The Best Dog Toys for Labs

One of America’s favorite dog breeds is the labrador retriever. The high-energy, good-natured pup usually comes in black, brown, or tan, and they’re a household favorite for millions of families. 

You might picture some wholesome-looking child wearing a baseball cap and hugging a labrador in a field of daisies. You know, one of those posed shots meant to sell picture frames. Just me?

Of course, the reality of labradors is less picturesque dog model and more goofy large dog always up for a game of fetch or looking for a chew toy. Labs tend to be aggressive chewers, so as a dog owner, you’re probably looking for durable rubber toys or other heavy-duty chew toys to keep your lab happy. 

Best Interactive Dog Toys for Your Always Energetic Labrador

First, let’s acknowledge the characteristics of a typical labrador. They’re great companions for athletic people. They want to run and play all day. This is the type of dog that enjoys a ball launcher so they can chase tennis balls for hours, followed by playing a vigorous game of tug-of-war. Such fun can even lead to a case of the zoomies. 

As puppies, labs have boundless energy. 

Later in life, they often become extra-large snuggle partners. Some senior labs are happy to relax with a peanut butter-filled chewy Kong toy or pull all the stuffing out of the latest squeaky toy. 

If you plan for activity and plenty of mental stimulation, you’ll have a happy lab. Here are some of the best dog toys for large dogs like the lab to help.

Chew Toys

Liver Branch

Real tree branches can splinter and become choking hazards for your dog. Swap those sticks for these beef livered flavored chew toys. Yum! They’re tougher than tree branches and come in three different sizes so that you can choose the best size for your pup. 

Orka Bone Treat-Dispensing Dog Chew Toy

This durable rubber chew toy is perfect for your aggressive chewers, and it dispenses treats (just add kibble or training treats.) It is a great toy. It does double-duty as a dental aid with raised textures that massage your dog’s gums and tartar, reducing removable rope elements. 

Orka Dentalinks Chew Toy for Puppies

Lab puppies will enjoy chewing on these durable Orka TPA material rings designed for happy chewing and dental health. Raised textures and a thick rope massage your puppies’ gums to relieve teething pain and remove tartar. 

Rope Toys 

Ropes-A-Go-Go Interactive Rope & Plush Tug Toy

These adorable plush dog toys are designed to delight your dog with squeakers, rustling crinkle paper, and ropes on the ends for a rousing game of tug-of-war. You can even play a game of fetch. Choose from a cow, an alligator, or other characters for your dog’s soft toys.

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Fetch Ball with Rope

Here’s a rope toy with a ball on one end for a great interactive toy. Toss it to your dog to fetch and use the rope end to take it out of your dog’s mouth with less slobber. You can also play tug of war with it. It’s a durable, long-lasting dog toy that bounces and has a minty fresh flavor to freshen your dog’s doggie breath. 

Ropiez 4-Knot Rope Tug Toy 2-Pack

These classic rope toys are longer than most at 22 inches. Plus, they have knots throughout, which make for great chew toys and interactive games of tug-of-war and fetch. The cotton fibers floss your dog’s teeth which is excellent for dental health. 

Fetch Ball Dog Toys 

Grunt N’ Punt Tennis Ball

Throw this tennis ball to the ground and hear it grunt. Dogs love chasing this bouncy, grunting ball across the yard. The bright pattern makes it stand out against grass and greenery. It also floats, so you won’t worry about your doggy’s favorite toy sinking if playtime takes you near water. 

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Tennis Ball Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy

This is another bouncy ball for fetch and chewing. After all, it’s tough to have too many rubber balls for playtime. You can tuck treats inside for a little something special for your pup. Thanks to the mint oil, it’ll freshen your pup’s breath. 

Orka Flyer Flying Disc Frisbee

Ok, so it’s not a ball but a frisbee. Every happy-go-lucky labrador needs a frisbee to catch. But unlike old-fashioned plastic frisbees that crack, this is one of the toughest around. It has a thick rim for you to grip and toss easily, yet it’s gentle on your dog’s teeth when he leaps in the air and catches it. 

Puzzle Toys

Planet Dog Snoop Dog Treat Dispenser

Simple puzzle toys can give your lab some necessary mental stimulation when you’re not available for playtime. For example, this interactive treat dispensing dog toy gives your pup something to sniff, paw, and roll around until it releases kibble or treats on the floor. It’s not a chew toy, though, so it’s best for times when you can supervise. 

It also slows down fast eaters. So if you’re pup is one of those who inhales his food, this can reduce the risk of bloat. Just put your pup’s kibble in it at mealtime and let him nose it around until the kibble drops out. 

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Activity Matz

These puzzle mats are another cute way to hide treats or kibble from your pup and encourage him to do the work to sniff out the rewards. You can hide the food in the pockets, or once your pup has the hang of it, even hide them in the carrot or other pockets. 

The Best Dog Toys for Labs

There you are, a few of the best dog toys for labradors around. From classic rope toys to modern puzzle toys, there’s something for every lab, from puppy toys to seniors. 

However, it’s important to note no matter what toys you choose for your pooch; there’s no such thing as an indestructible dog toy. This is especially true if your dog is a heavy chewer; you’ll always want to monitor your dog and their toys. When toys are chewed through or damaged, they can become choking hazards, so you’ll want to replace them with new toys. 

One of these best dog toys for labs will be your pooch’s new favorite toy. The toughest decision will be which one!