What to stuff a dog bed with – the best materials for your pup
- 12 minute read
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What to stuff a dog bed with ?
Is your dog lying on an uncomfortable, flat bed that has seen better days?
Then it’s time to bring some much-needed life back to their napping spot with a little bit of fluffy stuffing!
It can be a little tricky knowing what to stuff a dog bed with, especially since there are so many kinds of plush materials out there that can be used.
Which ones work the best?
That’s where we come in.
We’ve put together this handy dandy guide that will tell you everything you need to know about the more popular materials commonly used for stuffing dog beds.
When it comes to the subject of what to stuff a dog bed with, there’s a wide variety of options available.
Not all options are created equal, however!
Let’s see how the following materials stack up in terms of comfort, insulation, washability, and hygiene:
Foam Chips
These are often used by people looking for a cheap and cheerful way to stuff their dog’s bed.
They are relatively inexpensive, sometimes free, and easy to find.
Plus, they provide good support for your dog’s body and can be easily fluffed up or replaced as needed.
However, foam chips don’t offer much in the way of insulation or comfort.
And because they’re made from synthetic materials, they’re not very breathable, making them a bit sweaty and uncomfortable for your dog to lie on.
Polyester Fill
This is a very popular choice for stuffing dog beds.
Polyester fill is often used in pillows and stuffed animals because it’s soft and lightweight.
Plus, it offers great insulation and is relatively easy to wash if it gets dirty.
However, polyester fill can get a bit lumpy after a while and doesn’t always provide the best support for your dog.
Additionally, it’s not very breathable, making it unpleasant for your dog to lie on in hot conditions.
Memory Foam
Using memory foam is an excellent idea for stuffing dog beds because it offers excellent support and is very comfortable.
Plus, it’s breathable and simple to keep clean.
However, memory foam can be pricey and may not offer as much insulation as other materials. Additionally, it can be hard to find in larger sizes if you have a big dog.
Blankets
Another cheap and cheerful solution that is also eco-friendly.
Try recycling old blankets to use as stuffing for your dog’s bed.
It’s a super-cheap method, and old blankets are not hard to find. They will add great insulation to the bed. They’re also easy to wash if they get dirty.
The downside is that while recycling blankets are a great way to be eco-friendly, they can be bulky and may not provide the best support for your dog.
Wool
This is a wonderful stuffing material for dog beds.
It’s natural, breathable, and temperature-regulating. It’s also exceptionally durable, so it will last a long, long time.
The only negatives are that wool can be expensive, and it’s not as easy to wash as some of the other materials if it gets dirty. Wool also hangs on to a lot of water, so it’ll take forever to dry out your dog bed.
Cotton
Stuffing dog beds with cotton can be good because it’s natural, breathable, and inexpensive.
Plus, it’s an easy to find material that’s very washable when dirty. Talking of washing, we have created a guide on how to wash your dog bed in a washing machine, check it out here.
Cotton doesn’t provide much insulation, however, and may not be as comfortable as some of the other materials listed. It can get a bit lumpy and doesn’t always provide the best support for your dog.
Cedar Shavings
This is sometimes used as a natural filler for dog beds, and it’s also fantastic at repelling fleas.
However, the downside is that it has a strong smell that can be incredibly irritating to dogs with super sensitive noses. This can be overpowering when the bed is inside your home.
A good tip would be to mix cedar shavings with a polyester fibre fill to have the anti-flea qualities without the intense smell.
Best stuffing for puppy beds
If you want an easy to clean bed, then a synthetic fill or foam will be the best option.
Puppies are notorious for accidents, so you will want to be able to wash the bedding often.
Young puppies are also more likely to chew on their bed, so you may need to consider using a tougher fabric such as denim or canvas for the outer layer.
Best stuffing for senior dogs
As dogs enter their Autumn years, they often have more joint pain and may even develop arthritis.
A memory foam bed will adapt to your dog’s body and help relieve some of the pressure on those painful joints.
Make sure to get a bed that’s large enough for your dog to comfortably stretch out in and that has low sides so they can easily get in and out.
Conclusion
When deciding what to stuff a dog bed with, there are many materials that can be used, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The best stuffing material for your dog will depend on their age, size, and health needs. For example, a puppy’s requirements are vastly different from an elderly dog, so make sure you choose the right one for your furry friend.
Don’t forget to take into account your own needs too! If you need an easy to wash bed, then steer clear of materials like wool or cedar shavings.
And finally, consider what kind of support and level of comfort your dog needs. If they just need a cosy place to sleep, then any of the materials we’ve listed would probably be suitable.
Happy Stuffing!
