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Labrador Retrievers love to play with dog toys, but there are so many different options available that it can get hard to choose. This breed is full of energy and loves fetching, carrying, chewing, and digging, but they all play in different ways.
It’s essential to consider your Labrador Retriever’s distinct behavior because no two Labs are precisely alike. Some will carry their toys around, treating them gently like a baby, and others will rip apart a soft plush toy in two minutes. All this considered, I’ve found the best toys for Labrador Retrievers that may keep your pup busy for hours.
| Best Overall | Best Interactive | Best Budget |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| KONG Classic | Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel | Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a toy for your Labrador Retriever requires that get something that your dog can play with for hours without risking their health. For example, Lab puppies need special puppy chew toys. Even through adulthood, be mindful of your Lab’s behavior and temperament when picking toys. Here are some features to look out for when buying a dog toy.
Durability
It’s no secret that you want to ensure the toy will last a while and not break down after heavy chew sessions. This is important not only for longevity but also for your Lab’s safety. Some toys can be dangerous or pose choking hazards if swallowed, so you want them to hold up.
Size
The size of the toy is critical because if it’s too small, it could become a choking hazard, and if it’s too large, it could hurt your Lab’s jaw when they try to squeeze the whole thing into their mouth. Most of the toys I recommended come in a variety of sizes, so you should have no problem finding one that works for you.
Materials
I’ve touched on the fact that Labs love to fetch. They love to chase things down and bring them back, and they are not afraid to throw them as far as you can. There are some toys out there that are made with materials that are ideal for dogs. The ideal materials last long, hold up to wear and tear and don’t harm your Lab’s health. You’ve got a couple of different options when it comes to material that can withstand abuse.
Rubber
There’s nothing better than a rubber ball. These toys are great for fetch and are flexible, so they don’t easily chip apart, and Labs love them. When you’re shopping around for a rubber ball, make sure to find one from a reputable brand and take a look at it to make sure there are no cracks or loose seams.
Rope
If your Lab isn’t chasing the ball around, he might love a good tug-of-war game. A durable and robust rope or rubber tug toy is also an excellent option for pups who love battling with you. The rope is also safe because when it does start to break down, it happens in a way that isn’t too hazardous to your dog. You might find that you are picking up a lot of rope strands, though.
Best Toys For Labrador Retrievers
Choosing the best toys for Labs is usually a toss-up because you never know if they’ll like it or if it will be scattered across your living room after you go to the bathroom. What are the most popular Labrador Retriever toys? Indestructible toys, interactive toys, chew toys, plush toys, and tug toys.
Best Overall: KONG Classic Dog Toy Review
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My first pick is one of the most popular dog toys out there. The KONG Classic allows you to stuff treats or food inside the toy. Your Lab will play around with it while trying to get the treat from inside. Classic KONGS come in a variety of different sizes. This means you can ensure you get your Labrador the right-sized toy regardless of their life stage.
The KONG toy also serves as a fetch toy. The irregular shape and bounce will encourage your Lab to chase it down. The material on the outside of the toy also does a great job of cleaning your dog’s teeth and soothing their gums.
Key Features
- Great for stuffing with treats
- Extremely durable
- Established brand history
- Can keep dogs entertained for hours
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Helps solve chewing, teething, anxiety & more
- Manufactured in the USA
Price
Best Interactive: Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Review
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If your Lab is gentle enough with toys and doesn’t rip everything apart, you could go for a fun plush puzzle toy like the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel toy. This toy uses soft, squeaky squirrels that hide away throughout the tree, and your dog has to find them. You can also detach the squirrels from the tree and throw them for a fun fetch game when your dog finds them.
This toy is useful as a mental exercise and helps them solve problems. This takes their energy off possible destructive behavior and puts it towards something productive. The toy comes in various sizes, so you can find the perfect size to meet the needs of your Labrador.
Key Features
- Interactive toy for intelligent pups
- Multiple sizes for medium to bigger dogs
- Fun hide-and-seek game that pups love
- Squirrels squeak
- Durable soft toys
- Offers replacement squirrels
Price
Best Budget: Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Review
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Is there ever a bad time for fetch with a ball? Labs love to fetch! They are not afraid to chase down a ball as far as you can throw it. This Chuckit! Ultra ball is brightly colored, making it easy for you and your dog to find it if it gets lost. It also comes in several different sizes, which is great for larger Labs.
These balls float in water, making them great interactive toys for both of you. However, they are not as useful for solo play. A ball will not keep your Lab entertained when you are not at home, and it could even make them sadder because you are not there to play with them.
Key Features
- High-bouncing ball
- Perfect for dogs that love to fetch
- Extra thick rubber core
- Floats in water; great for swimmers
- Orange color enhances visibility
- Budget-friendly
- Can use it with Chuckit! brand Launcher
Price
Nylabone Power Chew Durable Dog Toy Review
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The Nylabone Power Chew Durable dog toy is a long-lasting chew bone that is an excellent option for Labs who love to chew up their toys and can only enjoy them for a shorter period. This bone lasts a long time and comes in a few different flavors, such as bacon, beef, chicken, and peanut butter.
The bone has raised bristles and rings on the ends, which help clean pups’ teeth as they chew it down. This one is an extra-large bone, so it’s for large dogs who weigh more than fifty pounds.
This toy is excellent for dogs with an urge to chew. It’s beneficial if your furry friend has a bad habit of chewing on your belongings. Teaching them to replace chewing your things by chewing this toy is a great way to prevent that behavior.
Key Features
- Satisfies chew-happy pups
- Made from durable nylon
- Comes in multiple flavors
- Helps clean your pup’s teeth
- Vet-recommended toy
- Made in the USA.
- Budget-friendly
Price
GoughNuts Tug Dog Toy Review
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The indestructible GoughNuts Tug Toy is a great option for pups who love to wrestle and fight with you. The toy is designed to be safe for dogs’ mouths and human hands. It’s also meant for larger dogs like Labs.
The toy’s design is simple—it’s a figure 8. You hold onto one side while your dog latches onto the other side. The toy is also much bigger than it looks in the picture. This means there’s plenty of room between you and your dog so you can hold on without getting chomped. It also works well if you have two dogs.
Key Features
- Made for dogs that love tug-o-war
- Design allows for optimum grip
- Natural rubber construction
- Extremely durable
- Great for throwing & fetching
- Made in the USA
- Great for extreme & active play
Price
Frequently Asked Questions
Every pet owner has questions about their dog, and we want to give you the best answers possible. Below are some of the most common questions owners have about dog toys. Don’t see yours here? Ask us in our comments.
What Type Of Toys Are The Best Toys For Labs?
Every pup is different. There is no flat-out perfect toy for Labs, but there are a few things that they love to do. Labs love to fetch and tug. Use those two points to decide on the right toy based on your pup’s habits. Balls are always a solid choice for fetch, and we recommended a few other toys above.
Are Some Materials Dangerous For My Dog?
Some dog toys contain high levels of chemicals that are harmful to your pup when ingested. Some dog toys even have these chemicals exposed through the toy’s exterior. This means when it rubs up against your dog’s skin, it could cause an allergy. You want to make sure their toys are BPA-free and preferably not manufactured in China.
Can I Wash Dog Toys?
Absolutely, we always recommend washing your dog toys. You should have a method for sanitizing them using a pet-safe cleaner. If you are trying to clean a plush or rope toy, you can usually throw those right in the clothes washer. Some rubber dog toys can even be washed in the dishwasher.
What Do I Do If My Dog Swallowed A Toy?
If you think your pup swallowed a toy or even part of a toy, it’s best to call your veterinarian for advice. If your pup shows signs of difficulty breathing or swallowing, you need to get them to the vet immediately. If the toy is very small and soft and he seems stable, we recommend monitoring him and watching for the toy pieces in his stool. If he shows any signs of an intestinal blockage, like restlessness, straining to poop, vomiting, etc., take him to the vet immediately.
Need Some Treats For Your Toys?
Stock up on tasty treats to fill your dog’s toys. Peanut butter works wonders as a filler for rubber toys like KONG, which are simple to clean. Check out our recommendations for the best (and safest) peanut butter for dogs. Smaller training treats are great for puzzle toys, as they are just the right size and low in calories. And since Labs can easily gain weight, it’s also a good idea to look into low-calorie treats.
