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Labrador Retrievers are known for their energy and athleticism. But even elite athletes need to rest! That’s why choosing a dog bed is so important. Your Lab needs a place to curl up and settle down after a fun, busy day.
We spoke with Dr. Mollie Newton, DVM, a veterinarian and founder of PetMeTwice, to learn about the best qualities to look for when choosing a bed. “Labs, known for their size and energy, need a bed that’s spacious and durable,” says Dr. Newton. “Look for beds with sturdy, orthopedic foam to support their joints.”
Guided by Dr. Newton’s advice and our own hands-on experience, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations for the different needs of Labs in all life stages. Whether your Lab is a puppy, a senior, or somewhere in between, check out our top picks below to find a dog bed to suit your needs.
Best for Puppies: Friends Forever Memory Foam with Bolster Dog Bed
Is your Lab still a puppy? This pressure-relieving memory foam bed has a bolstered edge and a tear-resistant cover designed to withstand eager paws and teeth—two qualities Dr. Newton recommends for young Labs. “For those adorable, energetic puppies, a bed with raised edges is great for them to snuggle against,” she says, adding, “Ensure it’s chew-resistant, as Lab pups are known to be quite the chewers.”
The bed features a waterproof liner and a removable, washable cover to easily clean up any messes or accidents. It comes in four sizes: the small is an excellent option for puppies, while the extra-large offers an option for Labs to grow into as they get older.
Key Features:
- Tear-resistant and breathable microsuede cover
- Waterproof liner; machine-washable
- Non-skid bottom for energetic puppies
- Memory foam bed with bolstered sides
- Available in four sizes for all life stages
Best for Seniors: FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
Since Labs are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, Dr. Newton recommends dog beds with supportive, orthopedic foam mattresses. This is particularly important for seniors. “Aging Labs will benefit from an orthopedic bed with memory foam to cushion their joints and make getting up easier,” she says. “A low-profile, easy-to-access bed is ideal for senior Labs.”
This FurHaven dog bed has a dense medical-grade orthopedic foam mattress that provides a firm base for joint support. The flat surface and lower profile (3 to 5 inches, depending on the size) are also ideal for dogs who find getting in and out of bed difficult. Faux fur lining offers a top layer of softness, and the bolsters add another layer of support for your dog’s head and neck. The Jumbo size fits dogs up to 95 pounds, making it an excellent choice for most full-grown Labs.
Key Features:
- Firm orthopedic option for Labs with joint issues
- Flat surface offers low-entry
- Bolstered sides for head and neck support
- Faux fur cover adds plushness
- Available in several large sizes
Best Outdoor: Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed (Verified Review)
Playful Labs need a cool place to rest outdoors in the summer, and this elevated bed provides a supportive, cot-like spot to chill out. It’s made of mildew-resistant, breathable fabric, so you can hose it down to clean it or give your water-loving Lab a cooling soak, as Dr. Newton points out. “A water-resistant cover is a bonus, given Labs’ love for water,” she says.
A powder-coated steel frame holds up well to the elements, which we’ve experienced firsthand. Our reviewer has had her Coolaroo outside for over three years (in the snow and rain), and it’s still in fantastic condition. The bed is also lightweight for easy portability, and the raised frame offers plenty of airflow for inside or outside use—ideal for double-coated dogs, like Labs, who tend to run hot.
Key Features:
- Elevated bed for airflow and breathability
- Easy to clean, removable cover
- Pest-resistant material; powder-coated steel frame
- Available in several large sizes for adult Labs
Best for Crates: Hero Dog Crate Pad
Crate training your Lab can be an excellent tool for traveling, vet visits, and a host of other situations. Providing a plush, comfy crate bed like this Hero Dog pad can help make a kennel more inviting. The soft fleece cover provides a comfy surface for your Labby to rest, while the anti-slip bottom keeps it securely in place in the crate. It’s also lightweight for portability and can be used on its own as a bed outside the crate. However, it might not be the best option if your dog is a heavy chewer or has destructive tendencies.
Available in multiple sizes for puppies and adult Labs, this crate bed is machine washable, making cleaning up any messes a breeze.
Key Features:
- Plush fleece pad for crates or as a standalone bed
- Lightweight and portable
- Anti-slip bottom for security
- Available in multiple sizes, including large options for adult Labs
Best for Chewers and Shredders: K9 Ballistics Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed
Dr. Newton points out that Labs have a reputation for being super chewers, so you’ll want to find an extra-durable dog bed. “If your Lab is a bed shredder, invest in a high-strength, chew-proof bed,” she says. “Some beds are specifically designed to resist tearing and can withstand heavy chewing.”
While no bed is entirely indestructible, this K9 Ballistics bed comes close with a 100% aluminum frame and ballistic rip-stop, waterproof fabric. Corners and edges tend to be weak spots in dog beds, but this one has covered edges to deter dogs from chewing and tearing the material. It also fits most standard-sized crates, providing a supportive surface for your pup to rest inside their kennel.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty elevated bed for chew-happy Labs
- Sturdy aluminum frame and ballistic rip-stop fabric
- Covered edges for added protection
- Comes with a 120-day chew-proof warranty
- Available in several large sizes for adult Labs
Best Waterproof: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed with Waterproof Lining
Waterproof dog beds are a must if you have a puppy or a senior Lab prone to accidents. They’re also just good to have around when you have a Labby who always wants to be in the water. This option by Bedsure has a waterproof lining that prevents liquids and messes from seeping into the mattress. The cover is also machine-washable for easy cleanup.
The low 4-inch profile makes it easy for seniors and arthritic Labs to access, and two layers of gel memory foam provide joint support. While the zipper makes for a simple on-and-off process, Dr. Newton cautions these features might not be best if your dog is a chewer. “Be mindful of beds with buttons, zippers, or loose fabric, as Labs might chew and ingest these, posing a choking hazard,” she says. “Also, regularly check the bed for signs of wear and tear to prevent your Lab from ingesting the stuffing or fabric.”
Key Features:
- 100% inner waterproof liner
- Made with two layers of gel memory foam
- Machine-washable cover
- Available in large and extra-large Lab sizes
Best Luxury: Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Once your Lab is completely grown and fully trained, a luxury bed can be a solid investment. This highly rated Casper memory foam dog bed (yes, from the same company that makes human beds) offers a high-end orthopedic choice built to last. Raised sides give extra support and security, and a two-layer memory foam mattress helps relieve pressure off your Lab’s joints. An extra-sturdy microfiber top also mimics the feeling of loose dirt, adding a nice touch for Labs who love to dig.
We tested this one ourselves and were impressed with the bed’s quality and how effortlessly it blended into the home. The covered zippers are also much appreciated as they won’t scratch floors with energetic Lab antics.
Key Features:
- High-end memory foam dog bed
- Microfiber on top mimics loose dirt for diggers
- Raised sides for extra support
- Medium and large sizes for Labs up to 60 and 90 pounds
Best Covered: Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed (Verified Review)
Dr. Newton recommends providing multiple resting options for your dog. “Give your Lab two beds, one for their main sleeping quarters and another for a separate section of the house where they spend a lot of time,” she says. “This guarantees they will always have a cozy place to relax, wherever they may be.”
If your Lab is a big snuggle bug, this covered bed is a burrower’s dream. The fun cave-style design makes it a super soft spot for dogs to relax during the day or sleep at night. In our testing, we found the attached hood to be a little difficult for our bigger Rover test pup to figure out on his own. Still, we loved that a cave-style bed even comes in large sizes for bigger breeds.
Key Features:
- Cave-style bed for burrowing
- Soft sherpa interior
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Extra-large size for adult Labs
Best Calming: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cuddler (Verified Review)
Sometimes, Labs need an extra calm and reassuring place to rest their heads. This beloved donut-style bed, with its round shape and high, fluffy sides, provides just that. Touted as the original calming dog bed, the Best Friends by Sheri cuddler is designed to mimic the feeling of curling up to the warmth of a mother or littermate. Thus helping reduce anxiety and stress.
We had several test pups review this bed, including Ruby, an 85-pound Bernese Mountain Dog. The final result? Our Rover dogs found this bed a safe space to land whenever they felt stressed. Our human testers also liked that the entire bed is machine washable and dryer safe.
Key Features:
- Plush fiberfill exterior and cozy shag exterior
- Bolstered sides give sense of security
- Can help reduce stress and anxiety
- Available in several large sizes (size up if in doubt)
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and an interview with veterinarian Dr. Mollie Newton. We prioritized durable and supportive qualities. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.