Petmate has been making pet gear for decades, and while most people know the brand from crates and food bowls, its Aspen Pet and Petmate-branded dog beds quietly dominate the budget-to-midrange section of Amazon’s pet bedding category. Heading into 2026, that lineup hasn’t changed dramatically, but a few models have earned genuine repeat-buyer loyalty while others feel like filler in the catalog. We looked at how these beds actually hold up in daily use — cover durability, fill compression, washability, and whether the sizing claims match reality — rather than just repeating the spec sheet.
Top Petmate & Aspen Pet Dog Beds Worth Buying
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Corduroy Pet Bed by Petmate
- Reflective insulating layer traps warmth
- Machine-washable cover
- Budget-friendly for the size
- Flattens faster than memory foam beds
- Corduroy cover pills after repeated washing
Petmate Ortho Bolster Dog Bed
- Firmer support than standard poly-fill beds
- Removable, washable cover
- Bolster edge adds head support
- Foam isn't true memory foam
- Cover zipper feels flimsy over time
Aspen Pet Rectangular Foam Dog Bed by Petmate
- True foam base holds shape
- Simple design fits any crate or corner
- Very competitively priced
- Cover pattern selection is limited
- No bolster edge for dogs who like to lean
Petmate Cuddle Cup Pet Bed
- High bolstered walls dogs can burrow into
- Soft faux-fur interior
- Machine washable
- Only practical for smaller breeds
- Filling compresses with heavy daily use
Aspen Pet Round Bolster Nesting Dog Bed by Petmate
- Round shape suits dogs that curl to sleep
- Affordable for the size offered
- Lightweight and easy to move room to room
- Less floor coverage than rectangular beds
- Bolster fill thins out over months of use
Petmate Kennel Mat Pet Bed
- Sized to fit standard crate dimensions
- Low profile doesn't block crate doors
- Easy to wipe down or wash
- Minimal cushioning for larger dogs
- Not meant as a standalone floor bed
What Petmate Actually Does Well (and Where It Falls Short)
Petmate’s dog beds are not premium orthopedic products, and they’re not marketed as such. Their strength is consistency at a low price point: covers that genuinely come off and go back on without a fight, foam or fill that doesn’t smell strange out of the box, and sizing charts that are usually accurate to within an inch. Where the line falls short is longevity under heavy use — a 90-pound dog that sleeps on one of these beds every night will see noticeable flattening within six to nine months, whereas a 20-pound dog might get two or three years out of the same bed.
Self-Warming vs. Standard Foam
The self-warming corduroy beds use a reflective inner layer rather than any electrical heating element, which means there’s no cord to worry about and no risk of overheating — but it also means the warming effect is subtle, not dramatic. It’s most noticeable on cold tile or concrete floors, less so on carpet where body heat already stays trapped.
Bolster Beds vs. Flat Mats
If your dog likes to rest their head on something, a bolstered edge (like the Ortho Bolster or Cuddle Cup) earns its keep almost immediately. Dogs that sprawl flat, on the other hand, often do better on a simple rectangular pad without a raised rim getting in the way.
Sizing Guide: Matching the Bed to Your Dog
Petmate’s sizing runs fairly true, but here’s how the common sizes typically translate in practice:
| Size Label | Approximate Dimensions | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ~20 x 15 in | Dogs under 15 lbs (Chihuahuas, small terriers) |
| Medium | ~28 x 21 in | Dogs 15–40 lbs (Beagles, Corgis) |
| Large | ~36 x 27 in | Dogs 40–70 lbs (Labs, Shepherds) |
| Extra Large / Jumbo | ~44 x 34 in | Dogs 70+ lbs (Mastiffs, Great Danes) |
How Petmate Compares to Other Budget Dog Bed Brands
Shoppers comparing Petmate to other well-known names on Amazon will notice some overlap in price but real differences in construction philosophy:
| Brand | Typical Price Range | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate / Aspen Pet | $ | Simple, washable, budget-friendly basics |
| Bedsure | $-$$ | Plush donut and calming bed styles |
| Furhaven | $-$$ | Wide variety of shapes and orthopedic options |
| Big Barker | $$$ | Heavy-duty orthopedic support for large breeds |
| K&H | $$ | Heated and outdoor-rated beds |
Care and Longevity Tips
Most Petmate covers are machine washable, but the foam or fill inserts generally are not — check the tag before tossing the whole bed in the wash. Rotating or fluffing the fill every couple of weeks slows down compression, and keeping the bed off direct heating vents helps the self-warming models last longer since excess heat can degrade the reflective lining faster than normal wear would.
Related buying guides
- Browse our full dog bed hub
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and bedding
- Best mattresses under $300
- Platform bed frames for your own room
- About Talk Beds
Ready to pick a Petmate bed for your dog?
Compare current prices and sizes on Amazon before you buy.
Check price on AmazonIs Petmate a good brand for dog beds?
Petmate and its Aspen Pet line are reliable budget-to-midrange options. They’re not orthopedic-grade, but the covers are genuinely washable and the sizing is usually accurate, which is more than some competitors offer at the same price.
Are Petmate dog beds machine washable?
Most covers are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle, but the foam or fill inserts inside typically are not — always check the care tag on the specific model before washing the whole bed.
Do Petmate self-warming beds need to be plugged in?
No. The self-warming beds use a reflective foil-style inner layer that bounces a dog’s own body heat back at them; there’s no electricity or heating element involved.
How long do Petmate dog beds typically last?
For smaller dogs under 30 lbs, two to three years of nightly use is realistic. Larger, heavier dogs will compress the fill or foam faster, often needing a replacement within six to twelve months of daily use.
Which Petmate bed is best for a dog with joint pain?
The Petmate Ortho Bolster Dog Bed uses a firmer foam base than most of the line and is the closest thing to orthopedic support in the Petmate lineup, though it’s not as supportive as dedicated orthopedic brands like Big Barker.
Are Aspen Pet and Petmate the same company?
Yes. Aspen Pet is a brand owned by Petmate, and the two names are often used interchangeably on product listings for the same dog bed lines.
Do Petmate beds run true to size?
Generally yes — Petmate’s size charts are usually accurate within an inch, which makes it easier to size a bed correctly for crates or specific room corners.
Can Petmate dog beds fit inside a standard wire crate?
The Petmate Kennel Mat is specifically sized for standard crate dimensions, while other Petmate bed styles may need to be measured against your crate’s interior before buying.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →