Labs love to play with dog toys, but there are so many different options available it can get hard to choose. This breed is full of energy, and they love fetching, carrying, chewing, and digging but they all play is a different way. They have similar energy levels to Huskies, and need toys that are similar.
It’s essential to take a look at your lab to decide on the right toy 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. This is especially true when they are puppies.
All this considered, we’ll recommend a few toys for Labs that are guaranteed to keep your pup busy for hours.
At A Glance: Our Favorite Lab Toys
Top Overall Toy
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Top Interactive Toy
Outward Hound Interactive Toy
Top Budget Toy
Chuckit! Large Rubber Ball
Note: Clicking the above links take you to Chewy.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Buyer’s Guide
When you are shopping around, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth by choosing a toy that will hold up long enough for you and your pup to enjoy it. Choosing a toy for your Lab requires that you make sure you’ll get something that your dog can play with for hours, without putting their health at risk.
Labs are notorious chewers, and when they are puppies they have razor-sharp teeth. Even through adulthood, you’ll want to make sure they have toys that can keep them entertained while also being extremely durable. Here are some features to look out for when buying a dog toy.
Durability
It’s no secret that you want to make sure the toy will last a while and will not break down after heavy chew sessions. This is not only important for longevity but the safety of your Lab as well. Some toys can be dangerous or pose choking hazards if they are swallowed, so you want the toy 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 we recommended above come in a variety of different sizes so you should have no problem finding one that works for you.
Materials
We’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 go as far as you can throw it. There are some toys out there that get made with materials that are ideal for dogs. The materials last long, they hold up to wear and tear, and they don’t pose a hazard to your Labs health. You’ve got a couple different options when it comes to material that can withstand abuse.
Rubber
There’s nothing better than an old rubber ball. These toys are great for fetch, they are flexible, so they don’t easily chip apart, and Labs love them. Make sure when you’re shopping around for a rubber ball to find one from a reputable brand and take a look at it to make sure there are no cracks or loose seams on it.
Rope
If your Lab isn’t chasing the ball around he might love a good game of tug of war instead. Having a durable and robust rope toy is also a great option for pups that 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.
Our Favorites
Choosing a dog toy for your Lab 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. We’re going to cover five different categories of dog toy to help appeal to each pup.
The following categories are different toys we will look at. What’s most popular, the top indestructible toys, chew toys, plush toys and tug toys. Without further delay, let’s look at our five favorites that are all perfect for anyone on a budget.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
- 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 United States.
Our first pick is one of the most popular dog toys out there. The Classic Kong allows you to stuff some treat 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 make sure 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.
We love that this is a popular choice, and it seems that almost every dog owner has a Kong. It’s highly recommended, and by putting the food in the middle of the toy, you can keep your Labrador busier for longer periods of time. They are extremely durable and long-lasting. They also double as a fetch toy for interactive play. The Kong is durable and will hold up against strong chewers while also soothing separation anxiety as well.
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball
- 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 with Chuckit! brand Launcher.
Is there ever a bad time for fetch with a ball? Labs love to fetch! They are not afraid to chase down a ball for as far as you can throw it. This ball is brightly colored, so it makes it easy for you and your dog to find it if it gets lost. It also comes in a couple of different sizes, which is great for larger Labs.
These balls float in water, and they make great interactive toys for both of you together, but 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.
We love that this durable ball is tough to be broken, even by the strongest chewing pups. It’s easy to find because of the coloring, and it’s compatible with the ball launcher accessory. This toy is great if you want interactive play and a genuinely indestructible toy, the Chuckit Ball is a great toy option.
Nylabone Textured DuraChew
- Satisfies chew happy pups.
- Made from durable nylon.
- Comes in multiple flavors.
- Helps clean your pup’s teeth.
- Vet-recommended toy.
- Made in the United States.
- Budget-friendly.
This long lasting chew bone is an excellent option for Labs who love to chew up their toys and enjoy them for a shorter period. This bone lasts a long time and comes in a few different flavors like 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 sized bone, so it’s for large dogs who weigh more than fifty pounds. They also offer smaller ones for Labs who weigh less than that.
This toy is excellent for dogs with an urge to chew. It’s especially useful if your furry friend has a bad habit of chewing on your personal belongings. Teaching them to replace chewing your things by chewing this toy is a great way to prevent that type of behavior.
We love that the Nylabone is a long-lasting chew bone. It comes in different flavors and also has bristles that help clean your Lab’s teeth. Bones can help keep your dog busy, relieve separation anxiety and break bad habits. Bristles on this toy are raised, so it’s not uncommon to see a slight amount of blood as your dog chews on it during puppyhood (no cause for concern).
Outward Hound Squirrel Interactive Toy
- 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.
- Great for training.
If your Lab is gentle enough with toys and doesn’t rip everything apart, you could go for a fun plush puzzle toy like this one. 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 a variety of different sizes so you can find the perfect size to meet the needs of your Labrador.
We love this puzzle toy for inquisitive pups. They are great to train your dog’s brain and this toy is good for both solo and interactive play. You can mix and match different characters other than squirrels, making this a great pick for any Lab.
GoughNuts Interactive Tug Toy
- Made for dogs that love tug-o-war.
- Design allows for optimum grip.
- Natural rubber construction.
- Extremely durable.
- Great for throwing & fetch.
- Made in the United States.
- Great for extreme & active play.
This indestructible 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 design of the toy is simple, it’s a figure 8. You hold onto one side while your dog latches onto the other side. The toy itself is also a lot 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.
We love that this tug toy is tough and durable, so it can withstand some serious abuse from dogs that love to chew. It’s interactive, and allows you to have some time bonding with your pup. This toy is also great for two pups that love to play together, tugging at opposite ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every pet owner has questions about their dog, and we want to give you the best answers possible. Understanding your Lab and how they play is a great way to learn the best types of toys to make them happy.
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 they love to tug. Use those two points to decide on the right toy based on their habits. Balls are always a solid choice for fetch, and we recommended a few fetch 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 exterior of the toy. 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 unique dog cleaning material. If you are trying to wash a plush or rope toy, you can usually throw those right in the clothes washing machine. Some rubber dog toys can even get washed in the dishwasher.
What do I do if my dog swallowed a toy?
Oh no! Well, this depends a lot on the type of toy and the situation. If your pup is visibly showing signs of difficulty breathing or swallowing, then you need to get them to the vet immediately. If the toy is soft and he seems stable, we recommend monitoring him and watching for the toy pieces in his stool. It doesn’t hurt to call your Vet anyway for advice on the situation.
Final Thoughts
You’ve made it to this point, and now you have a full understanding of the best dog toys for Labs. This breed is full of energy, and they love to play all day long. You’ll need to provide them with an outlet when you are not around.
There are many different types of toys so let’s recap on the main points we discussed throughout the article. If you aren’t sure which type of toy your Lab will like, go with the most popular toy. If others seem to like it, it will probably work for your pup.
In the end, when it comes to Labs, you can’t go wrong with the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It serves many purposes combined into one. The toy is great for fetching, interactive, and solo play. It has no real downside, other than the fact that your pup may chew it up trying to reach the treat inside.
Looking for something a bit more exciting and interesting? We suggest checking out the Outward Hound Hide and Seek Squirrel Puzzle Toy. This unique toy can provide you and your pup with hours of fun as long as they are gentle enough.
Thank you for all of the great information. I found all of it very helpful and can’t wait to get the Outward Hound Hide and Seek Squirrel Puzzle toy!
Thanks Tracy! Good luck and hope your pup loves it!
Hi, my mother is 79 with COPD and can’t take her Labrador, Bonney for a walk or exercise etc. I’ve noticed when I see Bonney that she is putting on weight, which I know it’s not good for her. Is there anything regarding toys that may help her exercise a bit more indoors. Thank you!
Hi John! Indoor exercise can be a challenge when the owner has physical limitations. Fetch is always good, with just a standard ball, as long as your Mom’s Labrador is good at returning and “dropping” the ball back in her lap. This can be trained through positive reinforcement if her pup isn’t already used to this.
Another idea would be a doggy treadmill if your Mom has that ability. That option is obviously more costly. I’d also suggest looking at a weight management dog food, which can help shed some pounds even without a lot of additional exercise as long as meals are spaced out throughout the day. Hope this helps!