different color choices available: harbor gray and lake blue.

The Pet Gear Portable Cot is designed to be durable. It features a strong, powder-coated steel frame, yet also lightweight. The sleeping surface is made from a water-resistant fabric with a mesh center for cooling airflow. The cot’s legs also have rubber grips to keep it from sliding around as your dog gets in or out of it.

Most negative reviews for this product have to do with the cover ripping or tearing.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Gear Lifestyle Portable Pet Cot

Best Folding

Lifestyle Pet Cot Elevated Bed, No Assembly Required

• Folding design for the ultimate in portability
• Available in 3 sizes and 2 colors
• Lightweight, durable powder-coated steel frame
• Water-resistant fabric with a mesh center provides cooling airflow
• The cot's feet have rubber grips to keep it in place when your dog jumps on or off

Check Amazon

4. Best for Customization: K&H PET PRODUCTS Pet Cot with Removable Bolsters

The K&H PET PRODUCTS Pet Cot with Removable Bolsters is for dog owners who are looking for the elevated dog bed that does the most. The bolsters really help level up the comfort, and they turn the bed into a sort of nest which is especially great for any dog who tends to get a little nervous.

We love that the bolsters are removeable for easy transport or for you and your dog’s preferences. You can switch them out easily for a lovely canopy (sold separately), perfect for transforming the bed into a relaxing, shaded spot when you’re spending a day outdoors together.

Other accessories are available for this bed, making it the most versatile raised dog bed on this list. Depending on whether the current temperatures are hot or cold, you can customize the comfort by selecting either a mesh, cooling cot cover or a self-warming cot cover. The cover isn’t just easy to quickly wipe down, it’s also conveniently removable so you can throw it into the washing machine!

On top of everything, the bed holds up to 200 pounds — it’s strength-tested and extremely durable both indoors and out. The non-slip rubber feet will protect your floors, and you’ll love how easy it is to take this bed apart, pack it up, and put it back together to bring it along to all of you and your canine companion’s adventures.

Some customers reported that the fabric on this pet cot cracks after being exposed to prolonged sunlight. Other’s indicated that their dogs easily chewed through the fabric.

Pros and Cons of the K&H PET PRODUCTS Pet Cot with Removable Bolsters

Best Bolster Bed

K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Elevated Dog Bed

• Stylish and comfortable
• Features a breathable mesh center to keep your dog cool
• The rest of the fabric is waterproof, heavy denier that repels moisture, mold, mildew, bacteria, and even doggy odor
• Includes a 3-sided bolster
• The covers and bolsters can be removed and machine washed

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Pros and Cons of Raised Dog Beds

There are a few pros and cons to raised dog beds. We recommend that you use this list of pros and cons to determine whether an elevated dog bed is the right choice for your dog.

How to Choose the Best Raised Dog Bed: Our Criteria

Use the criteria below to help you select a raised dog bed that will meet your needs and keep your dog comfortable.

1. Size

One of the first things to look for when choosing a raised dog bed is size. You want to make sure the bed is appropriately sized for your dog and not too small or overly large. Your dog’s size and weight will help you determine whether you need a small, medium, large, XL, or even XXL dog bed. Small breeds will do best in smaller beds, while giant breeds will definitely need an XXL bed.

It can be easy to mess up the sizing, especially when ordering online. So save yourself the time and hassle of returning and re-ordering — double and triple check the dimensions before you finalize that order!

Another size factor comes into play if you have limited space to keep the bed while it’s set up or for storage or travel. If you need the raised bed to fit into a certain storage space or the trunk of your car, that’s another reason to be sure of the bed’s size while assembled and disassembled.

2. Durability

One of the main selling points of elevated dog beds is their durability. Many are designed to be chew-proof, which is especially important if you have one of those dogs. Still, each bed may be made with different materials, so you’ll still want to compare options and choose one that will hold up well and last a long time.

If the dog bed will be spending any time outdoors or if your dog comes straight inside from being out in the rain or snow, you’ll want to give some extra consideration to the bed’s materials.

3. Comfort

Your dog’s comfort is key when choosing a raised dog bed. Look for beds with a breathable mesh fabric that will allow cooling air to circulate your dog’s body. You will also want to make sure that, once put together, the sleeping surface has the right amount of tension and isn’t too loose or too tight.

4. Care and Cleaning

Choosing an elevated dog bed that is easy to clean is also important. Whether you are planning on leaving the bed indoors or outside for your dog, you want to be able to easily wipe down the frame and the sleeping surface so your dog will have a hygienic space to rest.

When shopping, pay extra attention to terms like “moisture-resistant,” “breathable,” “washable,” “antibacterial,” and “odor-resistant.”

5. Other Features

Finally, consider if there are any additional features you’d like to see in the raised dog bed you choose. For example, some beds are designed with a canopy for shade or with stairs, while others may feature a folding design.

If you’re planning to use the bed for camping or travel, a folding design and/or carrying case can allow for easier transport. Also think about the floor that will be underneath the bed. If you plan to use it indoors and have floors made of wood, ceramic, laminate, or vinyl that are susceptible to damage from scratches, make sure there’s a protective rubber layer between the floor and the legs of the raised dog bed.

Up Next

• Best Indestructible Dog Beds — Got a tenacious chewer on your hands? Make sure the bed can stand up to wear and tear.
• The Best Dog Tents — In case you’re one of those dog parents who likes to get cute with it… we get it.
• Best Dog Ramps — Because sometimes your dog’s favorite bed is your bed.