Donut dog beds are becoming a favorite for pet owners but are they actually good for dogs?
If your pup loves to curl up, feel secure, or needs a calming space to sleep, a donut bed can be exactly what they need. And here's something many people don't realize: cats love them too.
These soft, circular beds offer comfort, warmth, and anxiety relief. But they're not ideal for every animal. In this guide, we'll cover the pros, cons, expert insights, and sizing tips — so you can decide if a donut bed is the right fit, and what to look for if it is.
What Is a Donut Dog Bed?
A donut dog bed is a soft, round bed with raised edges that surround your pet like a warm hug. They usually feature:
- Faux fur or sherpa lining
- Soft polyester fill or plush padding
- An indented center with raised sides
- Anti-slip bottoms
Even though they're labeled for dogs, these beds are a cat's dream too — especially if your feline likes to burrow or hide.
See the full range in our donut dog bed collection.
Are Donut Dog Beds Good for Dogs (and Cats)?
Short answer? Yes — for the right pet, a donut bed for dogs is genuinely one of the best options available. Let's break down why.
1. They Reduce Anxiety
Donut beds mimic a den — an enclosed space where pets feel secure. The raised rim provides support and a feeling of protection. That makes them ideal for:
- Nervous or shy pets
- Rescue animals
- Dogs with separation anxiety
- Cats that hide during storms
2. They Improve Sleep Quality
When pets feel secure, they sleep deeper and longer. Donut beds give them a safe cocoon to curl into, especially during stressful times. Owners often report calmer, longer sleep after switching.
3. They Support Natural Sleeping Positions
Donut beds are perfect for animals that curl up like a croissant, tuck their head and tail together, or nest before sleeping. If that's your pet, they'll love this style of bed.
Try the Criterion Donut Dog Bed — it's great for both dogs and cats.
4. They Keep Pets Warm
The faux fur and circular design trap body heat — ideal for cold homes, small pets, short-haired breeds, and older animals who chill easily. Many cats abandon their usual nap spots once they find a warm donut bed.
When Donut Beds Aren't the Right Fit — And How Criterion Solves It
Don't grab one just yet — these beds aren't for every pet, and it's worth being upfront about that.
1. Pets with Joint Pain or Arthritis
Most donut beds are plush, not firm, so they don't offer real orthopedic support for senior dogs with hip problems, large breeds needing spinal alignment, or cats with arthritis. That's a genuine limitation of basic donut beds on the market.
This is exactly why the Criterion Donut Dog Bed is built differently — it's filled with orthopedic foam beneath the plush topper, giving joint and pressure-point support that generic donut beds don't have. For dogs recovering from surgery or with advanced arthritis, a dedicated flat orthopedic bed is still the safer choice — but for pets who want the security of a donut shape and real support underneath, this bridges the gap. It's also why we size up to 3XL: a proper large donut dog bed shouldn't mean sacrificing support for bigger breeds.
2. Pets Who Sprawl Out
If your pet loves to stretch across the couch like royalty, they'll hate being boxed in. Sprawlers prefer flat beds, orthopedic mats, or sofa-style loungers. Donut beds are for tight, curled-up sleepers — not starfish snoozers.
3. Cheap Beds Don't Last
Low-quality donut beds flatten out in days. Look for durable stitching, high-loft filling, and washable fabric — you want your pet to enjoy it for months, not minutes. (This is where the ultra-soft faux rabbit fur and reinforced stitching on the Criterion range earns its keep.)
Donut Beds vs Orthopedic Beds
So, what's better — a donut bed or a firm orthopedic one? It depends on your pet's needs.
Donut beds are plush, cozy, and perfect for pets that like to curl up and feel snug — amazing for anxiety relief and smaller animals seeking warmth. Firm orthopedic beds are better suited to older pets, large breeds, or those with significant joint issues, helping align the spine and relieve pressure points.
If your pet loves to curl and needs warmth, go with a donut bed — and if they're a larger breed, our orthopedic-foam-filled large donut dog bed gives you both. If they need maximum joint support or stretch out to sleep, a firm orthopedic bed is the better call. Some owners use both in different rooms.
Best Pets for Donut Beds
🐕 Small Dog Breeds: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles
🐕 Larger Breeds (with the right support): Labradors, Huskies, and German Shepherds do well in an XL–3XL donut bed with orthopedic filling, like Criterion's large sizes
🐈 Cat Breeds: Ragdoll, Persian, British Shorthair, Maine Coons (with XL beds), and basically any cat that loves cozy
If your pet likes hiding in laundry baskets, a donut bed is a win.
📏 How to Choose the Right Size Donut Bed
Size = comfort. Too small = cramped. Too big = not cozy.
Here's what to do:
- Measure your pet curled up
- Add 5–10 inches
- Match it to the bed's inner diameter
Quick Guide:
- Small pets under 5kg → Small bed
- Medium dogs/cats → Medium
- Large dogs → Large/XL
- Giant breeds → our XXL–3XL large donut dog bed sizes
Check out the Criterion Donut Dog Bed to find the best donut bed for dogs of your pet's exact size.
Are Donut Beds Good for Anxiety?
Absolutely. The soft circular shape acts like a hug, triggering a calming response in the nervous system — well-suited for pets with thunderstorm fear, separation stress, travel anxiety, or general nervousness. Use it alongside a calm space, a favorite toy, and a gentle routine.
Are Donut Beds Warm Enough in Winter?
Yes — often warmer than flat beds, thanks to faux fur or sherpa covering, raised sides that trap warmth, and insulated fillings. Ideal for winter, tile floors, or hairless breeds. Cats often sleep in donut beds all day just for the cozy heat.
What Do Vets and Experts Say About Donut Beds?
According to the American Kennel Club, the right dog bed can meaningfully improve sleep quality and overall health — and donut-style beds are widely recommended for healthy dogs and cats who instinctively like to curl.
✅ Great for puppies, small dogs, and anxious pets ✅ Help establish safe, consistent sleep zones ⚠️ Standard donut beds aren't ideal for advanced orthopedic needs — though foam-filled versions like Criterion's help close that gap
Pro tip: Some experts suggest using a donut bed in common areas and a firmer bed in primary sleeping zones for pets with joint concerns.
How to Clean a Donut Dog Bed
A dirty bed means a stinky pet. Here's how to keep it fresh:
- Shake out fur and debris every few days
- Wash the cover weekly or bi-weekly
- Use pet-safe detergent
- Air dry or use a low tumble setting
- Sprinkle baking soda for extra odor control
Choose a bed with a removable, washable cover to make life easier — every Criterion donut bed is machine washable for exactly this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs like donut beds? Donut beds mimic a den — an enclosed, nest-like space that triggers a natural calming response. The raised rim gives dogs a feeling of security and support, which is why so many pets settle and sleep more deeply in them.
Are donut beds safe for puppies and kittens? Yes — just avoid ones with loose filling or poor stitching.
Can big dogs use donut beds? Yes, if you choose the right size and support level. Look for XL–3XL versions with orthopedic filling, like the Criterion Donut Bed.
Do cats like donut beds? Yes — they're often obsessed with them, especially shy or cold-sensitive cats.
Can I use a donut bed inside a crate? Absolutely, as long as it fits snugly and doesn't block airflow.
Are donut beds machine washable? Many are, including every size in the Criterion range. Always check the specific product's care label.
Final Verdict: Are Donut Dog Beds Good for Dogs (and Cats)?
Yes — for the right pet, a well-made donut bed is a genuine game-changer. For curled-up sleepers, nervous pets, and pets who feel the cold, they offer comfort, calm, and security that flat beds can't match. Just make sure you choose the right size, real quality materials, and — if joint support matters — a donut bed like Criterion's that actually has orthopedic filling underneath, not just plush on top.
Ready to treat your pet to their new favorite nap spot?
👉 Shop Our Dog Bed Collection 👉 Try the Criterion Donut Dog Bed
Your dog — or cat — will thank you.