Are you horrified by seeing “Made in China” labels all over dog products such as dog beds?
Are Dog Beds Made in China Dangerous or Safe?
Dog beds made in China are usually safe for dogs. China produces both high-quality and low-quality beds. A high-quality bed is made through an extensive procedure that removes harmful residual chemicals from the bed. A high-quality bed will be more undoubtedly safer for your furry friend.
But you may ask, how do I know which bed is high quality?
Well, for that, keep reading to learn more about:
Are Dog Beds Made in China Safe?
Yes, dog beds made in China are safe for your 4-legged buddy. However, there is a catch.
China is a hub for manufacturing almost any product, from toilets to mobile phones. Every second product you come across will have the tag “Made in China,” including dog products such as dog beds and toys.
Some dog owners get horrified by seeing China labels on almost any dog product.
But should you be concerned about made-in-China labels?
Like any country, China produces products that are both high quality and low quality and in between.
And most USA-based dog product companies import Chinese products.
And the actual quality of these products depends on how much the companies are willing to pay the manufacturers in China.
The thing with China manufacturers is that they will never say “No.” For example, if you tell them to make you a bed of $100, they will make you a bed worth $100. And if you tell them to make a bed worth $10, they will make you a bed worth only $10.
But now, think a bit. Which bed will have a higher quality? The $100 dog bed or the $10 dog bed?
Of course, the $100 dog bed as they would have used higher quality material to construct it.
So, generally, by avoiding cheap products, you will have a Chinese dog bed that will be safe for your furry friend.
Although, keep reading to learn how some dog bed materials are made and what to avoid.
How Are Dog Bed Materials Made?
The primary material used to make dog beds is memory foam, orthopedic foam, Polyester, or cotton.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is one of the most common foams used in dog beds. They’re made up of Polyurethane.
Polyurethanes are organic compounds derived from petroleum or vegetable oils.
These substances are refined into making Memory foam with some waste substances such as water, flame retardants, and byproducts.
Some byproducts are harmful and could include Formaldehyde, Methylene Dianiline, and Methylbenzene.
These harmful chemicals can irritate and, even in severe cases, may cause cancer.
But the good thing is a high-quality bed that comes out of the process will be free from these chemicals.
When choosing a dog bed, it is a good idea to look for something like “pet safe material used” on the product page or something that indicates that the seller cares about the safety of our pets.
Orthopedic Foam
Orthopedic foam is another material widely used in dog beds. It’s usually expensive but perfect for a dog’s joints and overall comfort.
These foams are almost made like memory foams.
But some orthopedic foams might use latex derived from the rubber plant.
Latex is usually safe.
Although, if your dog is allergic to latex, you might avoid orthopedic foams made from latex.
Polyester/Polyfill
Polyfill fiber or Polyester is another popular dog bed material due to its affordability and hypoallergenic properties.
It is also derived from petroleum.
And it is considered an excellent replacement for cotton and wool, which are known for sinking after some time.
It can only be toxic when heated; otherwise, it is usually safe.
Dos and Don’ts of Choosing a China-Manufactured Dog Bed
Now that you know the typical material used in making dog beds. Here are brief guidelines on what to look for and avoid in a Chinese dog bed.
Things to do:
- Leave your new bed a day or two under good ventilation to dissipate any chemical smells.
- Look for CertiPUR-US certified foams, free from harmful chemicals.
- Research the product page features for more information about the dog bed.
- To get unbiased opinions, it’s a good idea to read through customer reviews and see what other owners say. One pro tip is to apply a filter to only show 4-star reviews.
Things to avoid:
- Dog beds that are not well known. (Aim for a bed with reviews 100+ on Amazon or at least 50+ on other platforms)
- Dog beds made with Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
(You can also read our comparison article in which we compared Casper (Made in the USA) vs. Barney Dog Bed (Made in China))
Conclusion
China is a mass producer of products in vast domains. Most dog beds you’ll come across might have the label or tag “Made in China.”
You don’t have to worry about anything because high-quality beds in China are manufactured through extensive procedures that remove harmful chemicals from the material.
However, it would be best to consider looking for a dog bed with high reviews & ratings and ensure it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals such as PBDEs. Also, leave the bed for a day or two under open ventilation so that chemical smells, if any, dissipate.
Although, if you’re looking for a dog bed for your buddy, you should check our dog bed buying guides here!
