The 7 Best Dog Beds for Labradors (Tested and Scored)

Buck is 9 now, and his left elbow has early osteoarthritis. That changed how I look at dog beds. A bed that flattens into a pancake after a few months isn’t just a waste of money for a Lab like him, it’s a stiff walk to breakfast the next morning. My top pick for most Labs is a thick orthopedic foam bed with a washable cover, and the Big Barker scored highest of the seven I looked at.

These beds were reviewed for LabraJoy a few years ago, some in a Lab’s home and some on research. I’ve now re-scored every one against the criteria we use across the site and kept the honest downsides in.

Quick note: if you buy through my links, LabraJoy may earn a small commission from Amazon or Chewy. It doesn’t change what I recommend, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Friends Forever Dog Bed

9.8/10

• Orthopedic memory foam with bolster walls
• Ideal for senior dogs or those with joint pain
• Durable, water-resistant liner
• Stylish design blends with home decor
• Easy to clean with a removable, machine-washable cover

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Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

9.2/10

• Ideal for large dogs
• 7-inch high-quality foam for joint support
• Integrated headrest for added comfort
• Durable, machine-washable microsuede cover
• Stylish zippered design
• Made in the USA with a 10-year warranty

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BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed

9/10

• Sized at 32 x 22 inches for small to medium dogs (up to 50+ lbs)
• Premium orthopedic foam for joint pain relief
• Luxurious quilted polyester cover
• Cotton-padded rim cushion for neck support
• Removable, machine-washable cover
• Give your dog ultimate comfort and support

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The best dog beds for Labradors at a glance

Here’s how the seven beds scored, highest first:

If your Lab is young and healthy, you have more freedom. If your Lab is a senior or has joint problems, put foam thickness and support first, then worry about looks.

How I scored these beds

Each bed was judged on how well it supports a big dog’s joints, how it stands up to digging and chewing, and how easy it is to keep clean. Scores follow the bed criteria on our review scoring page:

Joint support carries the most weight. Labs are prone to hip and elbow problems, and a supportive bed is one of the easiest things you can do to help, especially as your dog ages.

Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed with Headrest (best overall)

LabraJoy score: 8.5 / 10

The Big Barker is made in the USA with a 7-inch orthopedic foam base built for large dogs, a microsuede cover that comes off for washing, and a raised headrest that Labs love to drape their chin over. Big Barker backs the foam with a 10-year guarantee that it won’t flatten and will keep at least 90% of its shape, which is rare in this category.

The company also says a study it ran with the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school found less pain and stiffness in large dogs sleeping on the bed. That’s company-funded research, so I’d treat the numbers with caution, but the build quality speaks for itself. It’s the bed I’d choose for a senior Lab like Buck.

The price is the catch. It costs several times more than budget beds, although if it saves you from replacing a cheap bed every year, the math gets closer than it looks.

What I like:

• Thick, supportive foam with a 10-year anti-flattening guarantee
• Sized properly for big dogs, with a comfy headrest
• Made in the USA

What bugs me:

• Expensive
• The guarantee doesn’t cover chewing or cover damage

Dogbed4less Memory Foam Bed (best for messy Labs)

LabraJoy score: 7.5 / 10

The Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed earns its place with practical touches. It uses high-density memory foam, a waterproof liner inside, and a tough denim outer cover that stands up to muddy paws better than plush fabrics. When it was reviewed, the waterproof lining and the denim cover were the standout features for a Lab household.

Some owners mention a smell when it’s first unpacked, and a few find the foam firmer or softer than they expected. Airing it out for a day usually takes care of the first issue.

What I like:

• Denim cover handles dirt and claws well
• Waterproof liner protects the foam

What bugs me:

• Foam smell at first
• Not chew-proof

Kopeks Jumbo Orthopedic Bed (best for sprawlers)

LabraJoy score: 7.4 / 10

Some Labs sleep curled up. Others stretch out like they’ve been dropped from a height. The Kopeks Jumbo is for the second kind. It has a thick memory foam base, a waterproof liner, a non-skid bottom, a removable plush suede cover and a headrest, all in a very generous size.

It’s big, though. Measure your floor space before ordering, because in a small apartment it can take over a room. A few owners also find it firmer than they’d like.

What I like:

• Huge sleeping surface with a headrest
• Waterproof liner and non-skid base

What bugs me:

• Takes up a lot of floor space
• Plush cover isn’t for diggers

Friends Forever Orthopedic Bed (best bolster bed)

LabraJoy score: 7.2 / 10

This is the bed we tested at home, and it’s comfortable. The Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed pairs memory foam with bolster walls on the sides, so a Lab can rest his head on the edge. It has a water-resistant liner and a removable, machine-washable cover.

When I tested it, setup took about three minutes, the foam stayed firm after the first few weeks, and the senior Lab sleeping on it limped noticeably less in the mornings. That’s one dog’s experience, not a medical result, but it’s exactly what I’d hope to see from an orthopedic bed.

It scores below the leaders for two reasons: the cover is less tough than denim or microsuede, and it’s pricier than its durability justifies.

What I like:

• Supportive memory foam and comfy bolsters
• Quick setup and an easy-wash cover

What bugs me:

• Cover isn’t very tough
• A smell when first unboxed
• The XL is genuinely large, so measure first

Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed (best budget for large breeds)

LabraJoy score: 6.9 / 10

The Laifug has a double-pillow design, memory foam, a waterproof liner and a removable cover, all at a friendlier price than the leaders. Many owners say their dogs took to it straight away and use it for lounging as well as sleeping.

The two complaints that come up most are that it’s too stiff for some dogs and the foam isn’t as thick as expected. For a young, healthy Lab it’s fine. For a senior with sore joints, I’d spend more.

What I like:

• Good features for the price
• Waterproof liner and washable cover

What bugs me:

• Can feel stiff
• Foam thickness varies

Furhaven Orthopedic Bed (best for cozy nappers)

LabraJoy score: 6.5 / 10

The Furhaven has a contoured shape, an orthopedic foam base and an ultra-plush faux fur and suede cover that most dogs find irresistible. The cover comes off for washing, and it’s available in sizes up to Jumbo Plus for very large dogs.

Its weakness is durability. Owners often report the foam losing shape and the cover tearing, especially with big, active dogs. The plush fur also traps Lab hair, so expect more lint rolling.

What I like:

• Very soft and cozy
• Lots of sizes

What bugs me:

• Foam and cover wear out faster than the leaders
• Plush fabric holds onto shed hair

BarksBar Orthopedic Bed (cheapest option)

LabraJoy score: 6.3 / 10

The BarksBar is the bargain of the group. It has 4 inches of orthopedic foam, a soft polyester cover, a cushioned rim and a non-slip rubber bottom that keeps it in place on hard floors. The cover is removable and machine washable.

At this price, there are compromises. The cover is thin and doesn’t stand up to chewing or claws, the sides can feel flimsy, and some owners say the foam is thinner than advertised. For a puppy who might destroy a bed anyway, it’s a sensible first bed.

What I like:

• Low price
• Non-slip bottom on hard floors

What bugs me:

• Thin cover
• Foam can feel thinner than expected

What size bed does a Labrador need?

Most adult Labs need a large or extra-large bed. The easy way to check is to measure your dog asleep, stretched out from nose to the base of the tail, then add 8 to 12 inches. Labs sprawl more than you’d think.

Here’s a quick sizing guide:

Sizes vary a lot by brand, so compare the actual sleeping area, not just the label. When in doubt, size up.

Which type of bed suits your Lab?

Bed labels get confusing fast. Here’s how the main styles compare for a Labrador:

From my experience, most adult Labs do best on an orthopedic foam bed indoors with a raised cot outside for summer. Bolsters are a lovely extra for dogs who like to curl up, but they’re the first part a chewer goes for.

Before you buy, check:

• The actual sleeping area in inches, not just the size label
• Whether the cover is removable and machine washable
• That there’s a waterproof liner between the cover and the foam
• The foam thickness, and whether it’s one solid piece or shredded fill
• The warranty, especially what it says about flattening

What makes a good bed for a Lab

Support first

Labs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and, later, arthritis. The MSD Veterinary Manual’s overview of joint disorders in dogs explains how common these problems are in large breeds. A thick orthopedic or memory foam base spreads a big dog’s weight so the hips, shoulders and elbows don’t press into the floor.

Look for:

• At least 4 inches of supportive foam, and 6 to 7 inches for seniors
• Foam that springs back when you press it, rather than staying dented
• A low entry edge, so stiff dogs can step in easily

Colorado State University’s guide to arthritis management in dogs lists comfortable bedding alongside weight control and exercise. If your Lab is stiff or limping, talk to your vet too. Buck’s own stiffness improved with a vet-guided plan, not just a new bed.

Chewing and digging

Young Labs destroy beds. At 10 months, left alone in the yard, Buck chewed through a heavy-duty nylon leash and half a wooden patio chair leg in under 20 minutes, and a plush bed wouldn’t have stood a chance. For puppies and adolescents, I’d choose a cheap bed or a tough cover, and save the expensive orthopedic bed for later.

Easy cleaning

Labs bring the outdoors in. A removable, machine-washable cover and a waterproof liner are the two features I’d never skip, because they keep the foam dry and fresh.

Keeping cool

Labs run warm, and a foam bed can feel hot in summer. An elevated cot-style bed lets air flow underneath, is easy to hose off and works well outdoors or on a porch. Many owners keep an orthopedic bed indoors and a raised cot outside.

Best bed materials for Labs

Here’s how common bed materials hold up to a Lab:

A water-resistant liner under the cover is worth more than any fancy fabric. It’s what keeps a wet Lab from soaking the foam and turning the bed sour.

Beds for Labs with allergies

If your Lab has allergies, the bed can help or hurt. Dust mites love warm, fabric-filled beds, so what matters most is how easy the bed is to keep clean, not a “hypoallergenic” label.

My tips:

• Choose a tightly woven cover, like microfiber or tight cotton, that resists dust mites
• Wash the cover every week or two in hot water
• Pick a bed with a waterproof liner so the foam doesn’t hold moisture
• Avoid deep plush fabrics that trap hair and dander

A clean bed also matters for your Lab’s comfort and emotional well-being. Dogs settle best in a familiar, comfortable spot that smells like home.

How much should you spend on a Lab bed?

It depends on your dog’s age and habits more than anything. I think about it in three tiers:

• Puppy or chewer: keep it cheap and replaceable until the chewing stops
• Healthy adult: a mid-range orthopedic bed with a washable cover and waterproof liner covers most needs
• Senior or joint problems: this is where a premium, thick-foam bed earns its price

A cheap bed that flattens in six months and gets replaced twice a year can end up costing as much as a premium bed that lasts for years. For an older Lab, I’d put the money into the bed before almost any other gear.

How to clean a dog bed properly

A Lab’s bed gets dirty fast, and a smelly bed usually means moisture has reached the foam. Here’s the routine I’d follow:

1. Shake out or vacuum loose hair before washing, so it doesn’t clog your machine
2. Wash the cover in warm water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent
3. Spot-clean the liner and let it dry completely
4. Air the foam in the sun if it smells, but never put foam in a washing machine
5. Make sure everything is fully dry before you put it back together

Washing the cover every week or two is plenty for most Labs, and more often if your dog swims a lot or has skin allergies.

Do Labradors like blankets?

Most do. Plenty of Labs love to dig, circle and burrow into a blanket, and many owners find a blanket on top of the bed helps an anxious dog settle. I’ve written more about why Labradors like blankets.

A few cautions: skip blankets with loose threads or tassels for puppies who chew, and wash blankets as often as the bed cover. For a senior Lab with joint pain, a blanket on top of a supportive bed adds warmth, but it can’t replace the support of good foam.

Beds for Lab puppies

Puppies are a special case. A Lab puppy will chew, dig and have accidents, often all in the same week, so this isn’t the time for an expensive orthopedic bed. Based on my research and plenty of shredded bedding, I’d start with something cheap, washable and easy to replace, or a tough crate pad, and upgrade once your dog is past the chewing stage, usually somewhere around 18 months to 2 years.

A few puppy tips:

1. Put the bed in or next to the crate, so it becomes the place to sleep
2. Give a safe chew toy at bedtime, so the bed itself isn’t the chew toy
3. Wash the cover often during house training
4. Take the bed away for a while if your puppy starts tearing it apart, and try again later

Growing Lab puppies need plenty of sleep, often 18 hours or more a day, so a comfortable spot still matters. It just doesn’t need to be a fancy one yet.

How to get your Lab to use a new bed

Some Labs flop onto a new bed straight away. Others ignore it for days and go back to the sofa. To speed things up:

• Put the new bed where your dog already likes to sleep
• Add an old blanket or T-shirt that smells like home
• Toss a few treats on it and praise your dog for lying down there
• Leave it unwashed for the first few days so it picks up your dog’s scent

Foam beds sometimes have a “new” smell when they’re unboxed. Letting the bed air out for a day before introducing it helps sensitive noses.

When to replace a dog bed

Even good beds wear out. I’d replace a bed when:

• The foam stays dented or your dog’s hips touch the floor through it
• The cover is torn and the foam is exposed to chewing
• Odor remains after washing the cover, which often means the foam is wet inside
• Your dog starts avoiding the bed or struggles to get up from it

That last one is worth taking seriously. A dog who suddenly stops using a bed may be uncomfortable, and new stiffness or reluctance to lie down is a reason to check in with your vet, not just to buy a new bed.

Outdoor and travel beds

Labs love being outside, and a separate outdoor bed saves your good one from mud and rain. An elevated cot with a sturdy frame is ideal on a porch or deck, since it keeps your dog off hot or wet ground and hoses clean in seconds. For road trips, a folding travel mat or a cot that packs flat gives your Lab a familiar place to settle in a new spot, which helps a lot in hotels and rentals.

Where to put your Lab’s bed

Location matters almost as much as the bed. I’d put the main bed somewhere quiet but close to the family, away from drafts and direct heat, and on a non-slip surface. Senior Labs especially appreciate a bed near where you spend your evenings. If your Lab sleeps in a crate, a thin, chew-resistant crate pad works better than a thick bed, and my guide on what size crate a Labrador needs covers fitting one.

FAQ

My final word

A good bed is one of the kindest things you can buy for a Lab, especially as the years add up. If your dog is young and still chews, keep it cheap and tough. If your dog is getting older, invest in real support. Buck spends a lot more of his day lying down than he used to, and that’s exactly when the bed underneath him starts to matter.