7 Best Labrador Retriever Dog Toys in 2023 – Reviews and Top Picks
Few dog lovers would be surprised to learn that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States, regardless of its color. The Labrador Retriever is one of the world’s most athletic, clever, and loyal canines, despite its reputation for being food-obsessed and a bit lazy (and, as a result, prone to obesity). It takes strength and intelligence to flourish as a hunting companion, water rescuer, trained service animal, and more.
If you own a Labrador Retriever, you know how much the breed enjoys playing with its favorite toys. However, not just any toy will satisfy this dog’s seemingly endless desire for puppy-like play.
Labrador retrievers will be engaged and active with our list of the best dog toys for Labradors. Let’s begin by examining our favorites:
Quick Picks: Best Labrador Retriever Dog Toys in 2023
The 7 Best Dog Toys for Labs
1. Pet Qwerks Babble Ball Dog Toy – Best Overall
To accommodate their high level of intelligence, Labrador Retrievers require physically and psychologically challenging toys to thrive. Pet owners who cannot keep their dogs engaged 24 hours a day may consider acquiring the Pet Qwerks BLBB1 Babble Ball Dog Toy since it is a simple and practical alternative. Three sizes are available; however, the largest one is ideal for laboratories.
Initially, your dog may mistake this for a normal ball, but they will shortly realize otherwise. The motion-activated lights and noises provide sensory stimulation and amusement for your dog, whether playing alone or with you. This specific model contains 18 distinct sounds, including barks, squeaks, and a doorbell!
As with any noise-making toy, the Babble Ball has a few disadvantages. First, there is no off switch, so you must ensure your dog does not get a hold of it at night. Some owners are concerned that its hardness and weight would cause harm to their flooring or walls.
This is our recommendation for the finest Lab dog toy in 2018!
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2. Nerf Dog 6999 Squeak Ball – Best Value
If you’re looking for a classic dog toy, the Nerf Dog 6999 Squeak Ball is one of the top dog toys for Labs for the money. This four-inch rubber ball, larger than a tennis ball, contains a sturdy squeaker for added enjoyment. It comes in either red or green.
This ball’s plastic exterior has ridges and a textured surface, making it easy for you and your dog to maintain a firm grasp during games of fetch. It is also weather and water-resistant, so your dog may confidently wear it to the lake or out in the snow or rain.
Unfortunately, the durability of this toy is inconsistent. While some owners claim their dog destroyed this ball within minutes, others have had no such problems. In addition, there have been complaints of the squeaker detaching from the ball, providing a choking hazard.
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3. Excellent Selection of Monster K9 Durable Football Chew Toy
Labs may be the ideal family dog, but there is no denying that they are also large and powerful. If you’re looking for a durable football chew toy for your dog, go no further than the Monster K9 Durable Football Chew Toy. This chew toy comprises FDA-approved rubber and is marketed as “nearly unbreakable.”
The football-shaped form is tiny enough for your dog to carry and chew and is easier to throw than a conventional ball. The rubber material provides just enough bounce to keep your dog interested and active. Each chew toy comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Because this ball is composed of solid rubber, it is also fairly dense and dense. Some owners are afraid that their dog may sustain an injury if it attempts to catch the ball in mid-air, even though it works fine for traditional fetch.
This is, in our opinion, one of the best chew toys for labs.
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4. KONG 10015 Extreme Goodie Bone
Regarding chewing, KONG is the most well-known manufacturer of dog chew toys. If you have a huge, chewing-obsessed Labrador, you should consider the KONG 10015 Extreme Goodie Bone. This huge bone spans 8.5 inches and is constructed of KONG’s most durable material to withstand extreme wear and tear.
This bone may be packed with dry snacks, peanut butter, cream cheese, or a sprayable treat from KONG. Adding rewards to your dog’s toys can also improve mental stimulation and prevent boredom.
According to KONG, this bone is suggested for dogs weighing between 30 and 65 pounds. Consequently, some owners may find it inadequate for their Lab. Additionally, several owners stated that the material emanated a foul tire-like stench.
We believe this to be the best Lab chew toy currently available on the market.
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5. Fumble Fetch Toy (Chuckit 32306)
Regardless of what your Labrador Retriever’s favorite hobby is today, the breed was bred to retrieve – it’s in the name! The Chuckit 32306 Fumble Fetch Toy is an excellent alternative to traditional tennis balls, especially if your dog enjoys playing fetch at night or near water. Its football-inspired form also provides an aerodynamic advantage.
The robust rubber material floats in water, and the cut-out design of this toy gives your dog several nooks and crannies for play. This toy’s etched channels have a glow-in-the-dark coating that lasts up to 30 minutes, making it unique.
Although the design is excellent in concept, it sacrifices durability for other advantages. Numerous owners stated that their dog tore the toy apart at the seams. In addition to being cool, the glow-in-the-dark coating is also somewhat disappointing in practice.
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6. West Paw Zogoflex Canine Chew-Toy
The West Paw Zogoflex Dog Chew Toy is an alternative solution for the Labrador that cannot stop biting. This robust rubber toy is available in two sizes, the Medium measuring 6.3 inches in length. Unfortunately, just this size is available. There are also three color options: aqua blue, granny smith, and orange.
This chew toy has three “lobes” that give your dog various angles to bite into. It is constructed of FDA-approved, non-toxic rubber, floats in water, and rolls around on the ground for cerebral stimulation. Each toy is manufactured in the United States from recyclable, dishwasher-safe materials.
Obviously, there is no such thing as a completely chew-proof toy. This toy may not survive longer than a day. Depending on your dog, some owners also reported their dogs nibbling off small bits of this toy; therefore, supervision is advised.
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7. Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy by StarMark
The StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy provides your Lab with more than just amusement. This toy, available in two sizes — we recommend the Large for a Labrador or a similar-sized dog — is also an excellent method for distributing goodies or complete meals. The Large size can accommodate up to three cups of dry food at once.
There are numerous treat-dispensing toys on the market. Still, it might not be easy to locate one that matches your dog’s preferred treats or kibble. While the holes on this toy can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes, some owners found it too small for their dog’s treats or dry food.
This toy can be disassembled for quicker cleanup, and its hard plastic construction makes it simple to soak and scrape away dried food. However, the plastic is not chew-resistant, and this toy should only be used under the supervision of an adult.
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Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Finest Labrador Retriever Dog Toys
Even among the same breed, no two canine personalities are identical. We can steer you in the right way when buying the appropriate toy for your Labrador Retriever. Still, you know your dog’s preferences better than anyone else!
Here are some questions to ask while purchasing a new toy for your devoted Lab:
Is Your Lab Destructive?
It’s a fact of dog ownership that some dogs enjoy destroying their toys. While some owners accept that their dog will go through numerous toys, others do not want to deal with the clutter (or the cost).
Several possibilities exist if you’re seeking a toy that can withstand your dog’s destructive tendencies, at least temporarily. As chew toys, we propose the Monster K9 Durable Football Chew Toy and the KONG 10015 Extreme Goody Bone.
Is Your Lab Prone to Boredom?
Some canines can entertain themselves with something as simple as a tennis ball. Others need regular stimulus to avoid becoming bored. Since you cannot play with your dog every moment of every day, you may wish to explore an interactive dog toy.
The StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy and the Pet Qwerks BLBB1 Babble Ball Dog Toy are interactive dog toys. Both keep your dog busy with their favorite activity: eating, while the first stimulate their brains with new lights and sounds.
Does Your Lab Live Up to the Term “Retriever?”
The Labrador Retriever, like many other breeds, was specifically bred to retrieve goods for its human companions. While some Labs continue to perform this task in the field, particularly during hunting season, others are compelled to play fetch.
Technically, you and your dog can begin a game of fetch with any toy. Nonetheless, suppose there’s nothing else your dog would rather do. Consequently, you might as well get a toy designed just for the game. The Nerf Dog 6999 Squeak Ball and the Chuckit 32306 Fumble Fetch Toy are excellent upgrades to your dog’s favorite game.
When Buying Dog Toys, Consider These Factors First
One of our interactive dog toys wins again. Adelle is exhausted from playing with the JW Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy.
There are so many dog toys available that it can be difficult to select one. Before making a purchase, there are various things to consider as a general guideline. I shall discuss several considerations below.
1. Your Dog’s Disposition
Your dog’s temperament must be taken into account while selecting a toy. It makes little sense to purchase a plush toy for your rambunctious dog, correct? Especially if they simply enjoy tearing things apart for fun.
Perhaps a durable tug toy that an aggressive chewer cannot break will better suit his personality, and he will enjoy it more.
A squeaky and loud toy may not be ideal for a shy or anxious dog; a plush toy may be more appropriate.
Although there is no right or wrong way to select a dog toy, knowing your pet’s personality may help you make a choice that they will like. The majority of interactive toys are appropriate for all temperaments.
2. Your Dog’s Vitality
When selecting a dog toy, you may want to consider your dog’s strengths. If he is a toy-destroying monster or an aggressive chewer, it is better to purchase toys that can withstand his strength without breaking on the first day.
3. Safety
When selecting a dog toy, the dog’s safety must take first. As a general guideline, you should only purchase toys that fit your dog’s size. The purchase of a small-sized toy ball for a large dog can provide a choking threat.
It is advisable to properly inspect toys to ensure they are not constructed of a material that is prone to chipping or has small, detachable parts. These items may induce choking and should be avoided.
4. Adjustability
When selecting an interactive dog toy for an exceptionally intelligent dog, you may want to examine whether or not it has multiple difficulty levels. This will allow you to modify the amount of difficulty as needed and extend the toy’s lifespan.
5. Durability
If you are not interested in purchasing a new toy every week, you should examine the toy’s durability. The construction should be well-executed but made from a durable material without shattering your dog’s teeth when they bite it.
6. Features
The level of difficulty is a factor worthy of consideration. Depending on your dog’s disposition, you may want to choose goodies that squeak, glow, float, are chewable, or dispense treats.
Difficult-to-clean dog toys might provide a concern for cleanliness. Therefore, machine-washability is an additional characteristic to consider.
Benefits Of An Interactive Toy
Our favorite interactive dog toy is the puzzle-solving squirrel. As seen, the small squirrel outlived Adelle, our yellow lab puppy.
Not all toys are made equal. There are just so many things one can do with a tennis ball. There is no need to spend a fortune when buying an interactive toy, even though you may need to be inventive.
Numerous inexpensive interactive dog toys are really successful in engaging your dog.
As a dog owner, you should have at least one or two interactive dog toys that stimulate your pet’s mind when you are not present.
Typically, these toys feature a puzzle that dispenses a treat when the dog solves it as a reward for a well-done job.
In the next video, you may discover more about the benefits of food puzzles.
The reviews of interactive dog toys I have compiled for you should make selecting one lot simpler.
With so many dog toys on the market, I took the time to compile a list of the eight most popular interactive dog toys on the market today.
Interactive toys provide several benefits in a single bundle. They cognitively engage your dog in activities that appeal to their natural inclinations.
This includes sniffing, pawing, biting, tagging, chewing, burrowing, digging, and using their natural intelligence.
Ordinary toys may only hold your companion’s attention for a few minutes. Still, an interactive toy can keep him occupied for hours.
Features Of An Interactive Dog Toy
For a toy to be interactive, it must be able to interest your dog and hopefully keep him occupied and mentally stimulated for some time.
Some of the best interactive toys, such as the ones I described above, include puzzle aspects and a sweet reward system, which is typically your dog’s preferred treat.
It is more effective if the toy provides a method for acclimating the dog to it before increasing the difficulty level. A nice illustration is the Trixie Mad Scientist Interactive Turn Around Dog Toy.
This is an illustration because this interactive toy allows you to begin by placing snacks in the flippable beaker without a cover. Your dog will quickly associate tossing the beakers with receiving a treat.
The subsequent step is to fill the beaker with nibbles and cover it with a patterned lid. This will prove more difficult for your dog, but he will quickly master the art of extracting treats despite the challenge.
The next stage is replacing the lid’s pattern with a more intricate one that will present your dog with an even greater task.
Features such as a treat-dispensing make interactive toys for dogs so engaging. Some chewable toys are enticing because of their shape and texture.
With the addition of squeaky sounds and flashing lights, a snack dispenser, or a chicken-flavored exterior, your dog has found a lifelong companion.
Conclusion
We dog owners all understand the excitement of purchasing a new toy for our pets. However, if you invest your hard-earned cash on a ball, chew toy, or puzzle, you’ll want to ensure that it matches your dog’s size, temperament, and play style.
Invest in the Pet Qwerks BLBB1 Babble Ball Dog Toy if your Labrador is readily fascinated by lights and music. The unusual cerebral stimulation provided by this toy may even aid in reducing separation anxiety in some canines.
We highly recommend the Nerf Dog 6999 Squeak Ball for retrieving dogs. It is larger than a tennis ball, has a rough surface for greater grip, and makes a delightful squeak when your dog bites or shakes it.
Alternatively, suppose you are concerned that your dog will destroy one of the previously listed toys. In that case, you may like to select the Monster K9 Dog Toys Durable Football Chew Toy. This toy is specifically made for dogs that prefer rough play and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
The appropriate toy for your Lab may provide hours of constructive, non-destructive play, and we hope our reviews have inspired your next purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Toys for Labs
Labradors enjoy toys. However, with so many alternatives available, it is easy to purchase unsuitable items for this energetic breed. Labradors are a bright and rowdy group. They enjoy running, retrieving, carrying, chewing, digging, and playing the most.
Labs are typically such ferocious power chewers that they can shred ordinary chew toys in minutes, even those marketed as “indestructible dog toys.”
Replace Your Fetch Ball With a Frisbee, Unlike balls that tend to sink and roll away. Frisbees retain air for longer, making them a delightful toy for your Labrador. Train your Lab to leap and catch the Frisbee in mid-air for a more rigorous workout.
Are Labs Tough Dogs?
Labs are among the least aggressive dog breeds toward humans and other canines, making them appropriate for these jobs.
Instinctive behaviors are natural talents that result from certain stimuli and cannot be taught. When we throw the ball to them, we artificially recreate the context of a hunt. The dog can practice his senses, instincts, and physical power through the game.
Because dogs must chew, you must provide your Lab with something to clean his teeth and massage his gums. Dental chews, bully sticks, and dehydrated fish skin is excellent options.
A content Labrador will appear peaceful and “natural,” displaying few signs and not attempting to appear large or little. He will stand evenly on all four legs, with his tail and ears held naturally, facial muscles relaxed, and his mouth closed or slightly open if panting to cool off.
Labs do not begin to “settle down” until they are between two and four years old. Mental maturation typically occurs between two and four years old in labradors. However, a few labradors are quiet and subdued from early puppyhood, and a few remain hyperactive until old age.
Labradors frequently engage in destructive behavior due to boredom or excess energy. This can be remedied by ensuring that he gets lots of activity. Take him on walks, engage in fetch, or exercise with him. A Lab that is exhausted is well-behaved.
In fact, it is typical for a Labrador to continue destructive chewing until approximately the age of two. After that, dogs with appropriate companionship and mental stimulation tend to reduce their chewing significantly. So, if gnawing is not always the result of a puppy teething, what are the other causes?
Why Do Labrador Puppies Bite So Much? Labradors are considerably more aggressive than certain other dog breeds during this stage of their growth. In fact, retriever puppies are typically quite aggressive.