Dog treadmills are rising rapidly in popularity – so we’ve put together our top pics for best non-motorized dog treadmills. While they aren’t a replacement for proper walks, dog treadmills are necessary in some cases. If your dog is overweight, recovering from an injury, has too much energy, or you don’t have as much time as you’d like to walk them, a dog treadmill may be just the solution you’re looking for.
They may seem silly at first, lazy even, but treadmills can be extremely beneficial to both you and your dog. Let’s take a look at four of the best self-propelled dog treadmills of 2022.
Why Buy a Dog Treadmill?
Dog treadmills may seem like a silly concept, but they have many practical uses. If you are unable to take your dog out, don’t have the time, or the weather is bad, dog treadmills make for a good alternative.
Many pet owners worry that their dogs will get fat or restless from lying around at home while the owner works. Some people also have physical limitations that prevent them from taking their dogs out as often as they would like.
Weather can also be a huge deterrent. In northern regions, the icy conditions and low temperatures are simply too difficult to traverse.
Additionally, some dog breeds love to run. They want to run all the time. There are simply not enough hours in the day to cater to dogs like that, but treadmills allow them to do what they like without assistance.
There are also numerous benefits that dog treadmills can bestow.
Benefits
- Help keep mood and behavior in check
- Burn excess energy
- Weight loss and management
- Good for heart health
- Physical rehabilitation
- A practical solution for busy lives
- Safer terrain than outside
- Helpful for training and conditioning
- It’s fun for the dog
Types of Dog Treadmills
Dog treadmills can be broken down into two main categories: motorized and non-motorized. Motorized treadmills are just like the ones for people. They have various settings that control the pace, angle, and duration the belt runs.
Many people do not like motorized dog treadmills as their use must be supervised to ensure safety.
Non-motorized dog treadmills turn as the dog walks or runs. They come in many variations, including the treadwheel style.
Self-propelled dog treadmills are generally safer, and they let your dog set their own pace.
The 4 Best Non-Motorized Dog Treadmills
Now that you know how a treadmill can help your dog and a little about the different types, let’s take a look at the four best non-motorized dog treadmills on the market right now.
Firepaw Phoenix Dog Treadmill
The Firepaw Phoenix Dog Treadmill is the pinnacle of self-propelled dog treadmills. While it may look like something out of a lumber mill or an assembly line, the Firepaw Phoenix is well crafted and comfortable for any dog.
This machine has a simple mechanical structure that utilizes a metal frame and wooden slat conveyor track. The attention to detail in this handmade product is noticeable on every gleaming surface.
The aluminum wheels and ceramic bearings give every step a perfect, smooth glide. A simple push of the hand will send the belt around eight to ten times.
While this treadmill is non-motorized, it does have a disc brake. There is also a computer to measure speed, time, and distance. You can easily move the treadmill anywhere thanks to the wheels and handle.
The side guards are removable, and the pitch of the treadmill has three heights. There is also an overhead safety attachment for harnesses.
Any dog can use this treadmill. There are two sizes and many custom options. The sizes measure 160cm x 50cm x 123cm and 180cm x 55cm x 150cm.
Pros
- The dog is not forced to run
- Computer to track times, speed, and distance
- Custom options
- Easy to move
- Harness attachment
- Comfortable wooden belt
- Removable side guards
- Smooth belt motion
Cons
- Cannot be left outside
Firepaw Mini Dog Treadmill
The Firepaw Mini Dog Treadmill is very similar to the Firepaw Phoenix, but it’s fun-sized. It uses all the same materials and has all the same features.
The belt is made using wooden slats, there and removable side guards, a safety harness attachment, and a computer to measure speed, distance, and time.
Thanks to its smaller size, however, the Firepaw Mini is much more portable. Measuring only 92cm x 35cm x 56cm, this treadmill can easily be picked up, moved around, stored, and transported. This handmade treadmill is fully customizable and uses only premium materials.
Like the Phoenix, the Firepaw mini is easy to assemble on your own. It is also one of the safest dog treadmills around.
Pros
- The dog is not forced to run
- Computer to track times, speed, and distance
- Custom options
- Easy to move
- Harness attachment
- Comfortable wooden belt
- Removable side guards
- Smooth belt motion
Cons
- Cannot be left outside
Doggy Run Pet Owner Treadmill
The Doggy Run Pet Owner Treadmill is an innovative device designed to keep you and your dog fit and healthy. This combination treadmill/exercise bike is like no other.
With the Doggy Run, you get a mini treadmill for your dog and a stationary bike for yourself. The bike connects to the treadmill. The speed you pedal is the speed the treadmill will run at. There is a computer and display screen on the bike to show you how fast you are going, calories burned, time, distance, and more.
The bike and treadmill can be set up in two different configurations. Side by side they measure 102cm x 113cm x 141cm and facing each other they measure 65cm x 113cm x 211cm. The bike also folds up for storage.
The Doggy Run treadmill is low to the ground and has fences on all sides to keep your dog safe. It can take up to 10kg dogs, and the bike can take up to 100kg humans.
Pros
- The dog will be emotionally and socially motivated to use
- You stay fit too
- You set the pace
- Multiple configurations
- Safety fences
- Stats tracking
- Easy to store
Cons
- No pitch adjustment
GoPet TreadWheel
The GoPet TreadWheel is a popular non-motorized treadwheel among pet owners. It comes in many sizes, for the smallest dogs to the largest.
The simple design makes it one of the best non-motorized dog treadmills. Thanks to the circular design and stable base, your dog can run as fast as they want without worrying about flying off.
The running surface inside the TreadWheel is cushioned to make running as comfortable as possible for your dog and to prevent damage to their paws.
The medium-sized treadwheel can support dogs up to 150lbs. This unit measures 70in x 35in x 65in and weighs 200lbs. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
Treadwheels are a fantastic way for your dog to stay healthy at their own pace, though they generally take up more room than treadmills. They are especially ideal for smaller dogs.
Pros
- Cushioned surface
- Smooth rotation
- Many sizes
- Hard to fall out of
Cons
- Hard to move alone
- No safety features
- Takes up a lot of room
Considerations When Buying A Non-Motorized Dog Treadmill
Before buying a self-propelled dog treadmill, there are a few things you may need to consider.
Safety
Safety is the number one concern when it comes to dog treadmills. Always be aware of what safety features a treadmill may or may not have. Is there a harness attachment? An emergency stop? Is the machine well-built and stable?
Size
Size is relatively self-explanatory. If you have a big dog, you need a bigger treadmill. If your dog is small, it won’t have the power necessary to run a more considerable belt.
Additionally, if you plan to move the treadmill around or transport it, you may not want one you can’t lift.
Incline
Depending on the size, build, and activity level of your dog, the incline of the treadmill could be too much for them. Some treadmills have an adjustable pitch, while others do not. If you end up buying something like the treadwheel, be aware that the track is permanently angled due to the machine’s shape.
Materials
Look at the materials the treadmill is made from, especially the belt. Remember that, unlike people, dogs don’t wear shoes. Be sure the belt material will be comfortable on their feet and won’t damage their paws over time.
Noise
Some treadmills, especially the self-propelled ones, are more inclined to make noise. If your dog loves their treadmill and uses it all the time, you still want them to be able to hear you when you call.
Always check the reviews before buying to see what others say about the noise level. Many dog treadmills are near noiseless, but you have to be sure of which are and aren’t.
Final Thoughts – Best Non-Motorized Dog Treadmills
Giving your dog a way to get fit, have fun, or burn excess energy is a must, but not everyone has the time or ability to do that, at least not all the time. Non-motorized dog treadmills are a fabulous way to ensure your dog’s needs get met without sacrificing time you already don’t have.
Beat the weather or get work done all while your dog exercises. It’s a win-win.
