Best toys for a Labrador
A Labrador's toys need to survive real jaw strength, because this is a breed built to retrieve and carry things in its mouth, and most Labs treat every toy as something to be tested. Durable chew toys, solid retrieving toys and something that channels their food motivation into problem-solving all tend to work better here than delicate novelty toys.
What a Labrador actually needs from a toy
Labradors were bred to carry things gently in their mouths for hours at a time, which is why so many are naturally drawn to holding, carrying and chewing objects around the house whether or not a toy is provided. Giving them something suitable to do this with is less about entertainment and more about giving that instinct a proper outlet.
Strength matters more for this breed than for many others — a young, enthusiastic Lab can get through a flimsy toy in minutes, so durability is worth prioritising over novelty when choosing what to buy.
Chew toys for a strong-jawed breed
Natural chews suited to a powerful chewer give a Lab a longer-lasting outlet than a soft toy ever will, and chewing itself has a genuine calming effect on a lot of dogs. Rotating a few different chews keeps interest up rather than relying on just one.
Supervise a strong chewer with anything new until you know how quickly they get through it, since even durable products vary in how well they hold up to an individual dog's jaw strength.
Retrieving and water toys
Fetch is close to instinctive for most Labradors, and a solid, easy-to-see toy designed for throwing and retrieving makes the most of that. Many Labs are also genuinely happiest around water, so a toy that floats is worth choosing if you have access to a safe place for your dog to swim.
Rope toys double up well here, giving a Lab something to retrieve as well as something to tug and chew afterwards, which suits a breed that rarely wants to stop once it gets going.
Keeping a food-motivated Lab occupied
Labradors are famously food-driven, which makes puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys genuinely effective for this breed in a way they are not for every dog. Turning part of a meal into a game slows down a Lab who bolts their food and gives them mental exercise alongside the physical kind.
This matters particularly for a young, high-energy Lab who has had plenty of physical exercise already but still has energy to burn — a food puzzle is often the thing that finally settles them for the evening.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Interactive Activity Ball Dog Toy with Cover
A bouncy activity ball in a tough zip-on cover that keeps dogs chasing, nudging and herding for hours.
From£23.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Remote-Controlled Jumping Ball Dog Toy
A self-rolling, light-up ball that jumps and rolls to keep dogs entertained. A paw-shaped remote sets three activity gears, so both small and large dogs can chase and play. Rechargeable and tough against chewing.
From£19.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs
A large inflatable ball too big for a dog to pick up, with a bite-resistant double-layer shell that slow-deflates if punctured, for high-drive chasing and nudging.
£23.99
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Durables Toy Crocodile
The crocodile from Red Dingo's Durables line: solid hardware, hard-wearing materials and a five-year manufacturer guarantee, which is rare enough to be the reason to buy.
£20.49
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo
A junior-sized Tuffy hippo built in bonded layers with webbed, multi-row stitched seams, light enough for smaller dogs and puppies, that floats and is machine washable.
£18.99
No-Stuffing Crinkle Plush Dog Toy
A cuddly stuffing-free plush lion with built-in crinkle and dual squeakers to keep small and medium dogs entertained. Less mess if chewed open, and the soft body is machine washable for easy cleaning.
£10.99
Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw
Meet the Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw — one of the toughest dog toys we stock. Tuffy build their toys in multiple bonded layers with several rows of stitching and protective webbing on the seams, so they stand up to serious chewers far better than an ordinary plush. They float, and they’re machine washable (air dry).
£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Common questions
- Why do Labradors destroy toys so quickly?
- Their strong jaws and natural drive to carry and chew things mean a flimsy toy rarely lasts long, particularly with a young or high-energy Lab. Choosing genuinely durable toys and chews built for strong chewers makes a real difference to how long they last.
- Are puzzle feeders good for Labradors?
- Yes, they suit the breed particularly well because Labradors are so food-motivated, which makes turning part of a meal into a game an effective way to add mental stimulation. They can also help slow down a dog who eats too quickly.
- Do Labradors need water toys?
- Not essential, but many Labradors genuinely love water and retrieving, so a floating toy is worth having if your dog enjoys swimming. It is more about matching the toy to your individual dog's interests than a strict requirement.
- How often should I replace my Lab's chew toys?
- Check toys regularly for wear and replace anything that is cracked, splintering or coming apart, regardless of how long you have had it. A strong chewer can wear through even a durable toy faster than you might expect, so little-and-often checks matter more than a fixed schedule.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.