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Golden Retrievers are known for their lively and interactive play style. These fun-loving dogs need durable toys that can withstand their enthusiasm and strong jaws. The best toys for Golden Retrievers will also challenge their minds and offer a physical outlet for their abundant energy.
Today’s pet market is brimming with options, which can make it hard to choose the right toy for your Golden. To streamline your decision, we turn to veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Kong for advice. This lineup features a wide assortment of toys that will speak to the different needs of Golden Retrievers. Consider one or two (or three or four) of these toys to provide your Golden with enrichment, exercise, and fun.
Best Toy for Golden Retriever Puppies: Benebone Bacon Flavor Puppy Chew Toy
If you live with a Golden Retriever puppy, you know they love to chew. To spare your slippers from eager chompers, your pup needs a chew toy that’s the right size and firmness for their baby teeth.
“Golden Retriever puppies need soft yet durable toys to cater to their teething needs,” says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a dog trainer and veterinary contributor at WeLoveDoodles. This Benebone fits the bill, made with a slightly softer material than the brand’s adult chew. It features a curved wishbone design, which makes it easier for pups to get a good grip while they chew. The Benebone should last your puppy at least a few weeks. The company recommends replacing the bone monthly—or sooner if you’ve got a power chewer on your hands.
Features we like:
- Discourages destructive chewing
- Soft yet durable material
- Soothes puppy teething pain
- Includes pieces of real bacon
- Made with USA-sourced nylon
Things to consider:
- Comes in different sizes: make sure to pick the right one
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Best Golden Retriever Chew Toy: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Tough Dog Chew Toy
Chewing is a natural canine behavior that alleviates boredom and anxiety. Good chew toys provide an appropriate surface for dogs to sink their teeth into—but not all chews are strong enough for a Golden’s powerful jaws. For that, Dr. Kong says you need an ultra-durable rubber toy.
This chew from West Paw is made with sturdy Zogoflex® material that’s designed to resist aggressive chewing. One Rover pet parent has seen the Hurley last through several dogs. Not only is it suitable for chewing, but it can also be used for games of fetch and tug-of-war. You can even send it back to be recycled into new toys once it’s worn out.
Features we like:
- Allows for versatile play: this toy floats and bounces
- Comes in bright, easy-to-spot colors
- Available in several sizes
- Dishwasher-safe
Things to consider:
- On the pricey side, as far as chew toys go
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Best Puzzle Toy for Golden Retrievers: Nina Ottosson Tornado Puzzle Toy
As a highly intelligent breed, Golden Retrievers benefit from toys that offer mental enrichment. “Compared to other breeds, Goldens often prefer toys that encourage interaction and cognitive engagement,” explains Dr. Kong.
From the Nina Ottosson line, this Tornado puzzle toy will work your Golden’s brain while busting boredom. Rated as a level two, this intermediate puzzle requires your dog to spin alternating layers to access hidden treats. Once they get the gist, you can raise the difficulty to keep things interesting.
Features we like:
- Mentally stimulating
- Great starting point on the road to more complicated toys
- Bone blocks can be used for a more difficult challenge
Things to consider:
- Chew-happy pups need to be supervised with this toy
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Best Plush Toy: Outward Hound Invincibles Stuffing-Free Snake Toy
Some Goldens enjoy cuddling up to a soft plush toy. But the breed’s propensity to chew means you’ll need to choose plush toys wisely. As Dr. Kong explains, Golden Retriever guardians should be mindful of potential choking hazards and avoid toys that could be easily torn apart.
Even if your bitey Golden goes to town on this stuffing-free snake, you won’t need to worry about them ingesting or scattering huge tufts of filling. And if they manage to puncture the squeakers inside, they’re designed to keep making noise. This toy is crafted to be extra strong, with a Dura-Tuff lining and reinforced double-layer seams. Rover reviewers found the squeakers to be on the quieter side—welcome news for noise-averse pet parents.
Features we like:
- Ideal for cuddling, fetching, and tugging
- Durable against moderate chewing
- Jumbo squeakers continue squeaking when punctured
Things to consider:
- While fairly durable, it won’t hold up to overly aggressive chewers
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Best Squeaky Toy: KONG Jumbler Ball
Most dogs love squeaky toys because they appeal to their hunting instincts and satisfy their need to chew. This rubber KONG toy is sure to get your Golden’s attention. It contains a loud squeaky tennis ball that tumbles around during play. Dual handles on either side make the Jumbler easy to pick up and shake. It’s a good toy for interactive play, and a lot of Golden Retriever parents are pleased with its durability.
Features we like:
- Dual handles are ideal for tugging, tossing, and shaking
- Great for playing fetch
- Available in two sizes
Things to consider:
- The handles didn’t hold up well to some destructo-pups
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Best Ball Toy: Chuckit! Ultra Ball
You can’t go wrong with a classic ball toy for your energetic Golden. These Chuckit! Ultra balls are a step up from your average tennis ball, featuring a durable rubber core that can withstand light chewing (although it’s not designed for that purpose).
The easy-to-spot orange color makes them ideal for outdoor play. Additionally, these balls float, making them perfect for days at the lake. And they have an impressive bounce that will keep your Golden on their toes. To send them flying, pair them with a compatible Chuckit! Launcher.
Features we like:
- Work with Chuckit! launchers
- Constructed with durable rubber
- Available in four sizes
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Best Treat-Dispensing Toy: Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Toy (Verified Review)
If you’re looking to bust boredom and keep your Golden mentally engaged, treat-dispensing toys are a good place to start. Dr. Kong reports they’re also ideal for keeping dogs busy when their human isn’t around.
The popular Bob-a-Lot gets your dog moving. As your pup nudges and taps this puzzle toy, it wobbles unpredictably and releases treats. Rover testers appreciated that you can adjust the treat opening to customize the difficulty level. You can even fill it with your dog’s entire meal to use it as a slow feeder. It’s worth noting, however, that the weighted base tends to make a lot of racket if your dog whacks it into baseboards or hardwood.
Features we like:
- Encourages exercise and movement: ideal for Goldens with lots of energy
- Difficulty can be adjusted
- Generous kibble capacity (Small: 1.5 cups & Large: 3 cups)
- Available in two sizes
Things to consider:
- Can create a lot of noise during play
- If you use crumbly or greasy treats, it can be hard to clean
Best Rope Toy: Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Rope Toy (Verified Review)
Rope toys are great for providing exercise, promoting dental health, and developing the bond you share with your pup. Dr. Kong explains that they’re beneficial for Golden Retrievers, specifically because these sociable dogs love toys that let them interact with their humans.
In testing, we thought this hefty rope was the perfect length for keeping human hands a safe distance away from dog teeth. Most Goldens will find the substantial knots are great for chewing.
Features we like:
- Ideal for interactive or solo play
- Rope fibers floss dogs’ teeth
- Made from 100% cotton
Things to consider:
- Large size and weight make it hard to toss
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Best Fetch Toy: Chuckit! Flying Squirrel
A vigorous game of fetch is a smart way to release your dog’s pent-up energy—and it’s an activity Goldens naturally excel at. “They love activities that involve fetching and retrieving, reflecting their hunting heritage,” explains Dr. Kong. Fetch is also great for bond building.
The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel’s aerodynamic shape allows it to soar long distances. And its rounded corners make it easier for dogs to pick up than traditional frisbees.
Features we like:
- Durable, multilayer construction
- Floats in the water
- Glow-in-the-dark edges allow for safer nighttime play
- Available in three sizes
Things to consider:
- Not intended as a chew toy
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Best Water Toy: KONG Aqua Floating Dog Toy
Most Golden Retrievers love to swim. You can enhance your afternoon at the pool or lake by adding a floating water toy to the mix. This toy is made with KONG’s signature sturdy rubber on the outside and features a buoyant foam center. The attached rope makes it easier to fling this toy long distances to satisfy your Golden’s need for physical activity.
Features we like:
- Bright neon orange makes it easier to spot in the water
- Encourages exercise
- Ideal for active dogs
Things to consider:
- Not designed for tugging or chewing
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Best Snuffle Mat: Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to understand the world around them. This has brought snuffle mats into the spotlight. These toys relieve boredom by working your pup’s brain and nose simultaneously.
At 23.6″ x 39.4″, the Stellair Chern snuffle mat is appropriately sized for Golden Retrievers. A non-slip backing holds it in place while your energetic pooch roots around the fabric. This mat features two sections. At one end, you have a traditional snuffle mat with strips of fleece for foraging treats. At the other end, there’s a puzzle area with pockets and cups for hiding goodies.
Features we like:
- Good for practicing nose work
- Rolls up for easy storage
- Machine-washable
- Available in three color schemes
Things to consider:
- Requires some human effort to stuff with treats
- On the pricier side
Best Lick Mat: LickiMat Wobble Slow Feeder Bowl
Dog lick mats are practical tools that can help with boredom, anxiety, and even dental hygiene. Some are designed to slow down speed-eaters—good news for Goldens who tend to scarf down treats faster than you can put them down.
This bowl-style lick mat wobbles around, so your dog has to work harder to lick up its contents. A number of pet parents have noted this lick mat extends meals to 30 minutes or more. You can make it stationary, too: just flip it inside and turn it over.
Features we like:
- Provides distraction and enrichment
- Can drag meals out to 30 minutes or more
- Bowl shape is ideal for chunkier foods
- Dishwasher-safe
Best Electronic Toy for Golden Retrievers: Arf Pets Memory & Training Activity Dog Treat Dispenser
For the advanced Golden who needs something new to stimulate their brain, an electronic dog toy makes a novel choice. This memory-training puzzle toy from Arf Pets releases kibble or treats when your dog learns to press a paw-sized button.
Our Rover reviewer liked the toy’s versatility. Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can change the location of the button or dispenser. If you enjoy training your dog to perform new tricks, you could have a lot of fun with this one.
Features we like:
- Works well for food-motivated pups
- Great for smart dogs who enjoy a challenge
- Provides mental and physical exercise
- Training promotes bonding
Things to consider:
- Requires three AAA batteries (not included)
- Fairly expensive
Best for Senior Golden Retrievers: Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
“For senior Golden Retrievers, more delicate toys are ideal to avoid strain on their jaws and teeth, and puzzle toys can help keep their minds active,” says Dr. Kong. This Hide-a-Squirrel toy from Outward Hound accomplishes both requirements. The soft plush is gentle on your senior’s teeth and is perfect for cuddling. And if your pooch is up for the challenge, they can hunt for the squirrels inside, pulling them out one by one.
It’s a cozy, soft plush toy that’s gentle on their teeth and a hide-and-seek puzzle toy that offers mental enrichment. Hide the squirrels in the tree trunk, and have your senior pooch search for them and pull them out.
Features we like:
- Mentally enriching but not overly challenging
- Rewarding even for seniors with diminished appetites
- Replacement squirrels available
- Available in multiple sizes
Things to consider:
- Not ideal for aggressive chewers
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How We Chose
The toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and an interview with veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Kong. We included toys that cater to the unique needs of Golden Retrievers, prioritizing those that encourage exercise, interaction, and mental engagement. Additionally, we focused on durability, dog-safe materials, and enriching features. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.