When shopping for a dog bed, some owners have a much harder task. If you have one of those dogs that tend to destroy things, shopping for a bed can be very frustrating indeed.
At the same time, your canine friend needs a place to lie down, and you probably don’t want them on the furniture. To resolve this issue, it is necessary to choose a bed with a higher level of durability. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top six choices for the best chew proof dog bed.
Quick Picks: The 6 Best Indestructible Dog Beds for Chewers
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!
Reviews of the 6 Best Dog Beds for Chewers
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
The Best Value
This is the cheapest option on the list, but it’s not a bad one. The product resembles a small couch and is very soft and well-padded.
This one seems very appealing to most pets, and the memory-foam base is a good idea. It doesn’t lose its shape over time as some beds do, and it provides both good support and insulation from the cold floor. When it comes to the comfort factor, we have no criticisms.
Rather than trying to create the toughest bed on the market (which would raise the price), this company just created a bed with a replaceable cover. The cover is pretty tough and does a great job of shedding water, but it is meant to be semi-disposable. The cover is attached with zippers, making it easy to remove.
The only problem is the extra expense of buying new covers from time to time. These things aren’t exactly cheap and have to be ordered directly from the company (you certainly won’t find them in a store). Also, that memory foam might be just a little too appealing for chewers.
Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Pros:
- Very thick and well-padded
- Waterproof liner
- Not too expensive
- Machine-washable
- Cover is easy to replace
- Doesn’t lose its’ shape over time
Cons:
- Memory foam might appeal to some chewers
- Replacement covers aren’t cheap
Kuranda High-Strength PVC Dog Bed
The Most Durable Bed
This is the second-cheapest bed on our list, and it takes a very clever approach to the problem of chewing. This bed is designed so that the edges of the fabric are contained within the frame, offering the dog no opportunity to grab.
Even the most dedicated chewer cannot bite into a smooth surface because there is simply nothing to bite. Of course, the dog could still chew the frame, but this frame is available in high-strength PVC or aluminum. The PVC should be able to resist the teeth of small dogs with no problem, while the aluminum is strong enough for larger breeds.
Because the only fabric is a canvas screen, this bed is really easy to clean. You just give it a quick spray, scrub away any remaining filth, and shake it dry. The little bit of water that remains should be gone within a few hours.
Overall, we think that this bed is the one that is least likely to be destroyed by dedicated chewers. So, if you’ve got one of the hard cases, this is a great choice. However, there are one or two downsides. This bed is not flexible, which means it can be harder to fit inside a crate or vehicle.
This bed is also not suited for outdoor use, as the manufacturer warns against this. That’s not a huge problem, but it does cut down on the portability factor. This bed is definitely the least portable, but it’s tough enough to compensate for this minor problem.
Our Rating: 5 stars
Pros:
- Available in PVC or aluminum
- Gives very little opportunity for chewing
- Very easy to clean
- Pretty cheap
- Held together with steel fasteners
- Hammock-type design is good for bones and joints
Cons:
- Hard to fit in certain areas
- Not recommended for outdoor use
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Nesting Dog Bed
The Most Comfortable Bed
This is a very thick, soft, and comfortable bed. It contours to the dog’s body and allows them to sink in for additional warmth. It also provides good bone and joint support for senior/injured dogs and keeps its shape for a long time.
This one comes with a guarantee that your dog will not destroy it within the first 120 days. This is pretty good because most warranties will only cover manufacturer defects. It’s also guaranteed to be non-toxic, which is reassuring.
As for problems, we see two large ones. First, this is the most expensive bed on our list by a large margin. Second, the advertising admits that this bed is “chew-resistant” and not “chew-proof.” Thus, it won’t stop the most dedicated chewers.
Our Rating: 4 stars
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Fabric is very thick and tough
- Memory foam provides great support
- Guaranteed non-toxic
- 120-day anti-chew guarantee
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
- Not suitable for dedicated chewers
Dogbed4less Extreme Comfort Memory Foam Dog Bed Pillow
The Best Cushion Bed
This is another cushion-type bed, but this one is more durable than you might think. The whole thing consists of a waterproof cushion inside a thick denim cover. Denim does a good job of resisting dog damage and is easy to wash in any washing machine.
One thing that stands out about this cushion is its thick and spacious nature. Even the heaviest of dogs should find ample padding here. Even the smallest size available (37 inches by 27 inches) should be large enough to keep your dog from rolling out of bed at night.
This one is quite affordable and is available in three different sizes. When you remove the liner, you can see that the internal cushion is waterproof enough that you could throw it in a swimming pool. For dogs that are prone to urinating in the bed, this is a big advantage.
Still, we see one problem: Once denim fabric develops a tiny rip, it will tend to keep fraying until it’s ruined. Once that happens, the shredded foam stuffing is likely to become a terrible mess. This cushion is also kind of bulky, making it a poor choice for travel.
Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Pros:
- 100% Denim fabric is very tough
- Not that expensive
- Machine washable
- Available in three sizes
- Cushion is waterproofed
Cons:
- Prone to fraying once torn
- Shredded foam stuffing could become a huge mess
K9 Ballistics Tough Dog Crate Pad
The Best Portable Dog Bed
This is a very simple cushion-type bed that is made to resist scratching and biting. We really like the way that this bed can be rolled up for easy storage, making it a perfect choice for traveling.
Like some other products on our list, this one has an anti-chew warranty, and it’s good for 120 days. That, combined with the extreme waterproofing of the liner, should give you plenty of confidence in this bed.
At the same time, we don’t think this one is tough enough for a dog that likes to chew. While the seams are well-reinforced, the cover fabric itself is just too thin for our liking. This might be a good choice for very small dogs and light-duty chewers but isn’t suitable for difficult cases.
Our Rating: 4 stars
Pros:
- Easy to roll up for storage
- Completely waterproof
- Reinforced seams
- 120-day anti-chew warranty
- Good reviews in general
Cons:
- Cover fabric is too thin
goDog Bubble Bolster Bed
The Best All-Around Dog Bed
This one is a little smaller and lighter than the others, but that might be a good thing for you. This one isn’t made to be the toughest on the market, but it’s a great option for light to medium chewers. The bed is constructed of soft plush fabric but is reinforced with a tough mesh core for extra longevity.
We like the (relatively) low price tag on this product, and we also like the thick, pillowed edges. These give your dog an excellent place to lay their head and prevents them from rolling out of bed. It may not be as tough as nails, but the manufacturer does guarantee that the bed will not be destroyed within 30 days.
This one would get a higher score if it were just a little bit tougher, as we are looking for the most durable bed we can get. It’s a good choice for dogs with a mild chewing problem, but don’t expect it to hold up to a serious chew-monster. Also, this bed has very little padding on the bottom, which is another downside.
Our Rating: 4 stars
Pros:
- Comfortable pillowed edges
- Price is reasonable
- Reinforced with mesh for extra durability
- 30-day replacement guarantee
- Collapsible enough to be used nearly anywhere
Cons:
- Not all that tough
- Not very well-padded on the bottom
Best Dog Bed for Chewers Buying Guide
You have now seen six good examples of the various chew-proof (and chew-resistant) dog beds on the market. Now, let’s answer some specific questions on this subject.
Why Do Dogs Chew Their Beds?
No one really knows why dogs chew things, and we won’t truly know until we figure out some way to read a dog’s mind (don’t hold your breath waiting on that one). However, there are some sound theories on the subject.
Sometimes, dogs might chew out of curiosity. They investigate things with their mouths rather than their hands, so this theory makes good sense. Separation anxiety might be another reason, as could boredom. In other cases, dogs might chew something just because they like the way it smells.
Puppies (Teething)
In case you don’t know, teething is the process by which a puppy (or any other infant) grows its first teeth. This is a somewhat painful and uncomfortable process, and so most puppies will take to chewing in order to seek relief.
A puppy’s first teeth will come in at 2-3 weeks of age, and will not be replaced with adult teeth until the dog is 3-4 months old. During this time, you should expect a much greater amount of chewing than normal.
Thankfully, this isn’t an issue for most people. At 2-3 weeks of age, most puppies are still with the breeder. Nevertheless, young puppies will generally be more likely to develop a chewing problem. Thus, you should avoid buying a bed for your pup until you are reasonably sure it will last more than a week.
Aggressive Or Rough Dogs
Dogs that are particularly rough or aggressive will often represent the worst chewers. Some dogs just have a rowdy nature that drives them to destroy things, much to the annoyance of their owners. For cases like this, you will have to go a little farther.
These kinds of dogs can never be given a cushion-type bed, no matter how tough it might seem. In no time at all, you will have a big fluffy mess on your hands. Go for something with a metal frame that conceals the edges of the fabric (like option number two from our list).
Nervous or Bored Dogs
Nervous or bored dogs will always be more likely to chew. Think about it from a dog’s perspective: If you have nothing to do, chewing something might seem like a good way to pass the time.
This scientific study might be worth reading. It shows that humans have a much higher risk of accidental death when they are bored. From this, we can infer that people get into trouble when they are bored, and it’s probably the same for dogs.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Tearing Up His Bed?
There are many things you can do to stop your dog from tearing up the bed. One thing you can do is try and relieve your dog’s boredom/anxiety in some other way. Give them a good alternative to chewing, and they will be less likely to do so. Even something as simple as a chew toy can do a lot of good here.
In the end, however, most beds are not tough enough to withstand the most dedicated chewers. The best solution is simply to buy a more durable dog bed. Until you cut off the opportunity for destruction, you will probably continue wasting time and money.
Exercise
Many dog owners have been in this situation: You’re about to leave the house for a few hours, but you are hesitant to leave. This hesitation comes from the knowledge that your dog is going to tear the house to pieces when you leave. So, the next time you find yourself in this situation, take your dog out for some exercise.
Many times, boredom and nervousness are the results of excess energy. By working out some of that excess energy, you make it more likely that your dog will lay down and rest while you’re gone. Like humans, dogs are much more likely to get in trouble when they are bored.
Positive Reinforcement
When you are trying to correct problematic behavior, it can be tempting to use negative reinforcement (punishment) first. However, you should resist this instinct because negative reinforcement only works when it is coupled with positive reinforcement (rewards).
When you use positive reinforcement, you are showing your dog what to do. When you use negative reinforcement, you are showing your dog what not to do. Both of these methods are essential, but positive reinforcement tends to have better results.
Limiting Alone Time
Dogs are pack animals, so they don’t like to be alone. You can’t really change this, as it’s a basic part of their nature. Thus, it’s a good idea to try and limit the time that your dog spends alone. Separation anxiety is definitely one of the causes of destructive chewing, so this step is worth the trouble.
Interactive Games
There are many different kinds of dog toys on the market, so there is no need to stick with the standard options. Some dogs are just too intelligent for rubber balls and rawhide bones, so you might have to invest in something more complex like interactive dog toys.
Because some of these toys are quite expensive, you might want to create your own dog toys. If so, you should still begin by looking at the commercially-available toys to get some ideas.
Anti-Chew Spray
If you are having consistent chewing problems, you might want to try some anti-chewing spray. This stuff is not hard to find, and it seems to be safe. However, a lot of dog owners don’t want to trust the commercially-made products. We would recommend that you try to make DIY anti-chew spray instead.
Final Thoughts
Now it is time to declare a winner. When we evaluate these beds in terms of durability, we find that only one of them gets the five-star treatment. The Kuranda bed is the only bed on our list that seems able to stand up to a dedicated chewer. This makes it the best chew proof dog bed on our list.
We should mention that all of these dog beds are pretty tough. The Dogbed4less model was a close runner-up with its thick denim padding. PetFusion was also quite nice, but in the end, the choice was clear. We hope you have enjoyed this article and that you will come back again.