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The 4 Best Elevated Dog Beds

We tested elevated dog beds from Helinox, K&H Pet Products, Amazon Basics, and more to find the best raised bed for your pooch
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Best Elevated Dog Bed Review (Like many huskies, Cali is all in for a day's work, especially if it involves bed testing.)
Like many huskies, Cali is all in for a day's work, especially if it involves bed testing.
Credit: Sarah Sherman
By Sarah Sherman ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 14, 2023

The Best Elevated Dog Beds


Seeking the best elevated dog bed? Our team researched the best options before buying and testing 8 top-rated models available today. Our top recommendations are approved by tandems of dog and human testers. We involved several different dogs, with varying personalities, likes, and dislikes, having them plop a spot on each dog bed we tested on hot summer days. We love our four-legged family members, and we know you do, too. This review will help you find the right model to fit the needs of your pup and you, whether your furry friend is a chewer, picky, large, small, or anywhere between. Heck, even if you don't need a dog bed, we took some adorable dog pics worth checking out.

If you're looking for pet gear, we can help. From the best dog clippers, top dog leashes, and best dog harnesses on the market, we've tested all the best products, choosing our favorites along the way. We've also selected our favorite cat beds and the top cat toys for your feline friends.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on July 14, 2023, to ensure our lineup is current with correct product pricing. We removed two discontinued elevated beds from our roster.

Top 8 Elevated Dog Beds

Displaying 1 - 8 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Elevated Dog Bed
Editors' Choice Award
Best for Comfort
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
 Top Pick Award
Best for Chewers
   
Price $180 List
$179.95 at Amazon
$95 List
$62.55 at Amazon
Check Price at Amazon$43 List
$35.16 at Amazon
$159 List
$159.00 at Amazon
$55 List
$59.99 at Amazon
$55 List
$52.99 at Amazon
$130 List
$126.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Lightweight, durable, coolingBolster, soft meshAffordable, easy to clean, supportiveBreathable, many color optionsEasy assembly, durableRemovable canopy, easy to constructEasy setup, lots of color optionsIncredibly durable, easy to clean
Cons Expensive, limited optionsDark color heats up, one color optionLimited color options, hard to set upScratchy material, harder to set upLess breathable, priceyLimited options, less durable than othersPotential durability issues, flimsyClunky, tools required to assemble
Bottom Line A sleek, lightweight, and extremely breathable bed that is a great long-term option for someone who doesn't mind spending a little more for top qualityA combination of comfort and cooling, this elevated bed's removable bolsters make it versatile for all dogsAn affordable, durable, and cooling bed that gets the job done without costing muchA sturdy, easy to clean bed for dogs that seek cooling over comfortA reliable and durable bed built to withstand dogs who like to chewKeep your dog cool with their own personal, luxurious, shade sourceEasy setup makes this bed good for those on the goA metal frame and heavy duty material make this bed the sturdiest we tested
Rating Categories Helinox Elevated Do... K&H Pet Products Or... Amazon Basics Cooli... Coolaroo The Origin... K9 Ballistics Chewp... Best Choice 36-Inch... Veehoo Cooling Kuranda All-Aluminu...
Comfort (25%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
8.5
7.0
3.0
Durability (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.5
8.5
9.0
5.0
4.0
9.5
Ease of Use (20%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
4.0
Cooling (15%)
9.0
6.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
3.0
Style (15%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
Specs Helinox Elevated Do... K&H Pet Products Or... Amazon Basics Cooli... Coolaroo The Origin... K9 Ballistics Chewp... Best Choice 36-Inch... Veehoo Cooling Kuranda All-Aluminu...
Size options M or L S, M, L XS, S, M, L, XL S, M, L 30x20" 30", 36", 42" S, M, L Mini, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Materials Aluminum, mesh Metal, mesh Metal, mesh Alloy steel, high density polyethylene, fabric Aluminum, ripstop woven nylon Steel, nylon, mesh Textilene mesh and powder-coated steel Aluminum, nylon
Care Hose or hand wash Machine washable Hose or hand wash Hose or hand wash Hose or hand wash Hose or hand wash Hose or hand wash Hose or hand wash


Best Overall Elevated Dog Bed


Helinox Elevated Dog Cot


86
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 8.0
  • Durability 9.0
  • Ease of Use 9.0
  • Cooling 9.0
  • Style 8.0
Available Lengths: 35.5", 39" | Wash: Hose or spot clean
REASONS TO BUY
Very breathable
Lightweight
Clean aesthetic look
Easy to transport
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited size options
Expensive

Our testers were intrigued upon receiving the sleek and well-designed Helinox Elevated Dog Cot. Our dogs approved of the purchase, choosing this bed above the others for sprawling out and lounging. Our human testers appreciate that it checks the most important boxes—it's easy to assemble, lightweight and packable, durable, and it's not an eyesore. Weighing under three pounds, this lightweight bed is as travel-ready as much as it is suitable for daily use. The bed is made with an incredibly breathable nylon mesh material wrapped around an aluminum frame. While the material is black, heat collection wasn't an issue during testing due to the thin and breathable nature of the material. This same thin material still held up to our durability testing, coming away with no noticeable marks or damage. The bed is relatively easy to set up with the help of instructions. No additional tools are necessary, and while the top material requires some stretching to get across, Helinox utilizes a lever system to latch it into place, making it simple to assemble and disassemble as needed. This model is also a cinch to clean by simply spraying it down with a garden hose.

We had no notable gripes with this bed's functionality, but your wallet will feel the ding. It is expensive compared to other beds available, but it's also a better product with a higher level of design and nicer materials overall. We were also somewhat disappointed to see that it is only available in one color and two sizes (Medium and Large). However, if you enjoy the sleek look of the Helinox Elevated Cot and you're willing to shell out the cash, both you and your canine friend should be happy and cool with this elevated choice for use at home and on the go.

elevated dog bed - indy enjoying a bone while cooling off on the sleek design of the...
Indy enjoying a bone while cooling off on the sleek design of the Helinox. We tested the Large version of this lightweight, portable, and durable cot.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Best for Comfort


K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot


78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 9.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Cooling 6.0
  • Style 7.0
Available Lengths: 22", 32", 42" | Wash: Machine washable
REASONS TO BUY
Bolster for comfort
Mesh is soft
REASONS TO AVOID
Dark color absorbs heat
Only one color option

The K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot did not disappoint. It utilizes a mesh center for air circulation, similar to most of the competing beds, but its bolster is what sets it apart. The bolster is a stuffed pillow of sorts that borders three sides of the bed, providing comfort for dogs who like to snuggle into something — many of our dogs like to lay their heads against it like a pillow. It also makes the bed look much more furniture-like. This bed's mesh center is much softer than the others we tested, with multiple layers that feel comfortable to the touch. It is this softness, combined with the bolster, that earns this model our top praise for comfort. The material also held up well in our durability test and showed no signs of wear after five minutes of continuously scraping it with a fork to simulate a dog's nails on the bed.

While this bed earns high marks in the comfort category, there are still a few things we don't completely love. First, the bed only comes in one color scheme: black mesh with a chocolate border. While this may not matter to some, this dark color makes the material of the bed absorb heat. If it's left in direct sunlight, its cooling effect diminishes significantly. The bolster is removable and machine washable (win!), but the multiple layers of mesh on the bed make it a bit more difficult to clean than some of the other models. Overall, we were very pleased with the bed, its furniture aesthetic (especially nice if you plan on having it inside, too), its high-quality comfort and feel — and it was certainly approved by the majority of our canine testers. If your dog prefers a bed where he or she can rest their head on the side or snuggle into a corner, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot is our top recommendation.

elevated dog bed - the k&h pet products original bolster pet cot makes nala one...
The K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot makes Nala one happy dog. Most of our canine testers seem to really love the pillow along three of the four sides to rest their paws and heads.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Best Bang for Your Buck


Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 8.0
  • Durability 8.5
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Cooling 8.0
  • Style 6.0
Available Lengths: 22", 28", 36", 44", 52" | Washing: Hose or spot clean
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Easy to clean
Supportive
REASONS TO AVOID
Few color options
Difficult setup

When searching for an elevated dog bed on a budget, the Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed should be high on your list. One of the more affordable beds on the market, it offers a lot of value. It was sturdy enough for both a human tester and a dog to sit on, held up to our durability test well, and is simple to clean with a hose when it gets dirty. While the setup process is best completed with two people, once set up, it is easy to move around the house and yard as needed.

The main issue we had with the Amazon Basics bed is that its utilitarian, simple looks aren't going to win many folks over. It also lacks many color options. Although there is a large range of sizes to best suit your dog, if you're particular about how you decorate your home or backyard, you might find the options lacking. Also, because setup is tricky, we wouldn't want to disassemble and reassemble it often. If you get the larger sizes with hopes of travel, this model will be more difficult — to fit a size Medium in a Subaru Forester, we had to fold the seats down. That being said, if you are not too picky when it comes to color, this model will treat both you and your furry friend to a durable bed for use outdoors to keep your dog cool or indoors for a nap (we even tried it with a soft bed on top with great success) at a very reasonable price.

elevated dog bed - indy taking a dog nap on the amazon basics cooling elevated dog bed.
Indy taking a dog nap on the Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Best for Chewers


K9 Ballistics Chewproof


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 6.0
  • Durability 9.0
  • Ease of Use 9.0
  • Cooling 6.0
  • Style 5.0
Available Lengths: 29", 35", 41", 47", 50" | Washing: Hose or spot clean
REASONS TO BUY
Easy setup
Very durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited breathability
Expensive

If you have an active chewer on your hands, you know how frustrating it can be to spend money on a high-quality dog bed, only to have your furry friend rip it to shreds. That's where the K9 Ballistics Chewproof bed comes in. It's constructed with ultimate durability in mind. Its frame is aluminum, making it unattractive to the chewing-inclined, and the ripstop bed fabric seamlessly connects to it, leaving zero gaps for a dog to put their mouth or catch a paw. The durability was further proved during our testing after we were unable to break through the material after five minutes of scraping it continuously in our abrasion test. Although this test did leave some marks on the surface, its structural integrity did not seem to be affected, and we did not see any visibly broken fibers. This bed was one of the simplest to set up, only taking us 40 seconds to screw the legs of the bed into the metal frame and making it easy to take apart and put in your car, storage, or move around.

Unfortunately, the K9 Ballistics ranked lower than others when it came to breathability. While the material is thin and did not get hot to the touch when left in the sun (we tested the light, sandy color; this may differ for the darker colors), it does not have any perforation or mesh, which limits airflow through the actual bed. It also comes in only a small handful of color options, and some of our human testers found them a little lackluster. Still, if your dog is a super chewer, but still needs a reliable bed to keep them off the ground and comfortable, we highly recommend considering the K9 Ballistics bed.

elevated dog bed - winnie cooling off on the k9 ballistics chew proof armored elevated...
Winnie cooling off on the K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Armored Elevated Dog Bed.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
86
Helinox Elevated Dog Cot
Best Overall Elevated Dog Bed
$180
Editors' Choice Award
78
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot
Best for Comfort
$95
Editors' Choice Award
76
Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
Best Bang for Your Buck
$30
Best Buy Award
76
Coolaroo The Original Elevated Pet Bed
$43
72
K9 Ballistics Chewproof
Best for Chewers
$159
Top Pick Award
71
Best Choice 36-Inch Outdoor Raised Mesh Cot
$55
60
Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
$55
50
Kuranda All-Aluminum Chewproof Bed
$130

elevated dog bed - giving the k9 ballistics bed a quick rinse, showing how easy it is...
Giving the K9 Ballistics bed a quick rinse, showing how easy it is to clean this model without any disassembly necessary.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Why Trust GearLab


Our testing process began with elaborate research into the elevated dog bed market, comparing specs, materials, and price before purchasing several models to compare head-to-head in our backyards, bedrooms, and decks. Our crew of dog and human testers spent weeks sprawling out on each bed. We often left out several beds to see which our dogs picked to nap in. We washed each one to see how easy and effective cleaning was, and we used a hair dryer to test the amount of air movement each bed material facilitated. Our durability test involved scraping against the bed abrasively to simulate weeks' worth of dog nails, recording which ones survived, which ones got scuffed up, and which ones were left with a hole. We strive for the most thorough and exhaustive test methods so that your tired pet can have the best rest possible.

Our testing of elevated dog beds is divided across five rating metrics:
  • Comfort (25% of overall score weighting)
  • Durability (25% weighting)
  • Ease of Use (20% weighting)
  • Cooling (15% weighting)
  • Style (15% weighting)

Together, Sarah Sherman and her canine companion Indy, have made it their mission to bring you honest and insightful reviews across a range of topics. Sarah has been writing in-depth gear reviews for several years, and Indy brings two and a half years of expert dog-napping experience into the mix. Indy is a 40 lb mixed breed dog, who is either running miles at a time or napping in the yard; there is little in between. Indy is a “bed dog,” who prefers any surface more than the ground and seemed more than happy to test each bed out. Having gone through the frustration of trying to purchase the best dog toys, best dog collars, dog harnesses, and more for a picky dog, Sarah understands the desire to provide the best for your dog as well as the desire to find the right product the first time. To ensure that their testing was as thorough as possible, Sarah and Indy not only tested each bed themselves (sometimes sitting and napping on them together) but had several of their human and canine friends join in, too. From Cali the Husky to Nala the Weimaraner to Pacha the Everything Mix and other mixed breeds, our top selections each received a paw of approval.

Cali, one of our beloved huskies, dreaming and basking atop one of...
Cali, one of our beloved huskies, dreaming and basking atop one of the top contenders from our testing trials.
Arlo enjoying the AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed, size Large.
Arlo enjoying the AmazonBasics Cooling Elevated Dog Bed, size Large.
Nala basking in pets and comfort in the K & H bolster bed.
Nala basking in pets and comfort in the K & H bolster bed.

Analysis and Test Results


We scoured the internet for the top-rated elevated dog beds and sorted through other reviews to narrow down our selection to eight beds to be tested in person. We tried to test each bed with the needs of different kinds of dogs in mind. These needs were broken down into five measurable metrics that resulted in the final rating of each bed. These metrics were Durability, Comfort, Ease of Use, Cooling, and Style. We highlight the top performers in each area below.


What's the Best Value?


If you're seeking a good price-to-performance ratio, check out the Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Bed. This affordable raised pet bed is supportive, easy to clean, and won't break the bank. The Cooleroo The Original Elevated Pet Bed is a similar design and comes in more color options than the Amazon Basics. And though you'll pay a bit more for it, we love the K&H Original Bolster Cot and think it's a good value for its long-term durability, and our dogs loved the bolsters for additional comfort.

elevated dog bed - nina enjoys her veehoo bed indoors with a little extra cushioning.
Nina enjoys her Veehoo bed indoors with a little extra cushioning.
Credit: Jenni Snead

Comfort


If you're buying a bed for your dog, odds are, their comfort is important to you. This metric was highly considered during our review process since it affects the likelihood that your dog will want to use the bed, feel safe in it, and choose to sleep in it. While we could not directly ask our pups to write the notes for us, we took it upon ourselves to sit on each bed, feel the material, and consider any other features of the bed that might enhance a dog's comfort. We also gave our dogs the choice of multiple beds to see which ones they gravitated toward most frequently.


The K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot, for example, ranked very high in this category not only because of the bolster, which acts as a pillow for the dog, but also because its mesh material is the softest to the touch of the bunch.

elevated dog bed - pacha nuzzling into the bolster of the k&h bed.
Pacha nuzzling into the bolster of the K&H bed.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Our pups also seemed to prefer the comforts provided by the Best Choice bed. The Cooleroo, which excelled in other categories, is made of a scratchy material that was unpleasant to the touch, so it scored lower here.

elevated dog bed - the size large amazon basics bed allowed indy (40 lbs) to relax with...
The size Large Amazon Basics bed allowed Indy (40 lbs) to relax with bones and room to spare.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Durability


If you are going to invest in a dog bed that is likely to be used outside, it's essential that it can stand the test of time, and dog paws. For the sake of the testing process, we needed to speed up the process of wear and tear that beds may undergo, and simulated it through what we're calling the Fork Test. For this test, we scraped a salad fork across the same 6" area of the bed continuously for five minutes while applying moderate pressure.


Not only was this a great arm workout, but it also gave us some insight into what a dog's nails might do to the surface of the bed after prolonged use. While some of the beds showed more signs of stress during the test, this test revealed that others, such as the K9 Ballistics Bed and Kuranda All Aluminum, showed very little signs of breaking down. The K9 Ballistics and Kuranda are the best models for heavy chewers, with metal frames and very difficult-to-chew bed materials. Although we expect both to last a similar amount of time, the K9 Ballistics stood out a bit more in other areas over the Kuranda, making it our favorite model for big-time chewers.

elevated dog bed - the k9 ballistics bed withstanding our durability test.
The K9 Ballistics bed withstanding our durability test.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

The Helinox Elevated Dog Cot also stands out regarding durability. Despite being the lightest model in our test group, it's clear that the designers of this bed didn't cut corners. This bed is sturdy. With a weight capacity of over 300 pounds and no signs of instability during testing, we are very impressed with this nimble yet strong model.

elevated dog bed - indy supervising the durability testing on the helinox cot.
Indy supervising the durability testing on the Helinox Cot.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Ease of Use


Ease of use is inherently a human metric. While our dogs are the ones who will be using the bed, as owners, it is important to know how easy the bed is to set up, transport, clean, etc. If there is a special feature of the bed, is it easy to use? We timed each model's setup process since we suspect some people may want to travel with their bed, which could require frequent disassembling and reassembling. Our dog friends also helped make each bed dirty, and we then cleaned them, assessing the ease of doing so. The beds were moved up and down stairs, inside and outside, and extra features were utilized. We considered all these things to help ensure that you find a bed that is good for both you and your dog.


An example of excellence in this category can be found in the K9 Ballistics Bed, which took under a minute to set up, and its smooth surface meant it was simple to clean by spraying with a hose or spot cleaning with a towel.

elevated dog bed - things like taking the bed apart and transporting it were considered...
Things like taking the bed apart and transporting it were considered in ease of use.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Similarly, the Helinox cot cleans off quickly with a spray of water and sets up quickly. Best of all, this is our favorite model to take with us, whether heading to a friend's house or on a camping trip. It packs down small into its convenient carrying case, and, weighing under three pounds, it's easy to port around.

elevated dog bed - the mesh-like material of the cooleroo allows for greater...
The mesh-like material of the Cooleroo allows for greater breathability.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Cooling


For many, the reason for purchasing an elevated dog bed is to attain superior cooling capabilities over a stuffed bed. To test this, we took a blowdryer on full blast and placed it directly next to each bed. We then use our hands to feel how much air would pass through to the other side of the bed. If more air can permeate and flow through the bed, then we assume greater cooling ability.


Our highest-ranking beds for this metric were the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot and the Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed. Both of these beds are entirely made with mesh surfaces that are breathable and allow for air to easily pass through (you could even feel your breath through them). The Best Choice Products Raised Mesh Cot with Canopy also scored well because it has a mesh center for airflow, combined with a canopy to protect your dog from the rays of the sun.

elevated dog bed - a blowdryer was used to help determine if air could travel through...
A blowdryer was used to help determine if air could travel through the bed material, to help cool the dog.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Style


While style may not matter to your color-blind dog, it's probably more important to you. A dog bed is essentially a piece of furniture in your home, and for some, the aesthetics make a difference. For style, we considered the general look of the bed and what different options are available to choose from.


elevated dog bed - each bed we tested provided a different aesthetic.
Each bed we tested provided a different aesthetic.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Some beds (like the Cooleroo and the Veehoo) come in a wide array of color options, giving the purchaser more freedom to match their preferences. Others, like the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot, only come in one color option, meaning you are stuck between that color or not getting the bed, so it scored lower.

elevated dog bed - a handful of the dog beds that were tested.
A handful of the dog beds that were tested.
Credit: Sarah Sherman

Conclusion


During our weeks of rigorous testing processes, we weeded out the bad and mediocre to help you find the best elevated dog bed options for your canine friend(s). Whether you are looking for a durable outdoor bed, something to keep your furry friend cool on hot days, a raised bed for a pup with aging joints, or simply intrigued by the idea of a dog bed that rests above the ground, we hope this review helps you find the right bed to suit you and your dog's needs.

Sarah Sherman