Best dog beds for large dogs: orthopaedic, washable and raised beds for big breeds
Big dogs need more than a bigger cushion. They need enough room to stretch out, foam that doesn't flatten under 30kg or more, and a cover you can wash after muddy walks. Here are seven large and XL dog beds on Amazon.co.uk, from budget crate mats to a memory foam mattress with a 12-year warranty.
Quick picks
- Best overallBedsure large orthopaedic dog sofa bed with bolsters, 97 × 71cmCheck price
- Best memory foam mattressThe Dog's Bed orthopaedic memory foam mattress, XL, 117 × 71cmCheck price
- Best for older dogsSilentnight orthopaedic pet bed with low front entry, Large, 95 × 69cmCheck price
- Best for giant breedsLaiFug orthopaedic memory foam dog bed with pillow, extra large, 127 × 91cmCheck price
- Best budgetBedsure orthopaedic egg-crate foam dog bed with washable cover, 112 × 81cmCheck price
- Best for cratesKSIIA XL washable dog crate mattress, 105 × 70cmCheck price
- Best raised bedBedsure raised dog bed with breathable mesh, large, 124 × 80cm frameCheck price
How we chose: We compared popular large and XL dog beds on Amazon.co.uk, checking the sleeping area, foam type and depth, cover and liner, washing instructions, non-slip base and any warranty from each listing. We looked for recurring themes in Amazon.co.uk owner feedback, especially whether the foam holds its shape and whether the size suits big breeds. Advice on older and arthritic dogs comes from the PDSA, Blue Cross and RSPCA. We have not personally tested these products; this is a research-based roundup. Our research process.
The best dog bed for a large dog is one it can lie flat out on without its legs hanging off the edge, with enough support that its hips and elbows aren't pressing through to a cold floor. That matters most for breeds that are prone to joint problems: the PDSA lists Labradors, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs among the breeds with a higher risk of arthritis.
Below you'll find orthopaedic foam beds for older dogs, bolster sofas for dogs that like to curl up and lean, a fully washable crate mattress and a raised bed for utility rooms and gardens. Check the sleeping area, not just the outside size, before you order: bolsters can take a big bite out of the space.
Who this guide is for: Owners of large and giant breeds (roughly 25kg and up), such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and big crossbreeds, and anyone with an older or stiff dog. If you're buying for a dog lover, see our gifts for dog lovers too, and for muddy evenings, a dog drying coat keeps the bed cleaner.
Black Friday tip: Black Friday is Friday 27 November 2026, and Amazon UK has opened its Black Friday Week sale about a week earlier in recent years. Before you buy, check the product’s price history: our Black Friday home buying guide explains how to spot a genuine deal and which picks to watch.
Comparison table
| Pick | Type | Size (L × W) | Fill | Cover | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedsure sofa bed (L)Best overall | Bolster sofa bed | 97 × 71cm (16.5cm high) | Egg-crate foam base, fibre bolsters | Removable, machine washable; waterproof liner | Check price |
| The Dog's Bed (XL)Best memory foam mattress | Flat memory foam mattress | 117 × 71cm (15cm deep) | CertiPUR-certified memory foam | Removable outer cover, protected inner | Check price |
| Silentnight orthopaedic (L)Best for older dogs | Bolster bed with low front | 95 × 69cm (19cm high) | High-density contoured foam | Removable, machine washable; faux fur lining | Check price |
| LaiFug XL memory foamBest for giant breeds | Memory foam mattress with pillow | 127 × 91cm (25cm high) | Memory foam and support foam | Removable microfibre cover; waterproof liner | Check price |
| Bedsure flat foam (XL)Best budget | Flat foam mattress | 112 × 81cm (7.6cm deep) | Egg-crate polyurethane foam | Removable sherpa cover, machine washable | Check price |
| KSIIA XL crate mattressBest for crates | Fibre-filled crate mattress | 105 × 70cm (9cm deep) | Polypropylene fibre | Whole bed machine washable; non-skid base | Check price |
| Bedsure raised bed (L)Best raised bed | Elevated mesh cot | 109 × 79cm mesh (frame 124 × 80cm) | None (tensioned mesh) | Hose or hand wash the mesh | Check price |
Specs are from manufacturer listings as of 20 October 2026; claimed figures (running costs, runtimes) are the maker’s, not ours. Check the Amazon page for the current price and exact variant before you buy.
The picks in detail
Bedsure large orthopaedic dog sofa bed with bolsters, 97 × 71cm
Best for: Labradors and similar dogs that like to curl up and rest their head
- Type
- Bolster sofa bed
- Size (L × W)
- 97 × 71cm (16.5cm high)
- Fill
- Egg-crate foam base, fibre bolsters
- Cover
- Removable, machine washable; waterproof liner
A sofa-style bed with an egg-crate foam base and bolsters on all four sides for a dog to lean on. A waterproof inner liner protects the foam from spills and accidents, the flannel cover unzips for the washing machine, and the base is non-slip. It's sold by Bedsure's own Amazon store.
Owners say it's comfortable, well padded in the base and sides and good value, and one says it's big enough for a leggy greyhound. Durability gets mixed comments, as with most beds at this price. If your dog sleeps stretched out rather than curled, measure them and consider the XL size or a flat mattress instead.
What owners and reviewers like
- Bolsters on all four sides
- Waterproof liner
- Huge owner base
Watch-outs
- Bolsters reduce the lying area
- Mixed durability reports
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
The Dog's Bed orthopaedic memory foam mattress, XL, 117 × 71cm
Best for: Older and arthritic big dogs that sleep stretched out
- Type
- Flat memory foam mattress
- Size (L × W)
- 117 × 71cm (15cm deep)
- Fill
- CertiPUR-certified memory foam
- Cover
- Removable outer cover, protected inner
A deep, flat memory foam mattress from The Dog's Bed (the listing shows the maker as The Dog's Balls). There are no raised sides to climb over, so stiff dogs can walk straight on and stretch out in any direction. The foam is CertiPUR certified and has a 12-year no-flatten warranty, which is unusually long. The outer cover is removable for washing, and a Large size (101 × 64cm) is also available.
There's no Amazon review summary on this listing yet, but owners in the UK reviews mention older Labradors with arthritis settling on it straight away, and that it arrives rolled up and expands within about an hour. It's the most expensive bed here and is sold by the brand rather than Amazon. The PDSA says memory foam beds are kind to joints.
What owners and reviewers like
- 12-year no-flatten warranty
- Easy for stiff dogs to get on
- Deep memory foam
Watch-outs
- Expensive
- No sides to lean on
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Silentnight orthopaedic pet bed with low front entry, Large, 95 × 69cm
Best for: Senior dogs that struggle to step over high sides
- Type
- Bolster bed with low front
- Size (L × W)
- 95 × 69cm (19cm high)
- Fill
- High-density contoured foam
- Cover
- Removable, machine washable; faux fur lining
From the UK bedding brand Silentnight, this bed has a high-density contoured foam base, bolsters on three sides and a low front so dogs with poor mobility can walk in rather than climb. The faux fur lining adds warmth, the cover is machine washable and the base is non-slip on hard floors. It's sold by a third-party seller.
Owners say it's well made and supportive, and one likes the raised edge for resting a chin. A few report rips in the cover, and putting the cover back on gets mixed comments. At 95cm long it suits a Labrador that curls up. For a big dog that stretches out, choose a larger flat mattress.
What owners and reviewers like
- Low front entry
- Supportive contoured foam
- Trusted UK brand
Watch-outs
- Some cover rips reported
- Third-party seller
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
LaiFug orthopaedic memory foam dog bed with pillow, extra large, 127 × 91cm
Best for: Giant breeds, or two big dogs sharing
- Type
- Memory foam mattress with pillow
- Size (L × W)
- 127 × 91cm (25cm high)
- Fill
- Memory foam and support foam
- Cover
- Removable microfibre cover; waterproof liner
The biggest bed here: 127 × 91cm with layers of memory foam and support foam, a raised pillow at one end for head and neck support, a waterproof liner and a removable, machine-washable microfibre cover. LaiFug says it's for dogs up to about 90kg (200lb) and that the foam will keep at least 90% of its shape for three years. It's sold by a third-party seller.
Owners say it's big enough for two dogs side by side, gives good support for arthritic joints and is worth the money, with one saying theirs has lasted two years. It's a large, heavy item, so measure the space you have before ordering.
What owners and reviewers like
- Huge sleeping area
- Thick memory foam
- Waterproof liner
Watch-outs
- Takes up a lot of floor
- Expensive
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Bedsure orthopaedic egg-crate foam dog bed with washable cover, 112 × 81cm
Best for: Big dogs on a budget, and dogs that sprawl
- Type
- Flat foam mattress
- Size (L × W)
- 112 × 81cm (7.6cm deep)
- Fill
- Egg-crate polyurethane foam
- Cover
- Removable sherpa cover, machine washable
A simple, generously sized flat bed: egg-crate foam spreads the dog's weight and lets air circulate, and the soft sherpa top is warmer than a bare mat. An L-shaped zip makes the cover easier to get on and off for washing. It's sold by Bedsure's own store.
Owners like the size for large dogs, the soft top and the easy-wash cover. Most say it lasts well, but some report it falling apart within eight months. At 7.6cm it's much thinner than the memory foam mattresses above, so it's better for young, healthy dogs than for seniors with sore joints.
What owners and reviewers like
- Big sleeping area for the money
- Easy-to-remove cover
- Low price for the size
Watch-outs
- Thin foam
- Some early wear reports
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
KSIIA XL washable dog crate mattress, 105 × 70cm
Best for: Lining an XL crate, and owners who want to wash the whole bed
- Type
- Fibre-filled crate mattress
- Size (L × W)
- 105 × 70cm (9cm deep)
- Fill
- Polypropylene fibre
- Cover
- Whole bed machine washable; non-skid base
A plump, fibre-filled mattress in soft velvet with a tough, non-skid Oxford base. Unlike foam beds, the whole thing goes in the washing machine, and stitching points stop the filling from clumping. KSIIA says the XL size suits dogs up to 40kg and fits many XL crates, but check your crate's internal measurements. It's sold by KSIIA's own store.
Owners like the value, the look and the fact it washes well, and one says their spaniel and dachshund share it. Opinions on thickness are mixed, so it's a comfortable layer rather than proper orthopaedic support.
What owners and reviewers like
- Fully machine washable
- Non-skid base
- Good value
Watch-outs
- Not orthopaedic
- Some find it thinner than expected
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Bedsure raised dog bed with breathable mesh, large, 124 × 80cm frame
Best for: Utility rooms, kennels, gardens and dogs that run hot
- Type
- Elevated mesh cot
- Size (L × W)
- 109 × 79cm mesh (frame 124 × 80cm)
- Fill
- None (tensioned mesh)
- Cover
- Hose or hand wash the mesh
A cot-style bed that lifts the dog 20cm off the floor on a frame with skid-resistant feet. Hair and dirt don't cling to the tight mesh, so you can hose it down outside or hand wash it with mild soap and leave it to dry. Bedsure says the large size takes dogs up to 38kg. It comes flat-packed with a hex key.
Owners say it's sturdy, easy to assemble and clean, and dries quickly, though some report the frame bending. It keeps dogs off cold, wet floors, but the mesh isn't cosy, so add a blanket in winter or pair it with one of the beds above indoors.
What owners and reviewers like
- Off cold and wet floors
- Hose clean
- Cool in summer
Watch-outs
- Not cushioned
- Some frame bending reports
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right size
Measure your dog lying in the position it sleeps in most, from nose to the base of the tail, then add 15–30cm. Dogs that stretch out on their side need a longer, flat bed. Dogs that curl into a ball can use a smaller bolster bed. If in doubt, size up, because a bed that's too small gets ignored.
Always check the inner sleeping area of bolster beds. One popular bolster bed we looked at measures 101 × 76cm outside but only 81 × 56cm inside the bolsters, which is too small for most Labradors to stretch out on. Flat mattresses like The Dog's Bed and LaiFug give you the full measurement to lie on.
Orthopaedic, memory foam or fibre-filled?
| Filling | Feels like | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory foam (deep) | Firm, moulds to the body | Older, heavy and arthritic dogs | Price; foam itself isn't washable |
| Egg-crate foam | Bumpy, springy | Budget support, airflow | Thinner beds can bottom out under big dogs |
| Fibre-filled | Soft and plump | Crates, young dogs, fully washable | Flattens and clumps over time |
| Raised mesh | Taut, like a hammock | Hot dogs, wet floors, outdoors | No cushioning; chilly in winter |
"Orthopaedic" isn't a regulated term, so look at what's actually inside. For a big dog, a quick test is to press the centre of the bed with your fist and lean your weight on it: if you can feel the floor, a 30kg dog will too.
Beds for older and arthritic dogs
The PDSA suggests giving a dog with arthritis a choice of comfortable beds, so they can snuggle in an enclosed bed or stretch out on a flat mattress, and says memory foam beds are kind to joints. Blue Cross also recommends a soft, comfortable bed to take pressure off joints when resting. Both charities stress keeping your dog warm and getting vet advice if you notice stiffness, limping or reluctance to jump.
- Low entry: a flat mattress or a bed with a dipped front is easier to step onto than high bolsters.
- Non-slip base: the PDSA notes arthritic dogs are prone to slipping, so a bed that slides on laminate is a risk. Rugs or anti-slip mats around the bed help too.
- Warmth: keep the bed away from draughty doors and dry your dog after wet walks. The RSPCA says dogs need a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean and quiet place to rest. If the bed sits near the front door, our guide to draught excluders for front doors helps.
Keeping a big dog's bed clean
Look for a removable, machine-washable cover and, ideally, a waterproof inner liner, which stops accidents and wet coats from soaking the foam. Most foam can't go in the washing machine, so spot-clean it and air it. Shake or vacuum the cover between washes: a cordless vacuum with a pet tool lifts hair quickly, and a pet carpet cleaner deals with muddy prints on carpets around the bed. Heavy covers dry faster on a heated airer than on a radiator.
Check the care label before washing. Some covers shrink at higher temperatures, and a shrunken cover can be a struggle to get back over the foam.
FAQs
What size dog bed does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labradors need a bed of at least 100cm long if they sleep stretched out, or around 90cm if they curl up. Measure your dog from nose to tail base while lying down and add 15–30cm, and check the inner area of bolster beds.
Are orthopaedic dog beds worth it?
For big, heavy and older dogs, a deep foam bed is usually worth it, because thin fibre beds flatten under their weight. The PDSA says memory foam beds are kind to joints. For a healthy young dog, a cheaper bed is often fine.
Is memory foam better than egg-crate foam?
Memory foam is generally deeper, denser and more supportive, which suits older or arthritic dogs. Egg-crate foam is cheaper and lets air circulate, but thin egg-crate beds can bottom out under very large dogs.
Can you wash a dog bed in the washing machine?
Most beds have a removable, machine-washable cover, but the foam inside usually can't be machine washed. Fibre-filled beds like the KSIIA can often be washed whole. Always follow the care label.
How often should I replace my dog's bed?
When the foam stays flattened, you can feel the floor through it, or the cover is torn and can't be replaced. Beds with a no-flatten warranty, like The Dog's Bed, are designed to last much longer.
Do you get commission?
Yes. If you buy through our links, Amazon may pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't affect which products we include. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Sources we consulted
Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here. Always check the current price, seller and delivery details on Amazon before buying. If anything on this page looks wrong or out of date, tell us.
