Squishmallows have taken over the internet. Now they make dog beds too.
The Squishmallow pet beds bring the same soft, squishy feel of the popular plush toys to a dog bed format. But are they actually good for dogs, or just cute for Instagram?
Here is our honest review of Squishmallow dog beds after testing with our pack.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Rating | Action |
|---|
|
Cuteness |
★★★★★ | |
|
Comfort |
★★★★☆ | |
|
Durability |
★★★☆☆ | |
|
Support |
★★★☆☆ | |
|
Value |
★★★★☆ | |
|
Overall |
★★★★☆ (3.6/5) | |
Bottom Line: Squishmallow dog beds are adorable and genuinely soft. Dogs seem to love them. However, they lack serious orthopaedic support and durability. Best for small to medium dogs who want cosy comfort, not for large breeds or dogs needing joint support.
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What Are Squishmallow Dog Beds?
Squishmallows are ultra soft plush toys that became viral collectibles. The brand expanded into pet products, creating dog beds with the same signature squishy feel.
Key features:
- Ultra soft, marshmallow like filling
- Character designs (various Squishmallow characters)
- Round, bolstered shape
- Cute aesthetic for photos
- Machine washable
Available styles:
- Round bolster beds (most common)
- Flat mat style
- Various character designs
- Multiple sizes
Squishmallow Dog Bed: Detailed Review
The Good
Incredibly Soft
The signature Squishmallow softness translates well to dog beds. The filling is genuinely plush and comfortable. Dogs sink into the bed in a cosy, nest like way.
Dogs Love Them
Molly, our French Bulldog, took to a Squishmallow bed immediately. The soft, squishy surface appeals to dogs who like to nest and burrow. Many owners report their dogs choosing Squishmallow beds over other options.
Adorable Design
Let us be honest, these beds are cute. If aesthetics matter or you want Instagram worthy pet photos, Squishmallow delivers. Multiple character designs mean you can match personality or decor.
Raised Edges
The bolstered sides provide a sense of security. Dogs can rest their heads on the edges or curl up inside the bowl shape.
Machine Washable
The entire bed is machine washable, which is essential for any dog bed. Easy care for a plush product.
The Not So Good
Limited Support
Squishmallow beds are soft, not supportive. The marshmallow filling compresses easily. Dogs sink in rather than being supported. This is fine for healthy small dogs but not ideal for:
- Large or heavy dogs
- Dogs with joint issues
- Senior dogs needing orthopaedic support
Durability Concerns
The soft construction is not built for heavy use. Reports suggest:
- Filling compresses and flattens over time
- Seams can fail with rough use
- Not suitable for chewers at all
Expect a lifespan of 6 to 12 months with regular use.
Size Limitations
Most Squishmallow dog beds are sized for small to medium dogs. Large breed options are limited and may not provide enough space or support.
Price vs Quality
Squishmallow beds command a premium for the brand name. You are paying for cuteness factor as much as quality. Similar softness is available from unbranded alternatives at lower prices.
Specifications
Typical Squishmallow Bolster Bed:
- Shape: Round with raised edges
- Fill: Polyester marshmallow filling
- Cover: Soft polyester
- Sizes: 20" to 30" diameter (varies by product)
- Care: Machine washable
- Price: ££ (mid range)
Who Should Buy a Squishmallow Dog Bed?
Great For:
Small dogs under 25 lbs who do not need heavy support.
Medium dogs who like soft, nest style beds.
Dogs who curl up to sleep (the round shape works well).
Pet parents wanting cute aesthetics for photos and decor.
Gentle dogs who do not chew or play rough with beds.
Healthy dogs without joint or orthopaedic needs.
Not Great For:
Large breeds who need more space and support.
Heavy dogs who will compress the filling quickly.
Senior dogs needing orthopaedic support.
Dogs with arthritis or joint issues.
Chewers who will destroy the soft construction.
Dogs who dig at their beds aggressively.
Squishmallow vs Other Soft Beds
Verdict: If you want the soft donut style but do not need the Squishmallow branding, Best Friends Donut offers similar comfort with better durability. Bedsure provides budget softness.
How to Make Squishmallow Beds Last
If you buy a Squishmallow bed, extend its life:
Rotate with another bed. Do not use it 24/7. Rotate to allow filling to recover.
Fluff regularly. Shake and fluff the bed daily to prevent permanent compression.
Wash carefully. Machine wash on gentle, tumble dry low. High heat damages filling.
Keep away from chewers. Remove if your dog starts chewing or digging aggressively.
Consider it temporary. Accept that soft beds have shorter lifespans than firm orthopaedic options.
Alternatives to Consider
For Cute Aesthetics + Better Quality
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Similar soft, round design. Better durability. Multiple colours.
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For Small Dogs Needing Support
Furhaven Orthopaedic Bolster Actual orthopaedic foam with soft cover. Supportive and comfortable.
Check Price
For Budget Soft Beds
Bedsure Calming Dog Bed Donut style at much lower price. Similar comfort, less brand premium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Squishmallow dog beds good?
+
They are good for what they are: soft, cosy beds for small to medium dogs. They are not good for orthopaedic support, durability, or large dogs.
How long do Squishmallow dog beds last?
+
With regular use, expect 6 to 12 months before significant flattening. Heavy use or larger dogs will compress filling faster.
Are Squishmallow dog beds machine washable?
+
Yes, most are machine washable on gentle cycle. Tumble dry low. Check specific product care instructions.
What size Squishmallow dog bed should I get?
+
Measure your dog curled up and add a few inches. Most Squishmallow beds suit dogs under 30 to 40 lbs best.
Are Squishmallow dog beds worth the price?
+
Depends on priorities. If cuteness matters and your dog is small, yes. If you need durability, support, or value, alternatives offer more for less.
Do dogs actually like Squishmallow beds?
+
Many dogs love them. The soft, nest like design appeals to dogs who like to curl up. Some dogs prefer firmer surfaces.
The Bottom Line
Squishmallow dog beds are exactly what they appear to be: cute, soft, and squishy. Dogs who like soft beds will love them. They photograph beautifully and make adorable additions to your home.
However, they are not performance dog beds. They lack orthopaedic support, durability for heavy use, and sizing for larger breeds. You are paying partly for the brand and aesthetic.
Buy a Squishmallow dog bed if:
- Your dog is small to medium
- You want the cute Squishmallow look
- Your dog loves soft, plush beds
- You do not need orthopaedic support
- Your dog is gentle with beds
Skip it if:
- Your dog is large or heavy
- You need joint support
- Your dog chews or digs at beds
- You want maximum durability
- You prioritise value over aesthetics
For the right dog and owner, Squishmallow beds are a fun, cosy choice. Just set realistic expectations about support and lifespan.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.6/5)
Check Squishmallow Dog Beds on Amazon
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3.8
out of 5
20 global ratings
Top reviews
★★★★★5.0
Cutest bed my Shih Tzu has ever had
I bought the Squishmallow bed for my 10 lb Shih Tzu and she dove right into it. It’s insanely soft and she curls up right in the middle like it’s a little marshmallow nest. No joint issues and she’s gentle with beds, so the lack of support isn’t a problem for us.
Helpful
Thanks Emily! Glad your Shih Tzu is loving her Squishmallow nest.
★★★★☆4.0
Great for my kids’ small dog, not sure it will last
We got a Squishmallow bed for my kids’ 18 lb Cavapoo. He loves it and it looks adorable in their room. After about 3 months the center is already a bit flatter though. For the price I wish it held its shape longer, but for now it’s a hit.
Helpful
Appreciate the honest feedback, Jason. Rotating and fluffing the bed can help the filling last a bit longer.
★★★★★5.0
Perfect nap spot for my Frenchie
Molly (22 lb French Bulldog) immediately claimed this bed. She’s a curler and the raised edges are her favorite headrest. I wasn’t buying this for orthopedic support, just a cosy lounge spot in the living room, and it nails that.
Helpful
Thanks Lauren! Love hearing that Molly has a new favorite nap spot.
★★★★☆3.5
Cute but very much a ‘plush toy’ bed
The bed is as cute and squishy as advertised, but it feels more like a giant stuffed toy than a real dog bed. My 28 lb beagle mix likes it, but I can tell she sinks all the way down. I use it for movie nights, not as her main bed.
Helpful
Totally fair, Daniel. It’s definitely a cosy hangout bed more than a full orthopedic setup.
★★★★☆4.0
Soft and snuggly for my senior cat and small dog
Funny enough, my 12 lb chihuahua and 9 lb senior cat share this bed. They both love how soft it is. I wouldn’t use it for a large senior dog, but for tiny pets who just want warmth and softness, it works really well.
Helpful
Thanks Hannah! Sounds like you’ve got the perfect snuggle duo for this bed.
★★★☆☆2.5
Didn’t survive my doodle
Our 45 lb Goldendoodle loved the bed, but within a month the seams started to split and the stuffing came out. It’s definitely not made for dogs who dig or flop hard into their beds. Cute idea, not durable enough for our household.
Helpful
Sorry it didn’t hold up for your doodle, Michael. For rougher use we usually suggest sturdier orthopedic or chew-resistant styles instead.
★★★★★4.5
Instagram gold and my pug is obsessed
This bed is ridiculously cute and my pug looks like a little cinnamon roll in it. He spends most of the day there. I can already see some flattening in the middle after a few months, but that’s expected with something this soft.
Helpful
Love that description, Rachel. Thanks for sharing how much your pug enjoys it!
★★★☆☆3.0
Great for small dogs, not for my 70 lb lab
I misjudged the size. My daughter’s 15 lb terrier fits perfectly and loves it, but my 70 lb lab basically spills over the edges and hits the floor. Would recommend only for small to maybe medium dogs.
Helpful
Thanks Thomas, that’s helpful sizing feedback. We agree these beds suit smaller dogs best.
★★★★★5.0
My anxious rescue finally settles
Our 20 lb rescue tends to pace and struggle to settle. In the Squishmallow bed she curls up right away and stays put. The soft sides seem to make her feel safe. For us it’s been worth every penny.
Helpful
So glad to hear it helps your pup relax, Olivia. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★☆3.5
Nice secondary bed, not a long-term investment
We use this in the family room as a ‘fun’ bed for our 18 lb mini schnauzer. It looks great and she loves it, but the filling is already less lofty after six months. I treat it as a cute extra, not her main orthopedic bed.
Helpful
Appreciate the realistic take, Brandon. That’s a good way to use it.
★★★★☆4.0
Washes well and still fluffy (so far)
I’ve washed our medium Squishmallow bed twice on gentle and tumble dried low. It came out fine and fluffed back up with a little shaking. My 16 lb Havanese is in it all the time. We’ll see how it holds up over a year.
Helpful
Thanks for the wash-test update, Samantha. Glad it’s holding up for you.
★★☆☆☆2.0
Too flat after a few months
Honestly disappointed. My 30 lb corgi loved it at first, but by month four the middle was pancake flat and he was basically on the floor. For the price I expected it to last longer than a standard plush bed.
Helpful
Sorry it compressed so quickly, Ethan. The filling is very soft, so it does wear faster than firmer orthopedic foam.
★★★★★4.5
Exactly what I wanted for my small apartment
The character design is adorable and the bed is lightweight enough to move around my studio. My 12 lb maltipoo climbs in whenever I’m working at my desk. I wouldn’t buy this for a large dog, but for my little one it’s perfect.
Helpful
Thanks Grace! Sounds like a great fit for both your pup and your space.
★★★★☆3.5
My kids love it almost more than the dog
We got the Squishmallow bed for our 22 lb beagle mix, but half the time my kids are lying in it with him. It’s super soft and fun. Durability is just okay, and I’m not expecting it to last forever given the abuse it gets.
Helpful
Ha, that’s awesome Patrick. Thanks for the honest note on how it’s being used!
★★★★☆4.0
Great for a chill little dog
My 14 lb senior papillon mostly naps and doesn’t move much. For her, the Squishmallow bed is ideal: soft, warm, and easy to step into. I wouldn’t pick it for a dog with serious arthritis, but for a light, gentle senior it’s been lovely.
Helpful
Thanks Natalie, really helpful context for other senior-dog owners.
★★★☆☆2.5
Destroyed by a chewer in a week
Our 26 lb cattle dog mix is a digger and light chewer. She ripped a hole in the side seam in less than a week and I had stuffing everywhere. Definitely not chew friendly, which the product page did warn about.
Helpful
Sorry for the mess, Logan. For pups like yours we usually steer people toward chew-resistant or elevated beds instead.
★★★★★5.0
Cozy reading corner for me and my Yorkie
I actually sit on the floor next to my Yorkie and lean on this bed while I read. She curls right in the middle and we’re both comfy. It’s more of a cosy corner accessory than a ‘serious’ bed, and in that role it’s perfect.
Helpful
Love that image, Alexis. Thanks for sharing how you’re both using it!
★★★☆☆3.0
Cute but overpriced for what it is
If this were $20 cheaper I’d be happier. It’s very cute and my 18 lb cockapoo likes it, but the materials feel similar to other plush beds we’ve owned. You’re definitely paying a premium for the Squishmallow name.
Helpful
Thanks Brooke, that’s fair. The branding is a big part of the appeal for this one.
★★★★☆4.0
Nice for winter, too warm for summer
The bed is super soft and my small terrier loved it in winter. Once it warmed up, she started preferring a cooler mat. We now rotate seasonally and that works well.
Helpful
Great seasonal tip, Courtney. Thanks for sharing how you’re using it year-round.
★★★★☆3.5
Fun addition, but still keep an orthopedic bed
We have a 25 lb cocker spaniel. He naps in the Squishmallow bed during the day and sleeps on his orthopedic mattress at night. That combo seems ideal: fun and cosy plus proper joint support when it matters.
Helpful
That’s a smart setup, Kevin. Thanks for the thoughtful review.
