10 Best Donut Dog Beds for Small Dogs: Ultimate Cozy Nest Comparison (2026)

Watching your small dog curl into a perfect, cozy ball is one of life’s simple joys. That instinct to burrow and nest isn’t just cute—it’s a sign they’re seeking security, warmth, and a den-like space to relax. A high-quality donut dog bed, with its plush, raised rim, is designed to satisfy this instinct perfectly. It cradles their body, supports their head and neck, and creates a safe haven that can even help soothe anxious pups.

But with countless options all claiming to be the “coziest” or “most calming,” how do you choose the right one for your furry friend? You need to consider plushness, ease of cleaning, durability, and special features like hoods or orthopedic support.

We’ve done the research for you. In this detailed comparison, we analyzed 10 of the most popular donut beds on the market to find the absolute best options. Whether your pup needs a simple nap spot, a luxurious burrow, or an anxiety-relieving cave, one of these beds will become their new favorite place to dream.

Our Top 3 Picks

Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations for different needs:

• “Best Overall & Safest Pick: Bedsure Calming Donut Bed
  Why it wins: It’s the complete package. With OEKO-TEX certified pet-safe materials, award-winning comfort, a fully machine-washable design, and a sturdy non-slip base, it delivers premium quality, safety, and ease at a mid-range price. It’s the reliable, top-tier choice for most small dogs.
• Best for Burrowers & Privacy: JOEJOY/SIWA MARY Hooded Cave Beds
  Why they win: These 2-in-1 hooded designs take the donut concept further. The attached blanket or hood creates a secluded, den-like cave, offering maximum security and warmth for dogs who love to hide completely. Perfect for anxious pups or those who crave extra snuggly privacy.
• Best Budget Buy: MIXJOY Orthopedic Donut Bed
  Why it wins: For a remarkably low price, you get a perfectly functional, soft, and machine-washable donut bed. It delivers the core benefits—a raised rim for curling up and basic comfort—without any frills. An unbeatable value for a first bed, a travel spare, or budget-conscious owners.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Bedsure Calming Donut Bed (Best Overall)

This bed stands out as the most well-rounded and trustworthy option. The OEKO-TEX certification means the materials are tested and free of harmful substances—a major plus for pet parents. It combines award-winning, extra-fluffy comfort with practical features: a fully washable design (for smaller sizes) and a sturdy, non-slip base. It’s not the flashiest, but it consistently delivers on safety, comfort, and quality, making it our top recommendation for most small dogs.

Pros: Pet-safe certified, excellent comfort, easy to clean, secure non-slip base.
Cons: Larger sizes have a removable cover (not fully washable).

2. JOEJOY Small Dog Bed with Hooded Blanket

This is a “cave bed” hybrid that takes coziness to the next level. The attached hood creates a secluded, den-like feel perfect for pets who love to burrow and hide completely. The combination of rose-swirl faux fur and cozy suede fabric is ultra-soft and warming. It’s specifically designed for the pup that doesn’t just curl up, but wants to disappear into a snug, private nest.

Pros: Provides maximum privacy and security, ultra-soft materials, great for anxiety.
Cons: Hood may be too confining for some dogs, care instructions recommend hand washing.

3. MIXJOY Orthopedic Donut Bed (Best Budget)

Don’t let the low price fool you—this bed delivers the core function of a donut bed effectively. It provides a soft, raised rim for small dogs to curl up against. It’s lightweight, portable for car rides or travel, and entirely machine washable. While it may not have the premium plushness or advanced features of more expensive models, it offers exceptional value for money and is a fantastic no-fuss option.

Pros: Extremely affordable, portable, easy to clean.
Cons: Materials are less plush and durable than premium beds.

4. SIWA MARY Hooded Donut Bed

A strong competitor in the hooded category, this bed features a charming corn-kernel textured exterior that’s both stylish and functional. Like the JOEJOY, its 2-in-1 hood design offers a secure cave for burrowing pets. It adds clever details like non-slip silicone dots on the bottom for extra stability on hardwood floors. A great choice for those who want the cave feature with a unique aesthetic.

Pros: Unique textured design, effective non-slip bottom, good hooded security.
Cons: Hood design might not appeal to all dogs.

5. Lesure Donut Bed (Shown on TV)

This bed wins on style and aesthetics. Designed with chic patterns like bows, checks, and clouds, it looks more like home decor than a pet bed. Functionally, it’s no slouch: it features a removable, machine-washable cover, a supportive bolstered edge, and a non-slip dotted bottom. It’s the ideal choice for pet parents who want their dog’s bed to complement their living space seamlessly.

Pros: Very stylish, removable cover for easy washing, good support.
Cons: Pattern may not suit all decors, focus is more on looks.

6. Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut

This is the iconic, ultra-plush donut bed. Made with incredibly soft, self-warming shag faux fur, it’s designed for maximum snuggling. The high walls are perfect for burrowing, and it features a water-resistant bottom for added floor protection. With tens of thousands of stellar reviews, it’s a proven favorite for dogs who love to sink into deep, luxurious softness.

Pros: Exceptionally soft and luxurious, promotes burrowing, water-resistant base.
Cons: The long shag fur can trap hair and may be too warm for some dogs or climates.

7. Petloox Premium Donut Bed

This bed’s standout feature is its 3-year warranty, which speaks to the brand’s confidence in its durability. It focuses heavily on creating a “cloud-like” comfort with ultra-plush materials designed specifically for anxiety relief. If you value a long-term guarantee and want a bed marketed strongly towards calming nervous pups, this is a compelling contender.

Pros: Strong warranty, very plush, focused on anxiety reduction.
Cons: A newer brand with fewer reviews than some established options.

8. Active Pets Premium Donut Bed

This is a premium, feature-rich design focused on easy maintenance. Its key advantage is a removable outer shell with a zipper, covering a separate cushion. This makes deep cleaning and drying much easier than with fully integrated beds. It also boasts a higher weight limit and durable construction, justifying its higher price point for owners who prioritize easy care.

Pros: Removable, washable cover, very durable, supports heavier small breeds.
Cons: Most expensive option on the list.

9. WESTERN HOME Calming Donut Bed

A highly-rated, reliable workhorse. This bed proves you don’t need to spend a lot for quality. It offers great plush comfort, a secure donut shape, an effective anti-slip PVC bottom, and easy machine washing—all at a very accessible price. It’s a consistently popular choice that delivers excellent performance without any gimmicks.

Pros: Great value, proven reliability, good non-slip base.
Cons: Lacks special features like a hood or removable cover.

10. PetJett Calming Bed with Support Pillow

This bed innovates with a unique built-in support pillow within the donut shape, designed to cradle the head and neck more ergonomically. It claims to be “20% more plush” and is heavily focused on providing anxiety-relieving comfort. The medium size shown is great for the upper end of “small” dogs (up to 45 lbs), offering more room to stretch.

Pros: Extra head/neck support, very plush fill, good for larger small breeds.
Cons: The support pillow may not be preferred by all sleeping positions.

How to Choose the Right Donut Bed for Your Small Dog

• For the Anxious Burrower: Choose a hooded cave bed (#2 or #4) for maximum security and privacy.

• For the Luxury Snuggler: Opt for the plush shag of Best Friends by Sheri (#6) or the ultra-soft PetJett (#10).

• For Easy Clean-Up: Prioritize beds with removable covers (#5, #8) or those that are fully machine washable (#1, #3, #9).

• For Value & Practicality: You can’t beat the MIXJOY (#3) for budget, or the WESTERN HOME (#9) for reliable mid-range performance.

• For Safety-Conscious Owners: The OEKO-TEX certified Bedsure (#1) provides peace of mind regarding materials.

Donut Dog Bed FAQs

Q: Why is a donut shape good for dogs?
A: The raised rim provides head and neck support, mimicking the feeling of curling up with littermates or their mother. It creates a defined, secure space that can reduce anxiety and promote deeper, more restful sleep, especially for “curl-up” sleepers.

Q: How do I clean a donut dog bed?
A: Always check the label first. Most are machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle. It’s best to air dry or use a low-heat dryer cycle to prevent damage to the filling and fabric. Beds with removable covers (#5, #8) are the easiest for frequent washing.

Q: What size should I get for my small dog?
A: Measure your dog when they are curled up asleep. The bed should be large enough for them to circle and lie down comfortably, but snug enough that the rim can still act as a pillow. Most small dog beds (23-24 inches) fit breeds up to 25 lbs. If in doubt, size up.

Q: Are these beds good for dogs with arthritis?
A: While not all are orthopedic, the raised rim can help with getting up and down by providing a lever to push against. For joint support, look for beds with high-density, supportive filling like the Active Pets (#8) or those specifically labeled “orthopedic” like MIXJOY (#3).

Ready to give your small dog the cozy, secure nest they deserve? Click the links above to check the latest prices, colors, and detailed customer reviews to find their perfect donut bed match.