7 Best Toys For Golden Retrievers In 2024

For over two decades, Golden Retrievers have been the top-ranked breed in terms of popularity in the United States. One of the main reasons for their widespread appeal is their friendly and playful personalities, which make them an ideal choice for families.

They have a lot of energy and require daily opportunities to run and play in order to release it and prevent behavioral issues from arising.

When selecting toys for a Golden Retriever, it is important to choose items that are durable and suitable for the size of the breed. A variety of toy types can be beneficial for keeping your Golden Retriever entertained and mentally stimulated. This may include chew toys for dental health, interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, and water toys for playing in the pool or at the beach.

Different Types Of Dog Toys For Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that thrive on learning and exploration, so introducing new toys can help keep their minds active. Some options to consider include chew toys, interactive toys, fetch toys, and puzzles. By offering a variety of toy types, you can help keep your Golden Retriever interested and engaged, and support their overall cognitive development.

Toys For Indoor Play

Golden Retrievers are known for their strong attachment to their families and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. Providing toys for indoor play can help alleviate this anxiety and prevent destructive behaviors that can occur as a result of boredom or frustration.

Some good options for indoor toys include chew toys, soft plush toys, puzzle toys, and squeaky toys. These types of toys can help keep your Golden Retriever mentally and physically stimulated, and can provide a sense of comfort when you are away.

Balls

Fetch is a classic game that many Golden Retrievers love to play. It provides an exciting and interactive way for your dog to get the physical exercise they need, and has a social aspect that can be especially appealing to this breed.

Rubber balls are a good option, as they are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand the powerful jaws of a Golden Retriever. It is also a good idea to choose a ball that is large enough to be easily retrieved, as Golden Retrievers have a wide jaw and may have difficulty picking up smaller balls.

Chew Toys

Chew toys are an important tool for maintaining the dental health and overall well-being of active breeds like Golden Retrievers. These toys provide a safe outlet for your dog’s natural chewing instinct, which can help to prevent destructive behaviors that can arise from boredom or anxiety.

Chew toys can also help to promote healthy teeth and gums by cleaning and strengthening the teeth through chewing.

Tug Toys

Tug toys can be a great way for Golden Retrievers to engage in play that helps to fulfill their natural instincts. These toys are particularly well-suited for dogs who enjoy shaking, catching, and tugging, and can provide an engaging and interactive form of play for both individual dogs and pairs. Golden Retrievers were originally bred for tasks such as fishing and hunting small game, and tug toys can provide an outlet for these inherited instincts.

Playing tug-of-war can also be a social activity that allows your Golden Retriever to bond with their human companions and with other dogs. If you own more than one Golden Retriever, tug toys can be a particularly valuable tool for promoting positive interactions and preventing potential conflicts. Overall, tug toys can be a fun and enriching addition to your Golden Retriever’s playtime routine.

Puzzles

These types of toys require your dog to use their problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities to figure out how to interact with the toy in order to get a reward. This can be a fun and engaging intellectual challenge for your Golden Retriever, who are known for their intelligence and love of new experiences.

These toys can also be helpful in distracting your Golden Retriever if they experience separation anxiety, as they can provide a focus for their attention and energy.

What To Look For In A Good Toy For Golden Retrievers?

Size: Make sure the toy is appropriate for the size of your Golden Retriever. Toys that are too small can be swallowed or become stuck in the throat, while toys that are too large can be difficult for your dog to pick up and play with.

Durability: Golden Retrievers are known for their powerful jaws and can be tough on toys. Choose toys that are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy chewing.

Safety: Look for toys that do not have any small parts that can break off and be swallowed. Avoid toys that contain harmful chemicals or substances, such as those made with toxic dyes or fragrances.

Variety: Offer a variety of toy types, including chew toys, interactive toys, fetch toys, and puzzles, to keep your Golden Retriever mentally and physically stimulated.

By considering these factors, you can help ensure that your Golden Retriever has safe and appropriate toys to play with, and that they are able to get the physical and mental exercise they need to thrive.

Overall Best Dog Toys For Golden Retrievers

Check out our favorite picks of top-rated toys for Golden Retrievers, starting with our best overall.

Best Overall – KONG Classic Dog Toy

It has a satisfying bounce, and the hollow interior can be filled with treats, peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble to provide an added challenge and reward for your dog.

The process of getting the treats out of the toy will help to keep your Golden Retriever entertained and engaged, and the toy itself will help to satisfy their natural chewing instincts.

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Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

It features a tree trunk in which small squirrel toys with built-in squeakers are hidden. Your Golden Retriever must use their problem-solving skills to figure out how to pull the squirrel toys out of the tree trunk. The puzzle is challenging enough to be engaging, but not so difficult that your Golden Retriever will become frustrated.

The soft feel of the different elements and the built-in squeakers make the toy enjoyable to interact with, and the act of pulling out the squirrel toys can satisfy your Golden Retriever’s desire to tear and destroy in a safe and appropriate way.

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KONG Tires Dog Toy

It is made from natural materials and is resistant to chewing, making it a long-lasting option for active play. The circular shape and size of the tire are well-suited for an adult Golden Retriever, and it is easy for them to grab and carry.

The tire is also versatile, as it can be used for a variety of play activities and can even be stuffed with treats for an interactive experience. Its sturdy construction and natural materials make this tire toy a safe and enjoyable choice for Golden Retrievers.

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Nina Ottoson By Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy

This interactive puzzle toy is a fun and challenging option for Golden Retrievers who have some experience with puzzles and problem-solving activities. It requires your dog to use their paws and nose to access treats or kibble that are hidden in compartments within the toy.

This puzzle can help your Golden Retriever develop their motor skills and problem-solving abilities, and can provide a stimulating indoor activity for meal-time or a rainy afternoon. The puzzle is also adjustable in terms of difficulty, as you can add blocks to increase the challenge once your Golden Retriever has mastered the initial tasks.

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Pet Zone Cotton Rope With Bones Dog Toy

This toy features a durable rope that can be used for tug play, as well as two circular bones that can be chewed on to improve dental health and alleviate anxiety. The combination of these elements makes this toy a versatile and engaging option for your Golden Retriever.

The rope portion of the toy encourages social interaction, while the bones provide a safe outlet for your dog’s natural chewing instincts. The bones are made of natural materials and are suitable for indoor play, making this toy a great choice for keeping your Golden Retriever entertained and occupied when you are unable to supervise them outdoors.

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Overall Best Dog Toys For Golden Retriever Puppies

Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy

Golden Retrievers are a social breed that thrive on close human companionship, which can make them prone to separation anxiety when left alone.

This soft plush toy is designed to help alleviate anxiety in puppies by providing a comforting and familiar sensation. It includes a heat pack and a battery-powered device that reproduces the feeling of a heartbeat, which can help to simulate the experience of snuggling with a mother or siblings.

This toy can be especially helpful for young Golden Retrievers who are adjusting to life in a new home and may be feeling anxious or lonely. By offering a warm and comforting presence, this toy can help your Golden Retriever feel more secure and at ease when you are away or at night.

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Hartz Dura Play Ball Dog Toy

Its appealing bacon scent and built-in squeaker make it an enticing option for young puppies who are learning to play. The ball is made of soft, chew-resistant rubber that is safe for your puppy to chew on, which can help to prevent them from damaging household items.

Its small size is well-suited for a puppy’s jaws, and it can be easily grabbed and carried due to its design. This ball is also waterproof and can float on water, making it a versatile choice for outdoor play. As your puppy grows, you can purchase larger sizes of this ball to continue providing a safe and enjoyable way for them to play and exercise.

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 Related: Best Dog Collars For Golden Retrievers

Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Playtime With Your Golden Retriever

By setting aside time for play and exercise each day, you can help to ensure that your Golden Retriever stays healthy, well-behaved, and content.

Here is how you can get the most out of playtime with your pooch:

1. Keep sessions short: Golden Retrievers may not have a long attention span, so it is best to keep play sessions to around 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix play with training: Playtime is an excellent opportunity to teach your Golden Retriever simple commands or to familiarize them with the names of different toys.
3. Provide opportunities for running: Playing fetch is a great way to help your Golden Retriever release their energy and stay active.
4. Introduce new toys and games: Keep things interesting by introducing new toys and teaching your Golden Retriever new games. Interactive toys are a great way to challenge their intelligence.
5. Encourage independent play: Make sure your Golden Retriever has access to toys that they can play with on their own when you are busy or when they are alone. This can help to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Chew toys, plush toys, and puzzles are all good options for independent play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few things you should know before you shop for dog toys for your Golden Retriever.

How Can I Choose Toys That Are Safe For My Golden Retriever?

When selecting toys for your Golden Retriever, it’s a good idea to read reviews from other dog owners to get an idea of the toy’s quality and durability.

Chew toys and squeak toys made from rubber are often more long-lasting, while plush toys should be carefully examined for secure seams and filling. It’s important to remember that no toy is indestructible, and some Golden Retrievers may be more prone to rough play or destruction of toys.

To ensure your dog’s safety, it’s always a good idea to supervise play, especially with new toys.

What Is The Best Size For A Golden Retriever Toy?

Small toys may be easily destroyed and could present a choking hazard, so it’s best to choose toys that are at least three inches in diameter.

Additionally, toys with handles or rope elements can be easier for Golden Retrievers to grasp, tug, and shake, providing them with more opportunities for play.

Which Toys Make Playtime More Fun?

As you spend more time with your Golden Retriever, you will begin to notice what types of toys and games they enjoy the most. Some dogs may have a favorite toy that they always want to play with, while others may prefer toys with specific textures or those that make noise.

To keep things interesting for your Golden Retriever, consider shopping for toys that correspond to their interests and preferences. For example, if your dog loves to play fetch, look for balls, rubber toys, and Frisbees that you can throw. If they enjoy cuddling with soft toys, a new plush toy might be a hit.

Even if your Golden Retriever has a particular preference for certain types of toys, don’t be afraid to mix things up and introduce some variety. This can help to keep playtime enriching and engaging for your furry friend.

Conclusion

The toys we recommend have received high ratings from other dog owners and have been designed with safety and durability in mind. These toys can help to meet the various needs of your Golden Retriever, including their need for exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction.

To ensure that your Golden Retriever gets the most out of playtime, make sure they have access to a variety of toys and opportunities to play both indoors and outdoors.