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The best chew-proof dog beds you’ll only have to buy once

Updated December 16, 2022

the 3 un-shreddable beds for your chew monster

How we picked our favorites

We started with the most popular beds — We evaluated recommendations from our team and standout products on Amazon and Chewy. We dug through the details and found 12 hyper-durable beds with a great reputation.

We skipped anything that wasn’t machine washable — If it’s not durable enough for the washing machine, it’s probably not tough enough for a dog. Believe it or not, there are a few “chew-proof” beds that you can’t machine wash.

The essentials

  • All dogs chew. But destructive chewing might mean it’s time to look into a chew-resistant pet bed.
  • Obsessive chewing is a sign of stress. There are ways you can help curb your dog’s tendency to chew, such as making sure they’re getting enough exercise and removing daily stressors.

Our favorite chew proof beds

Heavy-duty dog beds aren’t invincible

No dog bed is going to be 100% indestructible (all dog owners know that for a determined pup and enough time, nothing is genuinely indestructible). But when a product is “chew-proof,” that means it should be able to stand up to more than the typical wear and tear. If your pup has destroyed more than one standard dog bed, it might be time to look into chew-proof alternatives.

The three types of dog beds

Reinforced standard beds 💰

These are most similar to the normal beds you’ll find but are built with stronger materials. These will likely be the cheapest option, but keep in mind that really problematic chewers may still manage to ruin this type of bed.

Elevated dog beds 💰💰

Elevated dog beds look more like a hammock or cot, but provide support for your pup and are less likely to be chewed on. But even if your dog does decide to try it out as a teething toy, they’re usually made from metal, canvas, kevlar, or another super-tough material.

Memory foam beds 💰💰💰

This type of bed balances having a more durable exterior with also having super comfortable foam as the stuffing. Unfortunately, a memory foam bed is generally expensive (think about how expensive memory foam mattresses for humans cost compared to a standard spring mattress). But they do provide support and comfort for your dog while remaining durable — older dogs can get a lot of benefits from them, especially.

Canvas and Condura make the toughest chew-resistant beds

When looking for a dog bed built to last the test of time (and teeth), make sure they are made with durable materials. Some of our top picks have crazy strong proprietary fabrics, but the most common that you’ll come across are canvas and Condura.

Canvas

A common material that you’ve probably heard of because it’s used in quite a few products for both humans and our fluffy family members. It’s an affordable and durable material, which makes it one of the more popular things chew-proof beds are made from.

Cordura

It’s a type of fabric that’s used in things like luggage, backpacks, and even military wear. It’s typically made with nylon, but other fibers can be blended in as well. Last but not least is polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as PVC). It’s the world’s third most widely produced synthetic plastic material and is very durable. In its rigid form, you’ve seen PVC used in construction and plumbing, but it can also be made in a flexible form that can then be used, making imitation leather, rubber replacements, and even canvas (when mixed with cotton or linen).

FAQs

Why do dogs chew?

All dogs chew; it’s just a fact of being a dog parent. However, some are more prone to obsessive or destructive chewing.

If you have a puppy that chews through everything, it’s probably just teething. Just like human toddlers, puppies go through a teething phase where they might particularly enjoy tearing through just about anything and everything — including their dog beds. 

For dogs who aren’t young enough to fall into that category, it could be boredom or anxiety. Pups with a lot of energy and no outlet can get bored, which can lead to them chewing whatever is handy to help pass the time and release some of that energy. On the other hand, dogs can also chew when stressed. Some humans chew their nails, and some dogs chew their beds. Dogs who have separation anxiety, for example, are more likely to chew through things if you have to leave them at home all day while at work or running errands. 

Are some dog breeds more prone to chewing?

Yes. Just as some dog breeds are more prone to barking or drooling, some breeds are more likely to go through chew toys like you go through potato chips. Russell terriers, pit bulls, Australian and German shepherds, Shiba Inus, huskies, labs and golden retrievers, including English cream golden retrievers, are all notorious breeds for chewers. 

What do these breeds tend to have in common? 

👉 Breeds that need more attention and exercise are usually hyperactive chewers. 

If your dog needs lots of attention, they’re also more likely to experience separation anxiety. A dog that has a lot of energy and needs a ton of exercise daily is more likely to get bored. Both are common reasons for chewing. 

How can I prevent my dog from chewing? 

While you’re likely not going to be able to completely eliminate your dog from chewing on things, there are ways to prevent them from destroying your house with their teeth while you’re away. 

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise — If you are able, take them for a walk in the morning or play with them outside. Let them run around a bit so that they are less likely to have the urge to chew to release pent up energy the rest of the day. Having alternative chew toys around for a bored or teething pup may also mitigate damage to things like furniture, shoes, and your dog’s bed. 

Play some music — Something else to try is leaving music or the TV on for your pup while you’re away. The right type of pet playlist could actually relax your dog, making them less prone to chew. Whether your pup is high-energy or high-anxiety, calming music or white noise from the TV can keep them entertained and stimulated while you’re out of the house so that they are less likely to chew. 

Kill the stress — Of course, if your pup is chewing due to anxiety, removing stressors when possible is also a good idea. Having a routine, making sure your dog is socializing with other animals and humans, eliminating loud noises (when possible), and giving them an appropriate amount of freedom are all ways you can reduce stress in your dog, which could help alleviate destructive chewing habits. 

Use a spray — Some blogs and pet-focused websites recommend using sprays that are meant to deter a dog from chewing on a specific surface, but this isn’t something we recommend at BetterPet. Dogs are susceptible to strong smells, and some dogs may have allergies to the chemical formulas found in these sprays. While it might seem like a quick fix, it could just make it where your dog doesn’t like sleeping in their bed or potentially even make your dog sick.