Elevated dog beds have been around for a long time but are still less common than their plush dog bed counterparts. However, raising your dog off the ground can have huge benefits, not only for your dog but for you too.
The majority of raised dog beds look more like a cot than a bed. Durable materials are the norm which makes them a smart choice for dogs that like to chew.
Our top choice of the best elevated dog beds is the K9 Ballistics elevated dog bed for all-around durability, but for more options, read on.
Are elevated dog beds better?
Elevated dog beds are versatile and easy to keep clean. Not only that, but they are lightweight and portable, so they can be taken outside on a beautiful day to provide your dog someone cool to snooze.
In fact, keeping your dog off the ground has other advantages too;
Temperature control
An elevated dog bed can help protect your dog from getting too hot or cold. The raised platform allows for better air circulation, keeping your dog cool while protecting it from cold surfaces and draughts.
Easy access
Raised dog beds are comfortable and easier to get out of, especially for dogs with mobility issues or joint problems.
Protects your dog from pests
Having a raised dog bed also helps keep your dog away from creepy crawlies, dampness, mold and mildew, and mud.
Durable
If your dog chews everything in sight, an elevated bed stands a good chance of remaining in one piece. Made from durable materials that your dog is less likely to nibble on, they can be a massive boon to owners who are fed up replacing beds for their chewy dogs. Alternatively, check out our guide to indestructible dog beds for more options.
Easy to clean
It might seem like a small benefit, but for anyone that suffers from allergies having a bed that doesn’t collect fur is a real plus point. Hair and dander merely brush off, so there’s no need to wash dirty or hairy covers.
If the above benefits have convinced you to try an elevated dog bed, how do you choose the best one for your dog?
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following elevated dog beds
- K9 Ballistics elevated dog bed
- HDP Elevated Napper
- The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo
- K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot
- Enchanted Home Ultra Plush Pet Bed
Elevated dog beds – what to consider
Elevated dog beds need to be sturdy. Suspending your dog above the floor means that both the frame and sleeping area need to be able to hold and support your dog’s body with ease.
Keep in mind the following, and you’ll be in good shape to make an informed choice;
Size and height
Getting the right size in an elevated dog bed is probably the most important consideration. Your dog should be able to use the bed, curled up or stretched out without any limbs hanging off the side as it could put undue pressure on their bones and joints.
The height is also vital to get right. Your dog should be able to step on and off with ease. If they need to jump on the bed, then it’s too high.
Frames
Look for lightweight but durable materials like an aluminum or steel frame. If you want to use the bed both inside and outside, you’ll also need to make sure that the frame is rust-proof or water-resistant. Not only that, but a heavy-duty metal frame will offer the best defense against mildew and mold.
It’s also worth looking at the base of the legs. Durable non-skid rubber feet will not only prevent the bed from skidding as your dog gets on and off, but they will protect your floors too.
Sleeping area
The material that provides your dog with their sleeping area is especially important. While many elevated dog beds have mesh support, you can get raised beds with cushions too. This area needs to be strong enough to support your dog comfortably.
Keep in mind the additional pressure that the corners of the bed will bear, so reinforced material here is a plus point.
With all that in mind, here are our top choices for the best-elevated dog beds.
K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed S - Chewproof - Aluminum - Ripstop Ballistic Fabric - Indestructible, Heavy Duty Dog Bed - Fits Inside Small... - Chew Proof Dog Bed: For dogs who persistently chew their beds, and who've turned lesser dog beds into a pile of rags. Not just chew resistant, this dog bed is an indestructible dog bed.
- Chew Resistant Dog Bed: This elevated dog bed resists all destructive dog habits such as chewing, biting, scratching, digging, and nesting. This is due in part to the full aluminum dog bed design, and...
- 120 Day Chew Proof Warranty - If your dog chews through or damages any part of their bed within 120 days of receiving it, we will replace the damaged item once free of charge.
- Chew Proof Dog Bed: For dogs who persistently chew their beds, and who've turned lesser dog beds into a pile of rags. Not just chew resistant, this dog bed is an indestructible dog bed.
- Chew Resistant Dog Bed: This elevated dog bed resists all destructive dog habits such as chewing, biting, scratching, digging, and nesting. This is due in part to the full aluminum dog bed design, and...
- 120 Day Chew Proof Warranty - If your dog chews through or damages any part of their bed within 120 days of receiving it, we will replace the damaged item once free of charge.
Not only is this elevated dog bed from K9 Ballistics chew-proof, but it comes with a 120-day K9 ballistics chew-proof warranty. Its heavy-duty aluminum construction and five-size options make it suitable for even the largest dog. Strong yet lightweight, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and comes complete with non-skid rubber feet.
The sleeping area is ripstop ballistic material which is durable and easy to clean. What’s more, the material, which is available in four color options, goes all the way under the aluminum corners, so there are no tempting edges for your dog to nibble.
Pros
- Supportive and durable raised bed
- Easy to assemble, simply screw in the legs
- The aluminum frame is lightweight, strong, chew proof and won’t rust
- Perfect for larger dogs as the bed will support up to two hundred and fifty pounds
Cons
- The sleeping area material is solid, so it doesn’t provide as much airflow as breathable mesh.
- It could be too hard for dogs with mobility issues. The material, while supportive, doesn’t have much give.
HDP Elevated Padded Napper Cot Space Saver Pet Bed Color:Black Size:Large - Heavy-duty water resistant polyester oxford
- Powder coated, rust-resistant frame
- Protects pets from uncomfortable cold, hot, damp, and uneven surfaces
- Heavy-duty water resistant polyester oxford
- Powder coated, rust-resistant frame
- Protects pets from uncomfortable cold, hot, damp, and uneven surfaces
This space-saving pet cot is perfect for dogs that prefer to snooze curled up. The frame is sturdy, rust-resistant steel, while the sleeping area is heavy-duty polyester oxford. Not only is it water-resistant and is UV-resistant, but also it’s well-padded, providing a comfortable but cool place for your dog to sleep.
Ideal for smaller dogs as the bed is low; it still has enough clearance to keep your dog off the floor. It folds up easily and comes with its own carry bag, making it the perfect bed for traveling. What’s more, it’s available in four colors and two sizes.
Pros
- Low to the ground, making it suitable for even the smallest of dogs
- Padded for extra comfort
- Highly portable. It’s easy to fold and comes with a carry bag
Cons
- Only ideal for dogs up to forty pounds
- Although perfect for dogs that like to curl up – it does restrict your dog’s ability to stretch out.
- The material does stretch, and as the bed is so low, it means that heavier dogs will eventually touch the floor.
Sale 
Coolaroo Gale Pacific The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed, Indoor and Outdoor, Large, Brunswick Green, 51.00" x 31.50" x 8.00" - COOLING DOG BED – Coolaroo’s signature breathable fabric promotes air circulation on all sides of the bed, keeping your dog cool and comfortable all year long
- RELIEVES JOINT PRESSURE POINTS - Raised dog bed design helps to eliminate hot spots and fabric flexibility creates low-impact areas to relieve joint pressure points
- EASY TO CLEAN - washable pet bed with removable cover makes it easy to clean, simply hose off with water or wash with a damp towel - use mild cleanser for deep cleaning
- COOLING DOG BED – Coolaroo’s signature breathable fabric promotes air circulation on all sides of the bed, keeping your dog cool and comfortable all year long
- RELIEVES JOINT PRESSURE POINTS - Raised dog bed design helps to eliminate hot spots and fabric flexibility creates low-impact areas to relieve joint pressure points
- EASY TO CLEAN - washable pet bed with removable cover makes it easy to clean, simply hose off with water or wash with a damp towel - use mild cleanser for deep cleaning
Available in small, medium, and large, this elevated bed from Coolaroo is supportive, flea, mite, mold, mildew resistant, and easy to wash and maintain.
The frame is powder-coated steel, making it sturdy yet portable. So, your dog can enjoy both indoor and outdoor use. The material is breathable and UV, and fade-resistant, which means it will keep your dog cool even on the warmest of days. Not only that, but it’s available in four colors.
Pros
- Replacement cover available
- The material is light and airy, which is perfect when the weather is warm
- There’s enough stretch in the material for the bed to be supportive yet comfortable.
Cons
- Assembly is a bit of a pain. Bolts and holes don’t line up very well
- The material tears easily, so if your dog likes to dig before it lay down, it won’t last long
- The frame becomes twisted and loose and needs regular adjustments as your dog uses it
Sale 
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Outdoor Elevated Dog Cot Bed w/ Removable Bolsters - Chocolate/Black Mesh, Large 30 X 42 X 7 Inches - BOLSTERED OUTDOOR DOG BED: Dog cot made of waterproof, heavy-denier fabric with fluffy plush bolster for ultimate pet comfort and security. Raised dog bed helps pets stay cool in summer months by...
- STRONG & STURDY: Dog cots lightweight metal frame and heavy denier cover holds over 200 pounds, dog bed is durable and tested for strength
- QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY: Easy to assemble and disassemble, no tools necessary making this outdoor dog bed great for use during travel, camping, picnicking and more
- BOLSTERED OUTDOOR DOG BED: Dog cot made of waterproof, heavy-denier fabric with fluffy plush bolster for ultimate pet comfort and security. Raised dog bed helps pets stay cool in summer months by...
- STRONG & STURDY: Dog cots lightweight metal frame and heavy denier cover holds over 200 pounds, dog bed is durable and tested for strength
- QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY: Easy to assemble and disassemble, no tools necessary making this outdoor dog bed great for use during travel, camping, picnicking and more
This elevated dog bed from K&H offers a little bit more. If you like the idea of a flat bed with a bit more support, then this bolster design is perfect. The bolster cushion runs three-quarters of the way around the bed, ensuring your dog stays put as they sleep. Not only that, but for dogs that like a headrest while they snooze, it’s ideal.
Available in three sizes, the frame of the bed is PVC pipe, while the sleeping area is a mix of solid and meshed six-hundred denier nylon fabric. It’s waterproof, bacteria, mold, and mildew resistant, offering a supportive and hygienic place for your dog to sleep.
Pros
- The bolster cushion offers excellent support and added security for dogs that move around a lot as they sleep.
- There’s good airflow provided by the mesh fabric in the center of the bed.
- For an additional cost, you can get a canopy for the top to provide additional shading.
Cons
- The seams that join the center mesh panel to the solid outer panels rip
- The material is not fade-resistant, so don’t expect it to keep its rich brown color if you do use it outside.
- It’s supportive, but the material does sag over time
Enchanted Home Pet Panache Sofa - 2” legs lift bed off floor, keeping your pet draft free
- Removable/washable cushion cover
- Fits pets up to 60 lbs
- 2” legs lift bed off floor, keeping your pet draft free
- Removable/washable cushion cover
- Fits pets up to 60 lbs
If you’re looking for an elevated bed that will keep your dog warm rather than cool, this bed is perfect. Not only does it provide a soft and supportive place for your dog to sleep. But the two-inch legs mean that your dog is raised off the floor and away from draughts.
The couch-shaped design of this bed means that it supports your dog well. And it provides plenty of pillow space for dogs that like to rest their heads on something while they snooze. What’s more, the cover is removable for easy cleaning and
Pros
- A cozy alternative to more traditional elevated dog beds
- Well-padded and comfortable
- The elevation and bolster cushions keep draughts at bay
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs that chew
- The pillow is almost over-stuffed and becomes lumpy with use
- Only ideal for dogs up to fifty pounds.
Best elevated dog beds conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a raised bed to keep your dog cool or warm, there’s something suitable. Elevated beds have advantages over their floor-based counterparts. Not only are they more hygienic, but they are also easily portable too. Our top choice for all-around comfort, durability, and comfort is the K9 Ballistics elevated pet bed
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API