The 13 Best Toys for Labrador Retrievers

• This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

As any Lab enthusiast knows, Labrador Retrievers love to play and get silly. These dogs are athletic and energetic, and they need toys that will help them blow off steam. The best dog toys for Labs will be durable enough to withstand their enthusiasm and chewing habits. Labs will also benefit from toys that engage their minds and encourage interactive play with their humans. 

The pet market is stacked with options, which can make choosing the right toy overwhelming. To help you sort through the noise, we consulted veterinarian Dr. Ray Spragley, founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care. With his guidance, we’ve selected the following 13 toys that will work well for most Labradors.

Best Toy for Lab Puppies: KONG Puppy Toy

Growing Labrador Retrievers will benefit from puppy toys that channel their boundless energy.  According to Dr. Spragley, treat-dispensing puzzle toys offer a physical outlet for Lab puppies while also keeping them mentally stimulated. 

The puppy version in the classic KONG line is made with a softer rubber that’s gentle on your dog’s baby teeth. This toy offers versatility: use it for fetch, chewing, or fill it with dog-safe peanut butter and let your puppy at it! The toy’s unique shape gives it an unpredictable bounce, which keeps your Lab puppy on their toes. For a longer-lasting treat, Dr. Spragley recommends popping a filled KONG in the freezer. 

Features we like:

• Offers physical and mental enrichment
• Soothes sore gums during teething 
• Great for crate-training
• Four sizes available 
• Available in pink or blue

Things to consider:

• There are some complaints about the size, so check measurements accordingly

Best Chew Toy for Labs: Petstages Orka Tire Tough Dog Chew Toy

Labs love chew toys—but they can be a little rough on them. “Unlike many breeds that will gently chew their toys, Labs tend to be destructive with their toys,” Dr. Spragley explains. He recommends toys made with Orka: a durable rubber designed to withstand aggressive chewing without splintering. 

This dog chew is made with a sturdy single-piece structure. It also has a thick, reinforced rim. The raised texture makes it more interesting to chew. And you can even put treats inside to pique your Lab’s interest. 

Features we like:

• Rolls and bounces for added engagement 
• Massages gums and relieves teething pain
• The material floats, so it makes a good water toy, too

Things to consider:

• Only one size available

Best Puzzle Toy for Labs: Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Interactive Treat Puzzle

Since Labs are a highly active and intelligent breed, Dr. Spragley notes they should get at least one hour of play per day. “Without this play and exercise, they will likely get bored and act out.” Puzzle toys are an excellent way to curb boredom, provide exercise, and engage your Lab’s mind.

This advanced puzzle from Nina Ottosson offers an appropriate challenge for your clever Labrador. It’s also a relatively safe option for chew-happy dogs since it doesn’t have any removable pieces that could present a choking hazard. 

Features we like:

• Difficulty level can be adjusted according to your Lab’s ability
• Encourages dogs to sniff, paw, and nudge pieces
• Helps keep dogs calm 

Things to consider:

• Built-in pieces may be harder to clean

Best Plush Toy: ZippyPaws No-Stuffing Skinny Peltz

Some dogs prefer the softer feel of a plush toy. However, Dr. Spragley advises Lab guardians to avoid toys with a lot of stuffing. Labs can get carried away during play, and if they rip a toy apart, you definitely don’t want them ingesting its fluffy insides. 

This trio of woodland animals is stuffing-free, so there’s no risk of your pup accidentally swallowing a mouthful. The eyes are embroidered, too, so you don’t need to worry about small plastic pieces. 

Features we like:

• Each toy has two squeakers for added engagement
• Machine-washable
• Great value

Things to consider:

• The flat design means squeakers are easier to puncture

Best Squeaky Toy: Gnawsome Spiky Squeaker Ball 

Squeaky toys appeal to your Lab’s hunting instinct and satisfy their urge to chew. While most plush squeaky toys won’t withstand a Lab’s hunty nature, this spiky rubber ball is built for durability. With a loud squeaker inside, this bouncy ball should keep your high-octane pooch entertained.

The Gnawsome ball also comes in a few sizes—an important safety consideration for bigger dogs, says Dr. Spragley. “If a Lab receives a toy made for a Chihuahua, there’s a chance they could swallow it, which could cause an intestinal obstruction,” he explains. 

Features we like:

• Unique spiky texture massages gums
• Made with BPA-free, food-grade rubber
• Multiple sizes available 

Things to consider:

• Colors are shipped at random
• Might be too loud for some pet parents

Best Ball Toy: KONG Extreme Ball

While no toy will be 100% indestructible, this KONG ball comes pretty close. From the brand’s Extreme line, this tough rubber ball toy is designed to hold its own against power chewers. The material is durable and puncture-resistant. Like the classic KONG toys, you can fill it with your Lab’s favorite treats. It’s perfect for tossing, bouncing, and chewing.

Features we like:

• Ultra-durable
• Has a hole for filling with treats
• Bounces for extra fun

Things to consider:

• Black color can make it harder to spot
• On the heavy side

Best Treat-Dispensing Toy: Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Toy

“The treat-dispensing Bob-a-Lot is great for keeping your Lab entertained while you are gone,” says Dr. Spragley. “This is essential if they have separation anxiety, or they just get mischievous when left alone.”

This popular toy wobbles unpredictably—a win for Labs with energy to spare. Rover test pups enjoyed the challenge, and our human testers appreciated the ability to adjust the toy’s opening. On the downside, the Bob-a-Lot can cause quite a racket. And it’s a bit hard to clean the interior.

Features we like:

• Two adjustable openings allow for a customized challenge
• Can hold an entire meal for slow-feeding
• Encourages exercise
• Available in two sizes

Things to consider:

• Makes a lot of noise

Best Rope Toy: Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Rope Toy 

Rope toys tend to be a hit with this social breed because they offer a fun way for pet parents to join the fun. Plus, they’re a great way to get some exercise! Made with 100% cotton, this substantial Mammoth rope toy is perfect for games of tug-of-war. Our Rover testers liked that the longer length put a safe distance between human hands and bitey canine teeth.

Features we like:

• Ideal for bonding and human interaction
• Five large knots are perfect for chewing and gripping
• Rope fibers are said to floss your dog’s teeth

Things to consider:

• Probably too heavy for playing fetch

Best Fetch Toy: Chuckit! Paraflight Flying Disc

“Labs have the innate urge to retrieve things, and they love to carry toys in their mouth,” says Dr. Spragley. To encourage exercise and bonding, you’ll want at least one good fetch toy in your Labrador’s stash. 

The Chuckit! brand is a leader in this arena. This lightweight flying disc has an aerodynamic shape that sends it flying effortlessly through the air. It also descends gradually, giving your pup the chance to grab it mid-air before it lands. The multilayer nylon lends it durability, and the rubber edge is soft on your Lab’s teeth.

Features we like:

• Floats in the water
• Perfect for throwing long distances
• Durable yet gentle on your dog’s mouth
• Bright color makes it visible and prevents it from getting lost

Best Water Toy: KONG Aqua Floating Dog Toy

Most Labs love a good splash in the pool or lake. For a memorable time on the water, a good floating toy goes a long way. This toy’s exterior is made of traditional KONG rubber. Inside, a buoyant foam core keeps it afloat. The attached rope makes it easier to throw longer distances. Just keep in mind this toy is intended specifically for playing fetch—it’s not meant to be used for chewing or tugging.

Features we like:

• Designed for retrieving
• Encourage exercise
• Bright orange color makes it easier to spot in the water

Things to consider:

• Not designed for chewing or playing tug

Best Lick Mat: LickiMat Tuff Heavy Duty Buddy

As an alternative to slow-feeders, lick mats come in pretty handy. They’re also useful for combating boredom and promoting dental health. If you’re worried your chew-tastic Lab will destroy any lick mat you put in front of them, the LickiMat Tuff series is a viable choice. Chew-resistant TPR rubber and polypropylene lend it extra strength. It won’t be completely indestructible, but it stands a better chance than many other models. 

Features we like:

• Dishwasher-safe
• Freezable for a longer-lasting treat
• Complex surface keeps things interesting

Best Snuffle Mat: Sniffiz SmellyMatty Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats are thought to help with boredom and anxiety by working a dog’s brain and nose. They come in endless styles, but we think the Smelly Matty makes a fine choice for Labs in particular. This mat is incredibly engaging, with a number of pet parents reporting it occupied their dogs for up to an hour. Along with the traditional strips of fabric for foraging, it also includes five treat puzzles with varying levels of difficulty. To hold it in place while your energetic Lab plays, it has a non-slip bottom and anti-flip structure.

Features we like:

• Non-slip bottom
• Includes poles to keep it from flipping over
• Machine-washable
• Durable oxford fabric and soft polar fleece

Things to consider:

• Requires some human effort to fill with treats
• Not the cheapest toy

Best for Senior Labs: Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy

“Since they are a sporting dog, Labs enjoy searching for and finding toys,” Dr. Spragley points out. As your Labrador gets older, this plush Hide-a-Squirrel toy is a gentle way to tap into that instinct. It comes with a tree trunk you can stuff with squeaky squirrels for your dog to find. Senior Labs will appreciate the soft plush that’s easy on their teeth. And they’ll benefit from an enriching activity that keeps their body and mind engaged.

Features we like:

• Gentle on teeth
• Stimulating but not too challenging 
• Replacement squirrels available

Things to consider:

• Not ideal for aggressive chewers

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. Ray Spragley. We included toys that cater to the unique needs of Labrador 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.

Further Reading

• Labrador Retriever Puppies: Everything You Need to Know
• 16 Labrador Retriever Gifts for the Lab Lover in Your Life 
• 11 Best Indestructible & Durable Dog Toys for Strong Dogs
• How to Wash Dog Toys and Gear So That They Actually Get Clean