Top Picks at a Glance:

  • Nest (best machine-washable)

+ even more recommended brands (and discount codes!) below! 👇

Raise your hand if you would do anything for your fur babies (*raises hand enthusiastically*). If you’re buying them the best organic dog food, taking them for walks every day, and setting up vet appointments the minute they need them, then congratulations! You’re an amazing pet parent. 

But have you thought about the quality and safety of what they’re sleeping on? Sure, you may have bought the comfiest, squishiest bed for your dog that you could find, but is that bed good for their health? Find out more about potentially harmful chemicals used to make dog beds and discover non-toxic, organic, and natural alternatives you and your pup will love.

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Featured Image Credit: Naturepedic


Are Dog Beds Toxic? 

You know toxic chemicals can impact your family’s health — our fluffy friends are not immune. Like any product you bring into your home, dog beds can be surprisingly laden with not-so-great chemicals. An EWG study found pets were contaminated with substantially higher levels of toxic chemicals than the average person. 

Common toxic chemicals found in dog beds include: 

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be found in the memory foam, flame retardants, glues, and solvents of a dog bed. These emitted gases can negatively impact indoor air quality, leading to these symptoms listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): headaches, nausea, fatigue, and organ damage—things that can be experienced by you and your pet.
  • Bromine is a chemical used in some flame retardants that are added to furniture foam. The Ecology Center, an organization that researches the safety of products, has reported finding bromine in dog beds. It can cause things like trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, skin irritation, nausea, and vomiting when acutely exposed. More chronic, long-term effects can include endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, cancer, behavioral problems, and more.
  • Antimicrobials are also commonly added to fabrics that are used for dog beds. In addition to posing health threats, these can contribute to more widespread antibiotic resistance. You can read more about this issue here.

Why Should I Switch To A Non-Toxic Dog Bed?

There are a number of studies that show that the chemicals listed above (and more) aren’t benign. For instance:

  • Animal studies have proven the negative effects of triclosan (an antibacterial), including one 2018 study that confirmed a connection between the chemical and colonic inflammation. 
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bromine can bring on coughing, breathing difficulties, and dizziness. 
  • And VOCs just aren’t good for anyone, whether you’re four-legged or not, something else that’s been affirmed by research.

Dogs that are older or have other health issues are at even greater risk of being negatively affected by the toxins in conventional dog beds. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in your favorite furry friend, it might be time to swap out their dog bed. (And, it might go without saying, but be sure to take them to your vet if you notice something might be wrong!)

What Type Of Non-Toxic Material Is Best For Dog Beds?

If you’re concerned about your dog’s overall health, purchasing an organic, eco-friendly dog bed is a good place to start. When shopping for natural dog beds, look for some of the following materials: 

  • Organic cotton
  • Natural latex foam
  • 100% natural virgin wool 
  • Hemp
  • Non-dyed / natural linen
  • Buckwheat hulls
  • Wool

And if you go for synthetic filling, look for third-party certifications such as:

  • OEKO-TEX
  • GREENGUARD
  • CertiPUR

Although these certifications aren’t perfect, they do provide a certain amount of accountability that the materials are free from various harmful chemicals.

Organic vs. Eco-Friendly Dog Beds

Eco-friendly and non-toxic dog beds exist on a bit of a spectrum. Many dog beds are made with 100% natural and organic materials, while many others are made out of a mix of organic and synthetic materials.

You will have to decide whether you want a 100% natural/organic bed — filling and cover — or whether you’d be okay with an organic cover and a synthetic filling. I’ve done the research so you can choose what’s best for you. 

The brands I’ve included that do use synthetic material for their filling either come with a low-tox certification (OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD, and/or CertiPUR), or they use recycled plastic for a more eco-friendly option.

Additionally, most of the brands below that use synthetic filling do use a natural or organic fabric for the outer cover. It’s all about whatever works best for your life and budget.


Our List of the Best Non-Toxic & Organic Dog Beds

For specific recommendations of organic dog beds that are free from toxic chemicals, look no further than this handy list. 

1. Savvy Rest (Most Affordable 100% Organic Pet Beds)

Materials: Natural latex, organic cotton
Price: $109-$238
Sizes: Small (20″ x 30″), Medium (26″ x 37″), Large (37″ x 47″)
Colors: Natural, Black

Cat sizes available

Savvy Rest has a collection of super comfy pet beds for dogs and cats of every size. These pet beds are free from synthetics and come in at a pretty affordable price point.

Their “Savvy Doggy™” and “Savvy Kitty™” natural pet beds are available in black or white. You can choose between formed natural latex (for a firmer feel) or shredded for a puffier version. You can also add a waterproof liner if you want to.

Plus, they also have pet bed frames available for extra support (which you can customize with your pet’s name if you want!). These are made in the USA out of solid wood and non-toxic finishes.

Use code THEFILTERY20 for 20% off.


2. Naturepedic Organic Dog Bed (Best Waterproof Option for Messy Pets)

Materials: Organic cotton, organic latex, waterproof lining
Price: $99—$299
Sizes: X-small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
Colors: One color with a light woven herringbone pattern

Cat sizes available

Since 2003 Naturepedic has eliminated toxic chemicals from their bedding — pet bedding included! This organic dog bed (also loved by cats) is made with organic cotton and organic latex with an inner cover that is waterproof, certified organic and machine washable.

Naturepedic holds a variety of non-toxic and eco-friendly certifications: 

  • GOTS
  • Made Safe
  • GREENGUARD
  • VALIDATED (formaldehyde-free)
  • Zero Toxic
  • 1% for the planet

Use code ‘THEFILTERTY15′ for 15% off.


3. Only Natural Pet (Most Affordable Eco-Friendly Pet Bed)

Materials: Organic/recycled cotton, organic sherpa, filling from recycled plastic bottles
Price: $62-$98
Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large
Colors: Black/white, blue-ish grey canvas

Cat sizes available

Only Natural Pet offers two dog beds: 

  • A non-toxic sherpa bed that’s made with an organic sherpa fleece cover
  • A canvas bed that’s made with a certified organic cotton canvas cover.

With its cool patterning, the sherpa dog bed will steal the show in any on-trend space. The outer cover is made from a mix of organic and recycled cotton and non-toxic dyes, and then it’s filled with recycled PET.

If you want a cover that’s a bit more durable (and a darker color to hide dirt and stains!), they also have a blue/grey canvas option. It’s made out of the same materials—organic & recycled cotton plus recycled synthetic filling.

Only Natural Pet is also a certified B Corporation and all of their products are carbon neutral.


4. YaYa & Co. (Most Unique Designs, OEKO-TEX Certified)

Materials: Organic cotton, natural jute, recycled polyester, buckwheat, cedar, pine, down (you can choose the filling for some of the beds)
Price: $118-$199
Sizes: Small (20″ x 20″ x 5″⁣⁣⁣⁣) to Large (40″ x 28″ x 5″⁣⁣⁣)
Colors: Various

Cat sizes available

These dog beds will definitely add some eye-catching color and texture to your home while providing a perfect spot for your furry friend to rest.

They have a collection of stylish sustainable dog beds with unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else. For these you can choose what filling you want: 

  • Recycled polyester
  • Buckwheat & cedar
  • Pine & cedar
  • Or down feather

The cedar and pine shavings help repel fleas, ticks, and other insects while also acting as a natural deodorizer.

All of their beds are OEKO-TEX and Fair Trade certified.

They also have super cute macrame hanging beds for cats, too!


5. Nest (Best Machine Washable Dog Bed)

natural eco-friendly dog beds from nest bedding

Materials: Cotton cover, filling from recycled plastic bottles
Price: $99-$179
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Colors: Natural

Cat sizes available

This is a great option for a non-toxic bolstered bed for your dog (or cat!). These beds are handmade in the USA and consist of a cotton fabric outer layer combined with a filling made out of recycled plastic.

For most other dog beds, only the cover is machine washable. But with Nest’s dog beds, you can actually throw the whole thing in the washing machine and then just hang to dry.


6. Essentia (GOTS and GOLS Certified Dog Bed)

organic dog bed from essentia

Materials: Organic latex, organic cotton
Price: $169-$259
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Colors: White/striped

Cat sizes available

Essentia’s eco-friendly dog beds are made with their own Beyond Latex™ foam, which is their take on organic latex memory foam. While memory foam is definitely something to be wary of due to the VOCs it usually contains, Essentia’s dog bed carries the GOTS and GOLS organic certifications, indicating its safety.

It also comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning. The cover has a food-grade waterproofing layer and a SoftGrip cotton bottom to keep it from sliding around on the floor.

Everything is handmade in Canada!


7. The Futon Shop Organic Wool Dog Beds

Materials: Organic cotton, natural latex, wool, coconut husk (you can customize the materials)
Price: $92-$280
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Colors: Black, Brown, Navy, Light Blue, Red, Green

Cat sizes available

The Futon Shop’s “Natural Home” purveys customizable organic dog beds that come in several sizes and hues. You can even choose your preferred natural materials for the bed’s filling. Options include: 

  • Coconut and wool
  • Latex and wool
  • Organic cotton
  • 100% organic wool 

These dog beds are handcrafted in the USA and come with a removable cover. You also have the option of choosing a removable waterproof cover made from Outdura fabric (instead of organic cotton), but I don’t recommend that one because there’s a good chance it’s not PFAS-free.


8. Bean Products (Largest Variety of Organic Options)

natural non toxic dog beds

Materials: Natural latex or CertiPUR synthetic foam (you choose), hemp, cotton
Price: $50-$270
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Colors: Natural, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Brown, Grey

Cat sizes available

Bean Products carries dog beds in a variety of sizes that are made from natural latex or CertiPUR synthetic foam. They also carry dog bed covers made from natural and sustainable hemp, so you can easily replace the cover without having to replace the whole bed.

In addition to their variety of sizes, you can request a custom size by emailing them if you need to.

Bean Products is also featured in our Non-Toxic Bean Bag Chair Guide!


9. Avocado GOTS Organic Dog Bed

non-toxic-dog-beds-green-dog-beds-best-non-toxic-lifestyle-blogs-the-filtery

Materials: Organic latex, organic coconut husk, certified organic cotton
Price: $239-$349
Sizes: S/M (for dogs less than 70 lbs) and L/XL (for dogs over 70 lbs)
Colors: Green, Blue, Pink, Grey

Avocado, probably one of the most widely known organic mattress companies carries an organic dog bed that’s made in the USA and comes with a snuggly pillow bolster. It’s 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, has an organic cotton cover, and contains natural, GOLS-certified latex paired with breathable coconut husk. 

They also carry a dog bed frame that’s made with upcycled scraps (all FSC®-certified reclaimed wood and Douglas fir) from their Los Angeles wood shop. It’s finished with a non-toxic, zero-VOC stain and varnish.


10. Brentwood Home (Best for Older or Arthritic Dogs)

Materials: Foam (mix of CertiPUR synthetic and Biofoam, which is partially plant-based), synthetic fabric
Price: $119-$339
Sizes: Small to XL
Colors: Sandstone (light brown), Mocha (dark brown), Mocha (dark grey)

Cat sizes available

Brentwood Home’s dog beds are not completely natural or organic, but they’re still a pretty good option. They have two supportive beds: 

  • The Griffith Orthopedic Bed, which is flat with two layers of dense and supportive foam
  • The Runyon Orthopedic Dog Bed which has a back and sides for even more support and comfort. If you have an older dog or one that struggles with problems like arthritis, this would be a good option to consider.

Even though these beds are made with synthetics, the foams are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR certified, which means they’re free from a list of toxins.

These beds are waterproof and very durable, too. The covers are made with a food-grade polyolefin coating, which allows them to be waterproof without the use of PFAS chemicals. They also sell replacement covers in case your bed needs a refresh after a few years.


11. MINNA Ethically Made Dog Beds

natural dog beds from MINNA

Materials: 100% cotton, polyfill insert
Price: $225 (cover only) – $275
Sizes: One size: 35” x 25” x 4”
Colors: One striped colored pattern available

MINNA is a brand that offers beautiful, ethically-made, artisan household textiles. Their dog bed cover is actually reversible and can double as a floor pillow if you want. It’s handwoven in San Antonio Palopó, Guatemala out of 100% cotton.

The fill is synthetic, but you can always just get the cover and then use a different pillow or stuffing with it if you want.


12. Harry Barker

non-toxic-natural-green-dog-beds-harry-barker-the-filtery

Materials: Cotton, hemp, recycled plastic fill
Price: $169-$229
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Colors: Natural with black, blue, or red stripes

Cat sizes available

This beloved, sophisticated brand for dogs sells equally chic green dog beds in a variety of designs and sizes. This one displays a grain-sack look with its stripes in earth-friendly, hypo-allergenic dyes. The insert, sold separately, contains eco-fiber fill that comes from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. 


13. OMI Organic Dog Bed

Materials: Organic cotton, organic latex
Price: $219-$299
Sizes: Round bed comes in one size (22 x 22″), Rectangle bed comes in Small (31 x 35″) and Large (40 x 51″)
Colors: Natural

Cat sizes available

OMI, another organic mattress brand, also manufactures eco-friendly dog beds that are made in the USA and are GREENGUARD Certified. Filled with shredded natural latex rubber and featuring a removable cover made of organic cotton canvas, it’s a durable bed with a minimalistic aesthetic.


14. Molly Mutt OEKO-TEX & PFAS-Free Dog Beds

organic non toxic dog beds from molly mutt

Materials: Organic/regular cotton, wool
Price: $35—$259
Sizes: Petite, Small, Medium/Large, Huge
Colors: Various

Cat sizes available

Molly Mutt’s dog beds are not all completely natural or organic, but I’m including them here because they have more options than most other brands (and they still have a lot of sustainability initiatives). 

Built to last through a lifetime of tail wags, circling, and mud baths, these durable, washable dog beds are made from sustainably grown cotton and wool sourced in the U.S. Their covers and wool-filled beds are Oeko-Tex Certified and GOTS Certified Organic. They’re also all free from added toxicants like chemical flame retardants, phthalates, PFAS.

Molly Mutt’s is also Climate Neutral Certified.


What Happened to Orvis?

If you’re looking for an Orvis bed you won’t find them there. They used to be on this list because they offered several OEKO-TEX certified dog beds that were made out of healthy materials like organic cotton and natural latex. Unfortunately, at the time of our fall 2023 update, they no longer carry these options. Some of their dog beds are filled with CertiPUR memory foam and some of it is recycled, but besides that, they no longer use other natural materials nor have any OEKO-TEX certified dog beds.

Conclusion

I hope this guide to the best organic and non-toxic dog beds has helped you find a healthier bed for your furry loved one(s).

If you’re interested in learning more about decreasing the environmental toxins in your life, sign up for Filtered Fridays and get exclusive content delivered to your inbox once a week.



About Shelby

Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer from Madison, Wisconsin. For the past 16 years, she has contributed to national print magazines and websites, including Naturally, Danny Seo, Healthline, Good Housekeeping, Parade, USA Today, and more. In her own life, she embraces non-toxic, cruelty-free beauty and cleaning products, and when she’s not researching a “clean” shampoo or lotion to add to her daily regimen, you’ll find her walking her corgi, Dolly, running local trails, or discovering treasures at nearby flea markets.


Related Posts

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *