8 Best Toys for Labrador Retrievers in 2024
Quick Guide
- What Is the Best Dog Toy for a Labrador Retriever?
- Different Types of Dog Toys for Labrador Retrievers
- What to Look for in a Good Toy for Labrador Retrievers?
- Overall Best Dog Toys for Labrador Retrievers
- Overall Best Dog Toys for Labrador Retriever Puppies
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of Playtime with Your Labrador Retriever
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Labrador retrievers are also an energetic breed. These dogs need to play and run on a daily basis to release their energy and reduce behavioral problems.
The best toys for Labrador retrievers should be durable and large enough for that breed. We recommend introducing a variety of toys for their enrichment and choosing durable chew toys, challenging interactive toys, and toys that float since Labs tend to love playing in the water.
What Is the Best Dog Toy for a Labrador Retriever?
Here are eight dog toys to consider:
- Best Overall: KONG Classic Dog Toy
- Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle Dog Toy
- KONG Tires Dog Toy
- Nina Ottoson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy
- Frisco Puppy Lil’ Romps Knotty Piggy Dog Toy
- USA Bones & Chews Cotton Rope with Bones Dog Toy
- Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
- Hartz Dura Play Ball Dog Toy
Different Types of Dog Toys for Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are intelligent dogs who need new sources of stimulation. Introduce different types of toys to keep your pooch interested and help them discover new ways of playing. Here are different types of dog toys to consider.
Toys for Indoor Play
Toys for indoor play give your dog the opportunity to play when you’re busy. Labrador retrievers get very attached to their family and can experience separation anxiety. Toys are an excellent way of relieving anxiety and preventing destructive behaviors.
The best toys for indoor play include squeaky toys, chew toys, soft plush toys, and puzzle toys that will keep your dog busy.
Balls
Playing fetch is often a favorite for Labrador retrievers. This game is exciting and has a social aspect that these dogs love. It’s an excellent way of helping your dog get the exercise they need.
Chew Toys
Labrador retrievers are active dogs who need stimulation. Chew toys are essential for dental health and will help with anxiety. It will also prevent destructive behaviors. Check the ingredients when choosing chew toys, and pick rawhide or bones over plastic or nylon toys.
Tug Toys
Tug toys are a must-have if you own more than one Lab. Playing tug-of-war will become a favorite activity thanks to the social aspect of that game.
Your dog will enjoy shaking, catching, and tugging at the toy. Labrador retrievers were initially used for fishing and hunting small game. Those instincts remain, and tug toys are the perfect way to express them.
Puzzles
Puzzles and interactive toys are a fun intellectual challenge for your dog. Your dog will have to figure out how to interact with the toy to get a reward. Labs are intelligent dogs who enjoy stimulation and new experiences. Introducing new puzzles will help alleviate boredom and distract your dog if they experience separation anxiety.
What to Look for in a Good Toy for Labrador Retrievers?
Labrador retrievers need to be active. These dogs are fun, energetic, and outgoing. They prefer toys that allow them to interact with their owners and need durable toys they can shake, chew, and pounce on.
They’re intelligent dogs who require enrichment. Introducing new toys and new games is beneficial to these dogs since it prevents boredom and behavior problems.
Puppies can start playing as soon as you get them. Playtime will help you bond with your dog, and you can mix playing with training. Playing fetch will help your puppy learn some basic commands, and games like tug-of-war are essential to a dog’s social development.
We recommend providing your Lab with a mix of indoor and outdoor play sessions. A Lab that doesn’t get enough exercise can gain weight and develop health problems or be difficult to control.
Overall Best Dog Toys for Labrador Retrievers
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Labrador Retriever Dog Toys | |||
| Rank | Toy | Price | Rating |
|
#1 |
 |
$ |
A+
|
|
#2 |
 |
$ |
A
|
|
#3 |
 |
$ |
A
|
|
#4 |
 |
$ |
A-
|
|
#5 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
|
#6 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
|
#7 |
 |
$$ |
B+
|
|
#8 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
Check out our favorite picks of top-rated toys for Labrador Retrievers, starting with our best overall.
Best Overall:KONG Classic Dog Toy
This durable rubber toy stands out thanks to the quality of its construction. It has the right amount of bounce, and your pooch can safely chew on it.
The inside of the toy is hollow, so you can stuff it with snacks, peanut butter, yogurt, or kibbles. Getting food and snacks out will keep your dog entertained, and the toy will satisfy their need to chew on things. The fun part is figuring out how to get the treats out!
Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle Dog Toy
This puzzle toy is an excellent introduction to interactive toys. The main piece is a volcano in which you can hide small squeaky dinosaur toys.
Your dog has to figure out how to pull the dinosaur toys out of the volcano. The puzzle is easy to figure out, and your dog will not get tired of it thanks to the built-in squeakers and soft feel of the different elements. Pulling the dinosaur toys is similar to the act of tearing and destroying that your dog enjoys.
KONG Tires Dog Toy
This sturdy rubber tire bounces and is resistant to chewing. It’s made from natural materials, and it’s a durable option for Labrador retrievers who love to play fetch and tug-of-war. You can also hide treats inside of the tire for a fun interactive experience.
It’s a versatile toy since there are different ways of playing with it. The circular shape makes it easy to grab and carry, and the size is ideal for an adult Lab.
Nina Ottoson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy
This toy is a fun challenge for dogs who are already familiar with puzzles and interactive toys. Your pooch has to use their paws and nose to open compartments and access treats or kibbles. This puzzle will help your dog develop their motor and problem-solving skills.
It’s a durable puzzle because you can adjust the difficulty. Once your dog has figured out how to slide the discs to open the compartments, you can add the blocks that come with the puzzle to make it more challenging.
This puzzle is a stimulating indoor game that you can use to make meal-time more interesting or keep your dog busy during a rainy afternoon.
Frisco Puppy Lil’ Romps Knotty Piggy Dog Toy
The different textures of this soft toy will provide your dog with different sensations. It’s a plush toy that squeaks when you press on its belly.
The rubber belly is durable, and your dog can chew it or press it to make the toy squeak. The toy features rope elements as well as soft plush elements. Your dog will enjoy chewing on the toy to feel these different textures.
The soft feel of the toy is perfect for cuddling, and the rope elements will encourage your dog to play fetch or tug-of-war with this toy.
USA Bones & Chews Cotton Rope with Bones Dog Toy
This toy features a durable rope you can use as a tug toy. The rope has two circular bones on it. Chewing on these natural bones will improve dental health and curve destructive behaviors as well as relieve anxiety.
We love the concept of this toy because it provides your dog with different ways of interacting with it. The rope part encourages social interactions while chewing on the bones is something that will keep your dog busy indoors.
Overall Best Dog Toys for Labrador Retriever Puppies
Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
Labrador retrievers are a social breed. They make amazing family dogs but often suffer from separation anxiety as puppies.
This soft plush toy comes with a heat pack and a battery-powered device that reproduces the feel of a heartbeat. Your new puppy is probably used to snuggling with its mother and siblings. This toy reproduces that sensation and eases anxiety.
Your new Labrador retriever puppy will love snuggling with this soft toy at night or when you’re away.
Hartz Dura Play Ball Dog Toy
This colorful rubber ball is an excellent way of introducing your puppy to playing fetch. It squeaks, and the bacon scent makes the toy more appealing. Puppies who like to chew on things will chew on this ball rather than on your belongings.
The small size is ideal for your puppy’s jaws. You can purchase larger sizes as your pooch grows. The ball has a soft feel, it’s easy to squeak, and the design makes it easy to grab and carry. It also floats on water!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Playtime with Your Labrador Retriever
Your Labrador retriever needs to play and exercise every day for their physical and mental health. Playtime provides them with the stimulation they crave and gives them an opportunity to use their energy. It’s also an opportunity to bond with their owners!
Here is how you can get the most out of playtime with your pooch:
- Keep play sessions short. Your dog might not focus on an activity for more than 10 or 15
- Mix playing with training. Play sessions are an opportunity to teach simple commands like wait or fetch. You can also teach your dog to recognize the name of different toys.
- Make sure your Labrador retriever gets the opportunity to run. Playing fetch is the best way to help your dog release their pent-up energy.
- Challenge your dog by introducing new toys and teaching them new games. Interactive toys are the perfect way to stimulate that intelligent breed.
- Your Labrador retriever needs access to different options for self-entertainment when they’re alone or when you’re busy. Labs are energetic dogs who aren’t content to nap on the couch all day! Chew toys, plush toys, and puzzles are ideal for independent play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few things you should know before you shop for dog toys for your Labrador retriever.
How Can I Choose Toys That Are Safe for My Labrador?
We recommend checking reviews to get an idea of the quality of the toy. Chew toys and squeak toys made from rubber are usually durable.
If you want to get a plush toy, pay attention to the seams and filling. Remember that no dog toy is indestructible. Some Labrador retrievers can get rough and will destroy anything you give them. It’s best to supervise your dog when they play.
What Is the Best Size for a Labrador Retriever Toy?
One of the characteristics of the Labrador retriever breed is a wide jaw. A small toy is going to be destroyed quickly and could become a choking risk. Some toys aren’t easy to play with due to their small size.
When shopping for balls, look for toys with a diameter of three inches or more. Smaller toys will be difficult to pick up and carry.
Toys with handles or rope elements are an excellent choice since your dog can easily grab them, tug on them and shake them.
Which Toys Make Playtime More Fun?
As you get to know your pup better, you will notice that they have favorite games. Some dogs have a favorite toy, and others develop preferences for toys with a specific texture or will pick squeaky toys over other options.
You can shop for toys that correspond to what your pooch likes. If your Lab never gets tired of playing fetch, look for balls, rubber toys, Frisbees, and other toys you can throw. If your dog often cuddles with soft toys, a new plush toy could be a big hit.
Even if your dog prefers a certain type of toy, don’t hesitate to introduce some variety. Discovering new toys and games is an enriching experience.
Conclusion
The eight dog toys we recommend have four or five-star ratings. They’re safe for Labrador retrievers thanks to their durable construction and quality materials.
These toys address different needs, including the need for exercise, stimulation, and social connections. Make sure your dog has access to a variety of toys and gets plenty of opportunities to play indoors and outdoors!
