Overview
The Original Calming Donut from Best Friends by Sheri is the bed that made the round shag style popular. It is a circular cushion with a raised, stuffed rim and long-pile vegan faux fur, filled with a blend of the brand’s Airloft fibre and high-density polyfill. We link the XL, which is 45 inches across and in Frost Gray; Amazon.com listing titles describe it as suitable for dogs up to about 150 lb.
The idea is a den-like spot where a dog can tuck in and lean against the rim. Some nervous dogs seem to settle more readily in that kind of enclosed bed, though it is a comfort product, not a fix for anxiety, and the brand name should not be read as a promise. Reader’s Digest’s reviewer measured a rim of about 7 inches and reported that the materials are free of flame retardants and formaldehyde; we have not seen that confirmed on the brand’s own page.
Key features
- Round donut shape with a raised rim (about 7 inches, per Reader’s Digest)
- Shag vegan faux fur surface
- Airloft fibre and high-density polyfill
- Dirt- and water-resistant base
- Machine washable; larger sizes have a removable shell, per Reader’s Digest
- Sizes from 17 to 45 inches; XL is 45 x 45 in
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
This bed is a good match for dogs that sleep curled in a ball, push their bedding into a nest, or like to rest their chin on something. It is popular with owners of anxious or newly adopted dogs who want a cosy, enclosed spot in a quiet corner. Because it is light and has no foam core, it is also easy to move between rooms or take on a trip, and the XL gives big dogs enough room to curl without hanging over the edge.
It is the wrong pick for very heavy dogs that need firm support, because fibre fill compresses over time. A large senior dog will usually do better on the KOPEKS Jumbo or the PetFusion Ultimate. Long shag also traps hair and dirt, so it suits homes that are happy to wash bedding often. Our guide to removing dog hair from clothes has tips that work on shag fabrics too.
Costs to know about
No ongoing costs. Best Friends by Sheri sells replacement covers separately for some sizes. Plan on access to a tumble dryer: owners and reviewers note the shag can mat if it is air-dried, so dry it on low heat.
How it compares
The donut is the softest and cosiest bed on this page, and the most affordable to replace. It gives much less support than either memory foam bed. If your dog needs joint-friendly firmness, choose foam; if your dog wants to burrow, this is the more natural fit.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Raised rim gives curl-up sleepers a snug spot
- Machine washable, with a removable shell on larger sizes
- Wide size range, including a 45-inch XL
Watch out for
- Fibre fill offers cushioning, not firm orthopedic support
- Shag can mat unless tumble-dried on low
Our rating: 4.2/5
| Build quality | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | 4.5 |
| Safety & trust | 3.7 |
| Value | 4.2 |
| US & Canada availability | 4.6 |
Our rating is an editorial score based on the brand's published specs, independent reviews, safety and trust signals, value and availability in the US and Canada. It is not Amazon's customer rating, and brands do not pay for placement.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calming donut bed stop dog anxiety?
No bed can promise that. The raised rim and soft shag give some dogs a snug, den-like place to settle, and many owners like it for nervous dogs. If your dog shows ongoing signs of stress or anxiety, talk to your vet or a qualified behaviour professional.
How do I wash the Best Friends by Sheri donut bed?
It is machine washable. Reader's Digest notes that larger sizes have a removable shell. Use a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low, because the long shag can mat if it air-dries. A large-capacity machine or laundromat may be needed for the 45-inch XL.
What size donut bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog curled up asleep and add a few inches to the diameter. The XL is 45 inches and Amazon.com titles say it suits dogs up to about 150 lb, but a dog that likes to stretch out may prefer a rectangular bed instead.
Is the calming donut bed good for older dogs?
It is comfortable, but fibre fill compresses under weight and does not give the firm support many larger senior dogs need. For an older or heavy dog, a solid memory foam bed is usually a better fit. Small, light seniors may be fine on the donut.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Check with your vet before changing your pet's food or adding a supplement.
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