Independent buying guides for apartment pet owners

Buying guide

Apartment Dog Exercise Kit

Updated How we research

Keep a dog fit and stimulated without a backyard. The page is split into four sections (Challenge the mind; Slow down fast eaters; Support joints after play; Set safe indoor boundaries), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.

A playful brown dog stands on wooden flooring, holding a tennis ball indoors
Photo: Richard Issa Bockari on Pexels

The short version

We compared 16 picks. Our scores range from 6.6 to 8.7 out of 10.

Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score

Challenge the mind

  1. Yoboeew Dog Puzzle Toys Interactive IQ Treat Training (Level 1-3)Our score8.2/10
  2. BoYoYo Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys, Treat Dispensing Slow FeederOur score7.6/10
  3. PETSTA Dog Puzzle Toys, Treat Dispensing Enrichment for IQ TrainingOur score7.6/10
  4. Dog Puzzle Toys for Smart Dogs, Interactive Treat Puzzle EnrichmentOur score6.6/10
Read the full guide: Best Dog Puzzle Toys →

Slow down fast eaters

  1. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Medium 2-Cup, Turquoise Drop PatternOur score8.4/10
  2. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Medium 2-Cup, Blue Notch PatternOur score8.4/10
  3. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Large 4-Cup, Blue Notch PatternOur score8.2/10
  4. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Small 3/4-Cup, Mint Wave PatternOur score8.1/10
Read the full guide: Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls for Fast Eaters →

Support joints after play

  1. Bully Beds Orthopedic Dog Bed, Medical Grade Memory Foam, WaterproofOur score8.7/10
  2. Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed, L-Shaped Chaise with Bolsters, Jumbo/XLOur score8.4/10
  3. Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed, Extra LargeOur score8.3/10
  4. EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Beds for Extra Large Dogs, Egg-Crate Foam with SidesOur score8.2/10
Read the full guide: Best Orthopedic Dog Beds →

Set safe indoor boundaries

  1. Fldofaves Adjustable Dog Gate 13-22 Inch Height, 18-43 Inch Width Extension No Drill Pet Gate for Doorways, Stairs, Puppies Heavy Duty Metal Safety GateOur score8.3/10
  2. PETMAKER Pet Gate 4-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 72x24-Inch Wood Freestanding (Black)Our score7.8/10
  3. PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Gray)Our score7.6/10
  4. PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Mahogany)Our score7.6/10
Read the full guide: Best Pet Gates for Apartments and Renters →

All 16 picks, ranked by our score

Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.

Tick up to 3 picks to compare them side by side.
Bully Beds Orthopedic Dog Bed, Medical Grade Memory Foam, Waterproof#1
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Bully Beds' orthopedic dog bed with medical grade memory foam and a waterproof build for large and senior dogs.

Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10

  • + Medical grade memory foam gives firm, lasting joint support
  • + Waterproof design protects the foam from accidents
  • + Premium build suits dogs with arthritis or hip issues
  • - Premium price is far above typical orthopedic beds
  • - Check the size options fit your dog before ordering
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Medium 2-Cup, Turquoise Drop Pattern#2
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Outward Hound's Fun Feeder Slo Bowl in medium 2-Cup size with a turquoise drop pattern to slow fast-eating dogs.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

  • + Maze ridges make gulping dogs eat more slowly
  • + Medium 2-Cup size suits many small and mid-size dogs
  • + Outward Hound Slo Bowls are a widely used slow feeder line
  • - Deep ridges take more effort to clean than a flat bowl
  • - Plastic can be chewed by dogs who bite their bowls
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Medium 2-Cup, Blue Notch Pattern#3
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Outward Hound's Fun Feeder Slo Bowl in medium 2-Cup with a blue notch pattern for dogs that inhale their food.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

  • + Notch pattern offers a different challenge than drop mazes
  • + 2-Cup capacity fits standard meals for medium dogs
  • + Non-slip base helps keep the bowl in place during meals
  • - Notched ridges trap wet food and need scrubbing
  • - Chewers may damage the plastic rim over time
Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed, L-Shaped Chaise with Bolsters, Jumbo/XL#4
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Furhaven's Jumbo/XL orthopedic L-shaped chaise dog bed with bolsters for large dogs who like to lean.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + L-shaped chaise bolsters support the neck and back
  • + Jumbo/XL size fits large breeds comfortably
  • + Corner-friendly shape tucks neatly into a room corner
  • - Chaise shape does not suit dogs who sprawl in the open
  • - Large bolstered bed is heavy to move for cleaning
Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed, Extra Large#5
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Bedsure's extra large orthopedic memory foam dog bed, a supportive flat bed for big and senior dogs.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10

  • + Memory foam contours to joints of heavy and older dogs
  • + Extra Large size lets big breeds stretch fully
  • + Bedsure is a well-known, affordable bedding brand
  • - XL bed dominates floor space in a small bedroom
  • - Check for a waterproof liner if accidents are a concern
Fldofaves Adjustable Dog Gate 13-22 Inch Height, 18-43 Inch Width Extension No Drill Pet Gate for Doorways, Stairs, Puppies Heavy Duty Metal Safety Gate#6
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Fldofaves' heavy duty metal no drill dog gate, adjustable from 13-22 Inch high and 18-43 Inch wide for doorways and stairs.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Adjustable height from 13 to 22 inches suits puppies and small dogs
  • + No drill design fits doorways without damaging rental walls
  • + Width extension from 18 to 43 inches covers many openings
  • - Low maximum height is not enough for medium or large dogs
  • - Pressure fit can slip on uneven or glossy door frames
Yoboeew Dog Puzzle Toys Interactive IQ Treat Training (Level 1-3)#7
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Yoboeew's interactive dog puzzle toys for IQ treat training, offered in Level 1-3 difficulty options.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Level 1 to 3 options let you scale difficulty as dogs learn
  • + Treat training builds focus and problem-solving skills
  • + Clear levels help owners pick a starting point
  • - Smart dogs may master easier levels quickly
  • - Loose puzzle pieces can be lost or chewed
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Large 4-Cup, Blue Notch Pattern#8
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Outward Hound's large 4-Cup Fun Feeder Slo Bowl in a blue notch pattern for big dogs who eat too fast.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 4-Cup capacity holds full meals for large breed dogs
  • + Blue notch maze slows eating without making the bowl too hard
  • + Wide bowl gives bigger muzzles room to work around ridges
  • - Large bowl is bulky to wash in a small apartment sink
  • - Big dogs may push the bowl around on slick floors
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Beds for Extra Large Dogs, Egg-Crate Foam with Sides#9
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EHEYCIGA's orthopedic dog bed for extra large dogs with egg-crate foam and raised sides for head support.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Raised sides give big dogs a bolster to rest their head on
  • + Egg-crate foam spreads weight to ease pressure points
  • + Built specifically for extra large breeds
  • - Egg-crate foam is less dense than solid memory foam
  • - Bulky bed with sides is hard to wash in home machines
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Small 3/4-Cup, Mint Wave Pattern#10
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Outward Hound's small 3/4-Cup Fun Feeder Slo Bowl in a mint wave pattern for toy breeds and cats.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

  • + 3/4-Cup size is right for toy dogs and cats
  • + Mint wave pattern is a gentler maze for tiny muzzles
  • + Compact bowl fits in small feeding stations
  • - Too small for medium and larger dogs' meals
  • - Narrow grooves are fiddly to clean by hand
PETMAKER Pet Gate 4-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 72x24-Inch Wood Freestanding (Black)#11
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PETMAKER's black 4-panel foldable freestanding wood pet fence, 72x24-Inch, for wider hallways and open plan spaces.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 72 inch span covers wide openings that 3-panel gates cannot
  • + 4 panels can bend into a zig-zag to stand more steadily
  • + Black finish looks modern against pale apartment walls
  • - 24 inch height is only a deterrent for small, calm dogs
  • - Wider gate takes more storage space when folded
BoYoYo Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys, Treat Dispensing Slow Feeder#12
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BoYoYo's interactive dog puzzle toy and treat dispensing slow feeder for mental enrichment indoors.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Treat dispensing rewards dogs for solving the puzzle
  • + Doubles as a slow feeder for kibble meals
  • + Indoor mental work helps tire dogs in small homes
  • - Difficulty level varies, so start with easy settings first
  • - Plastic parts can be chewed if left unsupervised
PETSTA Dog Puzzle Toys, Treat Dispensing Enrichment for IQ Training#13
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PETSTA's treat dispensing dog puzzle toy for IQ training and enrichment in small living spaces.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Treat dispensing keeps dogs working for rewards
  • + IQ training design builds problem-solving over time
  • + Compact toy suits apartment living rooms
  • - Start with an easier setting until your dog learns the game
  • - Add a mat underneath if you have hardwood or tile floors
PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Gray)#14
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PETMAKER's gray 3-panel foldable freestanding wood pet gate, 54x24-Inch, for hallways, doorways or stair openings.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Freestanding panels need no drilling, ideal for rental apartments
  • + 54 inch span blocks most hallways and standard doorways
  • + Folds away flat when you do not need the barrier
  • - 24 inch height will not stop dogs who jump or climb
  • - Freestanding gates can be pushed over by determined dogs
PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Mahogany)#15
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PETMAKER's mahogany 3-panel foldable wood pet gate, 54x24-Inch and freestanding, for stairs or doorways in warm-toned rooms.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Mahogany finish matches traditional or warm wood furniture
  • + Freestanding setup moves between rooms in seconds
  • + Same no-drill 54 inch design as the gray PETMAKER model
  • - Low panels will not hold back larger or athletic dogs
  • - Needs a flat floor to stay stable without tipping
Dog Puzzle Toys for Smart Dogs, Interactive Treat Puzzle Enrichment#16
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An interactive treat puzzle enrichment toy for smart dogs, a basic board to keep dogs mentally busy.

Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10

  • + Hidden treat compartments encourage sniffing and pawing
  • + Enrichment focus suits dogs left alone for parts of the day
  • + Board format is easy to refill between rounds
  • - Numbered 1 to 5 difficulty levels, so start easy and work up
  • - Clever dogs may flip the board instead of solving it

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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.

Apartment Pet Picks curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.