Even if they’re allowed to snooze on the sofa, most dogs prefer having their own bed. It gives them their very own place to stretch out and get 40 winks.
However, no dog bed is going to last forever – no matter how durable it is. Ultimately, you’re going to have to toss it out in the trash. And if your dog is a chewer, he’ll probably go through beds even faster than the average pup.
Because our dog’s beds will end up in the trash at some point, it is important to ensure that they won’t harm the environment when they end up in a landfill.
Plus, not all dog beds are made with environmentally-sound methods, which can create additional environmental issues.
Luckily, you can find environmentally friendly beds that are also durable, stylish, and comfortable. But don’t worry: We did all the leg work for you, so you can pick up an eco-friendly bed for your dog.
Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite environmentally-friendly beds that your pooch and the planet will love. But, if you’re in a hurry, just check out our quick picks for some fast recommendations!
Eco-Friendly Dog Beds: Quick Picks
- #1 Molly Mutt Bed Cover [Eco-Friendly & Affordable] — This bed cover is designed to be stuffed with materials you already have laying around, which helps save you money and keep things out of landfills.
- #2 NutroPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed [Best for Dogs with Joint Problems] — Proving that you don’t have to compromise your canine’s care to protect the environment, this orthopedic bed is made from 100% natural wool, organic cotton, and natural coconut coir fibers.
- #3 Round Greener Pup Bed [Most Socially Conscious, Eco-Friendly Bed] — Aside from just being a great and environmentally friendly dog bed, the Greener Pup donates their proceeds to a dog shelter.
What Makes a Dog Bed Eco-Friendly?
Dog beds can be eco-friendly in a few different ways. What one company means by “eco-friendly” is not going to be the same as another company — there is no widely accepted standard for the “eco-friendly” label.
No bed is going to meet all of these requirements, but some meet more than others.
Made from Sustainable Materials
Some eco-friendly dog beds are made out of sustainable materials.
Definitions for “sustainable materials” vary, but Rutgers University defines them as:
Sustainable materials are materials used throughout our consumer and industrial economy that can be produced in required volumes without depleting non-renewable resources and without disrupting the established steady-state equilibrium of the environment and key natural resource systems.
Put more simply, sustainable materials are things that can be produced indefinitely in nature — they’re used at the same rate that they’re made.
Common woods (like pine) are good examples. To be sustainable, the trees have to be harvested at the same rate they grow, however.
Dog beds are made from a variety of different eco-friendly materials, but different materials have different levels of sustainability, so it is worth it to do a little bit of research before purchasing a bed.
Wool is one of the best, as it grows back relatively quickly. Things like cotton and hemp are also great, since those only take a season to grow.
If prepared in eco-friendly fashion, leather can be considered sustainable too, but one animal can only be slaughtered for leather once. Conversely, a sheep can grow countless pounds of wool in its lifetime.
When rating the actual sustainability of each material, consider how long it takes that material to re-grow. Things that grow or regenerate the fastest are typically the most sustainable.
Manufactured with Recycled Materials
Other companies use recycled materials when manufacturing their dog beds.
For example, many companies will use old clothing and other textiles when making their dog beds. Others utilize fabrics that have been made from recycled plastic bottles.
Using recycled materials is friendlier for the environment than using new materials, since you aren’t creating extra materials that will end up in a landfill.
Some especially eco-friendly manufacturers and retailers also use recycled products for shipping and packaging, which helps further reduce a given product’s environmental impact.
Made from Organically Grown Fibers
Some eco-friendly beds are made from organically-grown materials.
Everything that is organically grown must meet specific requirements and regulations in how they are grown and processed. These regulations differ from country to country.
In the USA, organic crops must be grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.
Organically grown plant and animal products are more environmentally-friendly than their conventionally counterparts because they cause less harm to beneficial insects (like bees).
Organically grown products are also gentler on watersheds, which helps to protect fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.
Avoiding Environmentally Harming Chemicals During Manufacturing Process
Some companies might call their beds eco-friendly because they do not use environmentally-harming chemicals in their construction. This obviously helps avoid causing damage to the planet’s natural habitats.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that some chemicals are more eco-friendly than others.
For example, lead is a common ingredient in fabric dye and is known to be harmful to the environment and your health. Some manufacturers still use it in their products, but most of the best eco-friendly manufacturers avoid it.
Phthalates are another example, as they can be harmful to your health and the environment too. Fortunately, many manufacturers now avoid these chemicals in their manufacturing processes.
But things aren’t always so cut-and-dry. Take flame retardants, for example. Flame retardants obviously help make products safer for people and their pets, but many are harmful to the environment.
So, there are some trade offs you’ll have to make when looking for environmentally friendly dog beds.
Long-Lasting
You may not think of durability and construction quality as signs of eco-friendly products, but they absolutely are.
If you purchase a longer lasting bed, you’ll go through fewer dog beds over the years. This means you’ll throw out fewer beds over time, thereby reducing the amount of landfill space being taken up by dog beds.
This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time. Imagine if every pet owner threw away one fewer bed every ten years. That adds up to a lot!
And eco-friendliness aside, durable beds will typically save you money in the long run (even if they are more expensive to purchase). If you can find a durable bed that also meets some of the other criteria we list here, it’s even better!
Designed to Be Stuffed by You
There are a few beds on the market that are designed to be stuffed with recycled materials from your home, representing another strategy for protecting the environment while keeping your canine comfy.
Things like old clothes, socks, and other textiles are often recommended. Of course, if you have old pillow stuffing, that would work well for many of these beds too.
Stuffing your dog’s bed with stuff you already have laying around provides double value for the planet. You not only avoid having to throw out some of your old fabrics, the manufacturer doesn’t have to use materials to stuff the bed in the first place.
The Best Eco-Friendly Dog Beds
We reviewed several different eco-friendly dog beds on the market. All of these beds are a solid choice, but some are a better option than others.
1. Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover
About: If you’re looking for something inexpensive yet still eco-friendly, the Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover is a great choice.
This “bed” is actually just a cover that is designed to be stuffed with old textiles you have lying around the house — things like your old clothes, towels, stuffing, and pillows.
Because you’re using stuff you’d throw away otherwise, you’re preventing more trash from ending up in a landfill.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover
DIY stuffing dog bed
The Molly Mutt Bed Cover achieves eco-friendly status by allowing owners to fill it with materials they already have on hand.
Features: The Molly Mutt Bed Cover is not made out of recycled materials itself. However, because it is designed to be stuffed with old textiles you have lying around the house, we consider it pretty eco-friendly.
This bed comes in a variety of different sizes and even a few different shapes, ranging from 20-inch round models to rectangular models measuring 45 inches long and 36 inches wide.
This bed cover is made out of 100% cotton and is fully zippered and gusseted. It even comes pre-shrunk, so it stays true to size.
- 100% machine washable cover
- Many styles, shapes, and colors available
- Fully zippered
- Cotton duvet
PROS
This bed is pretty affordable because it doesn’t come with any filling. It is made of breathable cotton, which makes it suitable for warmer climates as well. Plus, the bed even comes with a “stuffing sack” to make stuffing the cover easier.
CONS
You do have to stuff this bed yourself. While this doesn’t generally require too much work, it does assume that you have extra clothes and old blankets lying around the house. If you don’t, you’d have to go out and purchase new blankets to stuff it with, which ruins the eco-friendly nature of this bed.
2. Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Filled Dog Bed
About: The Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Filled Dog Bed is similar to Molly Mutt’s bed cover, except that it is stuffed with wool — you don’t have to stuff it yourself with old blankets.
Because it is already stuffed, this bed is a bit more expensive than the “cover-only” option.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Filled Dog Bed
Wool-stuffed bed
This Molly Mutt Bed is comfortable for your canine and packed full of sustainable, chemical-free, and planet-friendly wool fibers.
Features: For pet owners who don’t have extra clothes and blankets lying around (or those who just want a “plug-and-play” bed), this is a good option.
The Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Bed features lumbar support padding, which may make it perfectly suitable for older dogs (and cats too). The wool stuffing will also help keep your doggo warm and toasty, which can be valuable for older pets, who’re struggling with joint problems and other aches and pains.
Plus, the filling of this bed is chemical-free and anti-microbial. It won’t hold smells as badly as other beds may, and it is generally pretty eco-friendly.
- Comes in many different sizes
- Various styles and colors available
- The outer cover is removable and is machine-washable
- The cover is made with 100% cotton
PROS
Dogs seem to love this bed. The wool filling makes it extra-comfortable while also remaining environmentally friendly. Many customers reported that the variety of styles allowed them to match the bed easily to their home décor.
CONS
This bed is not as environmentally-friendly as some others we reviewed. It does not use recycled materials and is not designed to be stuffed with items lying around your home. Instead, it is only more eco-friendly than traditional beds because it is made of wool, which is sustainable.
3. The Round Greener Pup Bed
About: The Round Greener Pup Bed is made by a company dedicated to the creation of eco-friendly dog furniture.
This dog bed comes in many different sizes, and there are many cover designs available, so you’re sure to find something that matches your home décor.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Round Greener Pup Bed
Ultra eco-friendly bed
An extremely eco-friendly option, this bed is made with non-toxic materials, it uses recycled fibers for a filling, and the manufacturer donates all of the profits from sales to a dog rescue.
Features: This bed is about as eco-friendly as they come. In fact, all of their beds are made from soft, durable recycled fillings that are non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Each pound of filling takes about ten plastic bottles to create, meaning that each bed uses 70 to 120 plastic bottles.
When you purchase this bed, you also get a removable and machine-washable cover to go with it. They have quite a few styles and fabrics available (including too many to list here), but we liked their giraffe, zebra and turtle print options!
This bed comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- All profits go to Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue
- All fillings are made from 100% recycled plastic
- Four different sizes available
PROS
Greener Pup, LLC is solely focused on creating sustainable, eco-friendly dog products and helping support shelter dogs. When you purchase from them, you know your money is being used to make a difference. Plus, their beds are made almost entirely out of recycled materials, without sacrificing on comfort.
CONS
This bed is a bit more expensive than others on the market. All profits go to a dog rescue, though, so you can at least rest assured that your money is being used for something good.
4. NutroPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed
About: For older dogs and those with joint pain, the NutroPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great choice.
As the name suggests, it is designed to be gentle and supportive of your pet’s bones and muscles. This makes it an excellent choice for older dogs or those with diseases like hip dysplasia.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
NaturoPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed
An eco-friendly orthopedic bed
This bed is not only made with eco-friendly materials, but it is also designed to be super durable and supportive for your sleeping pet.
Features: This bed is made with 100% natural wool, organic cotton, and natural coconut coir fiber. The materials are not recycled, but they are sustainable and eco-friendly.
The bed is also exceptionally breathable – a feature that is particularly useful for older dogs who are going to spend a lot of time in the same spot.
Furthermore, this bed was built to last. The combination of fibers makes it very durable, and the outer cover protects from moisture, scratches, and sun. The company claims that this bed is “virtually indestructible.”
- Removable and washable outer cover
- Water-resistant
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Can withstand some chewing
PROS
Because this bed is both orthopedic and breathable, it works best for older canines. Of course, younger dogs with no joint issues aren’t going to complain about this bed either. It is difficult to find an orthopedic bed that is also eco-friendly, but this one fits the bill perfectly.
CONS
This bed is quite a bit more expensive than most. This is largely because it is made with better materials than many other beds on the market. Still, the high cost can be a major put-off for some pet owners.
Need some more orthopedic dog bed options? Check out our complete guide to memory foam dog beds!
5. West Paw Heyday Dog Bed
About: The West Paw Heyday Dog Bed is a great budget option for owners who are looking for a comfy bed that is also eco-friendly.
This bed is handcrafted in Montana and features a low-profile, so your pooch won’t have an issue getting in and out of it.
And most importantly given our focus on environmental impact in this article, the inside filling of this bed is made from recycled plastic bottles.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
West Paw Heyday Dog Bed
Budget- and eco-friendly dog bed
Featuring an interior made from recycled materials, this bed is not only machine-washable but affordable too.
Features: This dog bed features a double-stuffed base to provide extra comfort and the outer cover that can be removed and machine-washed.
There are three different colors available, and this bed is a bit cheaper than many of the other eco-friendly options on the market.
The company is a certified B corporation, which means they went through a rigorous process to prove that they’re dedicated to making environmental and social change in the world.
- Stuffed bolsters
- Made with only safe materials and carries the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label
- Four sizes available, including small, medium, large, and extra-large
- Soft, textured top
PROS
The most obvious benefit of this product is its low price. However, the filling is made with recycled materials, which makes it eco-friendly too. The low bolster may also be helpful for certain canines, including those with shorts legs or older dogs who have a hard time getting around.
CONS
While this bed is pretty eco-friendly and made with recycled fill material, the outside cover is not made from eco-friendly materials.
Products on Amazon and Chewy are often priced similarly, but — at the time we published this article — the West Paw Heyday Bed is actually much cheaper on Chewy.
6. West Paw Design Montana Nap
About: For dog owners who need a lightweight dog bed, the West Paw Design Montana Nap may be the right choice.
This bed is not nearly as thick as some other options. Instead, it is designed to be as lightweight as possible while still providing your pooch with plenty of comfort. It works best as a crate mat or for traveling.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
West Paw Design Montana Nap
Portable eco-friendly dog bed
A perfect bed for traveling four-footers, the Montana Nap is easy to take care of and made with Intelliloft fibers, which are derived from recycled plastic.
Features: This lightweight dog bed is made with Intelliloft fiber, which is made from recycled plastic. Despite being thinner than most beds, this one is cozy and soft enough for a nap.
If your dog seems to prefer to sleep on the floor rather than a dog bed, then this lightweight bed might be a good option.
The whole mat is machine-washable on cold. There is no need to remove the cover or anything of that sort. You just throw the whole bed in, which makes it pretty darn convenient.
- Made in the USA
- Designed to fit into dog crates
- Five different sizes available
- Multiple color and style options
PROS
In addition to being made with a recycled fill material, this bed seems very popular among dogs, even though it is pretty thin. Many customers reported that their cats loved it too! And because the whole bed can just be thrown in the washer, it is very easy to keep this bed clean.
CONS
This bed seems to shed quite a bit when you first purchase it. Quite a few customers reported that it shed fibers very severely – to the point that they considered not using it anymore. However, it appears that washing the bed seems to stop this issue.
7. Pet Support Systems Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
About: The Pet Support Systems Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is designed to support your dog’s spine, muscles, and joints.
It’s best for older dogs who already have back problems or dogs that are prone to discomfort because of their breed. It is quite expensive, but quality comes at a price!
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Pet Support Systems Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
A thick foam bed that’s good for the planet
This orthopedic dog bed gives you the chance to support your dog’s aching joints while helping protect the planet at the same time.
Features: This bed’s soft cover is removable and machine washable, while the filling is not, but that’s a pretty common scenario with dog beds.
Nevertheless, both the cover and filling are allergy-free and hypoallergenic. They also have some anti-microbial and dust mite-resistant qualities.
This bed is not made with any toxic chemicals, which is why we consider it eco-friendly. The manufacturer does make this bed in a plethora of sizes so that you can choose the best one for your canine.
- Supports bone structure and posture to relieve pressure
- Medical-grade memory-foam
- Resistant to temperature changes
- Made in the USA
PROS
This bed is very comfortable and does an excellent job of supporting the joints of older canines. Many people seem to purchase this bed for their older dogs since it is described as being orthopedic. However, we bet that this would be suitable for any age dog.
CONS
The bed is wrapped in a cover and a waterproof sleeve. While this is great in theory, it does reduce the comfort slightly. Some customers reported that this bed is not as durable as advertised and showed signs of breaking after only a few months.
DIY Dog Bed
Perhaps one of the most eco-friendly things to do is make your dog bed out of materials lying around your home.
There are many different ways to do this, but we want to take a look at two versions, courtesy of PatchPuppy.com.
Old Pillow Dog Bed
One of the easiest ways to make your own dog bed is to grab some old pillows and two fleece blankets. You’ll need enough pillows to stuff an area large enough for your pet. The fleece blankets should cover an area slightly larger than the pillows.
Then, you simply cut strips about two inches in length into both pieces of fleece down each side. Center the pillows in the fleece, and then knot each strip together. It’s that easy.
You may have to trim your fleece a bit to get the pillows to fit in it snuggly. It’s okay if you do. This is a DIY method, after all!
Blue Jean Method
This is an insanely easy DIY method for smaller dog beds. All you need is an old pair of jeans, at least one pillow, a belt, and various items for stuffing. You can use pillows or stuff like old clothes and blankets.
Cut tassels into the legs on the jeans. Then, tie the tassels together. This is the same way we closed up the previous DIY method. They don’t have to be extremely tight. You just want to keep the stuffing from falling out.
Then, just stuff the pants with whatever you have and close up the waist end with the belt. You can leave the jeans laying flat, but many people choose to cross the legs of the pants.
Because the bed is only as big as a piece of jeans, this works best for smaller dogs who love to sleep in your lap anyway.
Not satisfied by simply buying an eco-friendly dog bed?
Check out some of our favorite organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly dog toys!
Eco-Friendly Dog Bed FAQs
A lot of owners know that they want an eco-friendly bed, but still have some questions about these products. We’ll do our best to answer some of the most common questions below!
Who determines if a bed is “eco-friendly?”
Manufacturers can apply term “eco-friendly” however they like, but phrases like “organic” are regulated in many cases. Accordingly, there isn’t a quick-and-easy way to distinguish eco-friendly beds from conventional options.
Are eco-friendly dog beds made in the USA?
Many are, but others are made in Europe or Asia. Ultimately, while US-made beds are generally preferable, there are options made overseas that are both high-quality and eco-friendly.
What should you look for in an eco-friendly dog bed?
We discussed some of the primary things that make dog beds eco-friendly above, but generally, you want a bed that is made from recycled materials, doesn’t utilize environmentally harmful chemicals, or allows you to provide the filling material yourself.
Are eco-friendly dog beds good for your pet?
You bet! As long as they’re made from safe materials, provide proper cushioning, and are easy to clean, they can be just as awesome as traditional dog beds.
Are eco-friendly dog beds durable?
In many cases, yes! There is nothing inherently flimsy about eco-friendly materials or construction methods, so the durability of eco-friendly beds varies much as it does with conventional dog beds.
Are eco-friendly dog beds expensive?
Sometimes, but not always. Eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes are often more expensive than conventional alternatives, but there are several affordable, eco-friendly dog beds on the market (including several discussed above).
***
As you can see, there are several great eco-friendly dog beds on the market, as well as a few nifty DIY options. You’re certainly not going to single-handedly save the planet by buying one of the beds discussed above, but that’s OK! It’s all about doing what you can to pitch in!
Have you ever purchased an eco-friendly dog bed? How did it work out? Let us know in the comments below!
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