The Best Toys for Your Labrador Retriever

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Written by Jennifer Magid

Published: January 5, 2024

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Ah, the loveable Labrador. These friendly, joyful dogs get along with most people and pets. Labrador Retrievers make wonderful family dogs thanks to their tolerant and playful nature. They are eager to please their people, which is also why they are often used as guide dogs. 

One thing to know about Labrador Retrievers is that they are active and love to play. They have happy-go-lucky personalities and are the epitome of fun-loving. That’s why they are dogs that will have a blast playing with a wide range of toys.

Why Labrador Retrievers Need Toys

The Labrador Retriever originated as duck retrievers in Newfoundland before they were brought to the UK in the 1800’s. Their innate desire to retrieve is why they particularly enjoy playing fetch and bringing a toy back to you over and over again. They’re known to play it rather endlessly! Labradors are also extremely food-motivated, so toys that are scented or hide snacks will be intriguing to the breed.

Make sure these dogs get at least half an hour to an hour of exercise every day. Otherwise, they will get their energy out in undesirable ways like barking or acting destructively. These are some of the best dog toys for your Labrador Retriever.

1. Kong Classic Dog Toy

Smiling labrador dog in the city park portrait. Smiling and looking up, looking away

Labradors are happy dogs, and are even happier when they get to play regularly!

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This classic toy is a staple for every dog’s toy repertoire. It’s bouncy, chewable, and pretty much indestructible. Which for Labrador owners, is an ideal combination. Stuff the inside with treats to keep your dog busy when you go out.

2. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball

A happy yellow Labrador retriever next to a shipment of presents

Add an interactive ball to your Labardor’s repertoire of toys!

©iStock.com/YakobchukOlena

This silly ball suits the happy Labrador’s personality. It giggles as it rolls, capturing your dog’s attention. It’s especially fun for dogs to swat at and push around.

3. Ultra Rubber Ball

best dog breeds - Labrador Retriever

Labradors need toys that don’t rip apart easily since they’re strong dogs!

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Most Labradors live for a game of fetch, and Chuckit! makes some toys that are classics. This rubber ball is extra bouncy. It floats, so it’s great for a game of fetch in the water. Plus, the bright color makes it easy for your pup to find, even if you throw it extra far. 

4. Flying Squirrel

Canadian Labrador Retriever, or St. John's Water Dog

Most Labradors love playing fetch, especially in the water.

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The brand Chuckit! is truly a winner when it comes to fun fetch toys. This disc is aptly reminiscent of a flying squirrel when it hurdles through the air. It has glowing corners so playtime can extend into nighttime. 

5. Sport Launcher

Silver Labrador running in water

Some Labradors will play fetch endlessly, and something that helps launch the ball can save your arm.

©Johanna Mehrke Fotografie/Shutterstock.com

If your Labrador can play longer than your arm can throw, you need this launcher. It allows you to throw the ball up to three times faster. Plus, it keeps your hands free from touching a slobber-covered ball.

6. Scented Squeaky Chew Ball

best dog food for sensitive stomach

Labrador Retrievers are typically very food-motivated.

©Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com

What do you get when you mix a chewy ball with the scent of your pup’s favorite treats? This must-have ball. Each toy is 100 percent naturally scented with chicken, beef, or peanut butter. Between the tantalizing taste and its floating bounce, Labradors in particular will enjoy it.

7. Ultra Ring Fetch

Black labrador retriever dog in the lake at St Marys Glacier Colorado

Toys that float are ideal for Labradors.

©melissamn/Shutterstock.com

Chuckit! wins again with this floating ring that’s easy for Labradors to grasp. When tossed, the toy bounces, zig-zags, or hops, so your pup never knows just what it’s going to do.

8. Flyer Tire 

Labrador Retriever, Animal, Animal Body Part, Animal Hair, Animal Head

Make sure any toys you use for water play are buoyant.

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This tire toy is supposedly unsinkable. It’s a great choice for Labradors who can’t get enough time in the water. The toy is lightweight enough to toss but will stand up to chewing.

9. Wild Shieldz Trout

Golden retriever dog swimming in river

Labradors are natural at retrieving from the water.

©Zheka-Boss/iStock via Getty Images

Kong makes a wide range of toys, and this realistic-looking fish is certainly one of a kind. The floating toy may fool your dog into thinking they’re catching the real thing! It’s recommended for dock diving and hunting practice as well.

10. Bend-E Branch 

Animal, Beauty In Nature, Black Labrador, Canine - Animal, Color Image, *Bassador. Portrait of a cute black Labrador playing with a stick in the garden

A toy stick is safer for dogs than a real stick that breaks.

©iStock.com/Tom Meaker

Wood sticks can splinter and crack, which can be dangerous for your dog if they swallow the pieces. This tough rubber stick makes grunting and creaking noises just like a real piece of wood. But it’s way more safe for teeth and gums.

11. Amphibious Bumper

black lab swims

Bright toys are easier for swimming Labradors to find!

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This bright water toy is easy for Labradors to see and grab while swimming. It floats no matter how hard or far you throw it!

12. Super Chewer Aurora Beast

Naughty dog home alone - yellow labrador retriever destroyed the plush toy and made a mess in the apartment

Pick a toy that is difficult for your Labrador to rip apart. You don’t want to risk them swallowing the materials.

©Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com

Some Labradors love ripping apart plush toys. This fuzzy toy is perfect for rough chewers. The toy has a soft layer that rips off to reveal an extra tough rubber toy with a squeaker. 

13. Squeezz Ball

Labrador Retriever (Canis familiaris) - black lab with ball in water

A bouncy ball should be a part of most breeds’ toy collection.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

This ball is chewy and bouncy fun for playful Labradors. It bounces erratically and has a recessed squeaker for extra safety.

14. Wubba Weave

Funny Labrador puppy lying with a toy for dogs isolated on white background

Tug rope toys can be good for teething Labrador puppies’ gums.

©Sonsedska Yuliia/Shutterstock.com

There are multiple fun ways to play with this toy. It makes a great tug toy, is tossable for fetch, and has an enticing squeaker.

Summary of Toys for Your Labrador Retriever

Toy NameToy Category
Kong ClassicTreats, bouncy
Wobble Wag Giggle BallRolling, noises
Ultra Rubber BallFetch, chewing
Flying SquirrelFetch, water play
Sport LauncherFetch
Playology Scented Squeaky Chew BallChewing, scent, fetch
Ultra Ring FetchFetch, water play
Flyer TireFetch, water play
Wild Shieldz TroutFetch, water play
Bend-E BranchChewing, tossing
Amphibious BumperFetch, water play
Super Chewer Aurora BeastMouthing, cuddling, tossing
Squeezz BallFetch, chewing
Wubba WeaveTug, chewing, tossing

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About the Author

Jennifer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on dogs, travel, and gardening. She holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from New York University. A resident of Connecticut who has lived all over the country, Jennifer enjoys working on trick training with her standard poodle, and spending time with her family outdoors.

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