Large Dog Beds That Actually Hold Up in the Wash
Furhaven’s Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog Bed leads with a zip off cover over supportive egg crate foam. Big Barker’s 7 inch orthopedic bed adds more foam depth for large and giant breeds with joint pain. Bedsure’s large bed answers owners who want the entire bed, not just the cover, machine washable.
Furhaven’s Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog Bed handles shedding and mud better than most large dog beds, thanks to a zip off cover over a supportive foam base. Big Barker’s 7 inch bed goes further for dogs over 90 pounds with joint pain, using denser foam that resists flattening. Neither foam base machine washes, though, so owners chasing a fully washable bed should look at Bedsure’s large bed instead.
Plenty of beds marketed as washable only remove a cover, leaving a foam base that needs spot cleaning or air drying. We compared these seven beds on stated wash instructions, cover fabric, fill type, and owner reports on shrinkage or foam recovery after washing.
Our top picks
Furhaven Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog Bed
A zip off cover pulls free for the washing machine while an egg crate foam base stays put underneath. Bolstered sides give large dogs a spot to rest their head. Owners with shedding breeds say the cover keeps its shape through repeated wash cycles.
Pros
- Zip off cover handles regular machine washing
- Bolstered sides support head and neck resting
- Foam base holds its shape under large dog weight
Cons
- Foam base itself cannot go in a washer
- Bolster fabric wears faster than the flat base
Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed
Seven inches of dense foam supports dogs over 90 pounds without flattening under weight. A microfiber cover unzips fully for a real machine wash. Owners of large breeds with joint issues cite foam recovery as the reason they upgraded from a standard bed.
Pros
- Foam depth supports the heaviest large breed dogs
- Cover removes fully for an actual machine wash
- Foam resists flattening better than standard bed fill
Cons
- Foam base cannot go in a washer or dryer
- Heavier and bulkier than standard large beds
Bedsure Large Dog Bed
The whole bed, not just the cover, fits in a standard washing machine, since polyester fiber fill replaces solid foam. A nonslip bottom keeps it in place on hardwood or tile. Owners cleaning up after muddy walks say the entire bed comes out intact.
Pros
- Whole bed washes and dries as one piece
- Nonslip bottom stays put on hard floors
- Costs less than foam based orthopedic beds
Cons
- Fiber fill gives less joint support than foam
- Fill can clump after repeated washing
Friends Forever Original Calming Donut Dog Bed
A raised, fluffy rim gives large dogs something to lean against, which owners say helps dogs that pace before settling. The entire bed goes into the washer and dryer. Faux fur resists matting even after multiple wash cycles.
Pros
- Raised rim suits dogs that like to burrow or lean
- Entire bed machine washes with no cover removal
- Faux fur resists matting through repeated washing
Cons
- Offers less structured support than foam beds
- Bulk slows down full drying time
Milliard Memory Foam Dog Bed
A memory foam layer under a removable cover adds joint support for less than premium orthopedic beds. The cover unzips for a standard machine wash. Owners note the foam runs thinner than Big Barker’s but still holds shape under a medium to large dog.
Pros
- Memory foam adds support at a lower price point
- Zippered cover simplifies regular washing
- Lighter weight than thicker orthopedic beds
Cons
- Foam is thinner than dedicated large breed beds
- Cover fabric feels less durable under heavy chewing
Kuranda Almond PVC Chewproof Dog Bed
An elevated PVC frame holds chew resistant fabric off the ground, so mud and hair never soak into padding. The fabric wipes clean or hoses off outdoors. Owners with dogs that destroy soft beds say this frame style survives where padded beds do not.
Pros
- Elevated design keeps dirt off the sleeping surface
- Fabric resists chewing better than padded covers
- Cleans with a hose instead of a washing machine
Cons
- Offers no cushioning compared to foam based beds
- Frame takes up more floor space than a flat bed
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
A water resistant inner liner protects the foam from accidents before they soak through, while the outer cover still removes for washing. Solid CertiPUR-US foam holds its shape under daily use. Owners with older large dogs mention the liner as the reason cleanup stays quick.
Pros
- Water resistant liner limits accidents reaching the foam
- Certified foam holds shape under daily use
- Cover zips off without disturbing the foam base
Cons
- Costs more than fiber filled alternatives here
- Liner adds a bit of stiffness to the surface feel
What matters most
What washable actually means for a dog bed Some beds wash whole, cover and fill together, like Bedsure or Friends Forever. Others only release a cover, leaving a foam base that needs spot cleaning or air drying, as with Furhaven and Big Barker. Check both cover and fill instructions before buying, since foam run through a washer can lose its shape for good.
Foam or fiber fill for a large dog Solid or memory foam spreads body weight evenly and resists flattening, which matters most for dogs over 70 pounds. Fiber fill costs less and machine washes as one piece, but it compresses faster under daily weight. Arthritic dogs and seniors generally do better on a foam base like Big Barker’s, even with the extra wash step involved.
Handling accidents and heavy shedding A water resistant liner, like PetFusion’s, keeps moisture from reaching the foam and causing odor over time. Heavy shedders do best with a cover that unzips completely rather than one with a partial opening. Faux fur and plush fabrics trap loose hair, so a smoother woven cover often cleans up faster.
When an elevated bed beats a padded one Dogs that chew or dig at bedding often wreck padded covers within weeks, which is where an elevated frame bed like Kuranda’s holds up. Raised designs also keep dogs off cold or damp flooring, useful in garages and outdoor kennels. Comfort takes a hit, though, since taut fabric cushions less than foam.
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Furhaven Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog Bed | Large, up to 90 lbs | Best overall | 9.3 | Check price |
| 2 | Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed | Large and giant, up to 250 lbs | Best for large and giant breeds | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Bedsure Large Dog Bed | Large, up to 75 lbs | Best value | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Friends Forever Original Calming Donut Dog Bed | Large, up to 90 lbs | Best for anxious dogs | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Milliard Memory Foam Dog Bed | Large, up to 65 lbs | Best budget | 8.3 | Check price |
| 6 | Kuranda Almond PVC Chewproof Dog Bed | Large, up to 90 lbs | Best for chewers | 8.1 | Check price |
| 7 | PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed | Large, up to 90 lbs | Best for easy wash cover | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a large dog bed in a regular washing machine?
Beds with fully removable covers, or those built entirely from washable fiber fill, fit most standard machines. Foam based beds usually restrict the wash to the cover only, since foam breaks down in water and loses its shape.
How often should a large dog’s bed get washed?
Every one to two weeks for regular use, and sooner after an accident or muddy walk. Heavy shedding breeds benefit from more frequent cover washing to control odor and allergens.
What is the best dog bed for a dog that chews the cover?
Elevated frame beds, like the Kuranda Almond PVC bed, use chew resistant fabric stretched over a rigid frame instead of loose padded fabric, giving less material for a dog to grab.
Do orthopedic dog beds actually help with joint pain?
Owners of dogs with arthritis report better mobility and less stiffness after switching to supportive foam, particularly beds with several inches of dense foam like Big Barker’s. Foam spreads weight more evenly than thin fiber fill.
Can memory foam dog beds go in the dryer?
No, memory foam should air dry only, since machine heat can break down the foam structure. The removable cover is generally the only part safe for a dryer, and even then low heat is safest.
What size dog bed does a 90 pound dog need?
Most large dog beds fit dogs up to 90 pounds, with dimensions typically around 40 by 30 inches or larger. Giant breeds over that weight need a large or giant specific bed, like Big Barker, sized up to 250 pounds.
Is an elevated bed better than a padded bed for large dogs?
It depends on the environment. Elevated beds suit garages, patios, and dogs that dig or chew, since they resist damage and stay off cold floors. Padded beds suit indoor use where comfort matters more than chew resistance.
How do you stop a washable dog bed cover from shrinking?
Wash in cold or warm water rather than hot, and air dry or use a low heat dryer setting. Check the specific care label, since fabric blends vary by bed and some shrink more than others under heat.
Which washable dog bed works best for heavy shedders?
A cover that unzips completely, like Furhaven’s or Big Barker’s, traps and removes loose hair better than a partial opening. Smoother woven fabrics also shed less trapped hair than faux fur styles.
The verdict
Most large dog households do best with Furhaven’s Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog Bed, since its removable cover and supportive foam balance washability with comfort. Owners of giant breeds or dogs with joint pain should size up to Big Barker for the extra foam depth. Anyone who wants the entire bed machine washable without exception should pick Bedsure’s large bed instead.
Olivia Hartley
Olivia spent several years working at an animal shelter and a pet-supply retailer before joining the editorial team. She researches pet gear with an emphasis on safety, comfort and the fine print that owners often miss.
