10 Best Dog Toys For Your Golden Retriever

Updated: February 13th, 2023

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As far as my dog is concerned, the best dog toys are not a luxury but a necessity! They were an essential tool when it came to training him about what he could chew (this toy), and what he couldn’t (my shoes). Playing together also helped us bond over time, and now I use toys to wear him out mentally and physically so that he is not tempted to wreak destruction around the house.

Overview of 10 Best Dog Toys

The problem with dog toys is that there are just so many to choose from, and how do we know which are safe and appropriate for our dogs? And how do we use them in a way that encourages positive behavior and not to reinforce negative habits?

Read on to find 10 of the best dog toys currently on the market, what they should be used for, and with which dogs. Also explore the buying guide to get a feel for the important features when it comes to selecting dog toys and how to use them to best effect.

Top 10 Best Dog Toys

1. Kong Wobbler Dog Toy – Best Overall Toy

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This basic chew toy is appealing and appropriate for pretty much any dog, making it the best overall dog toy currently on the market.

Product Features

• Chew toy
• Made with FDA-approved, high-strength plastic polymer
• Food dispensing

This chew toy, made from durable plastic, comes in a variety of different sizes and strengths which means there is something appropriate for pretty much any dog, even big, heavy chewers. The Kong Puppy version is great for light chewers with soft teeth and gums, and the Kong Senior is also softer for more sensitive, older teeth. The smallest of the six sizes is ideal for dogs as small as five pounds, while the extra large is safe for pooches over 85 pounds.

The toy can be filled with food to make it into a fun game, or it can be filled with a full meal for your dog to eat throughout the day when you are out and about. It naturally sits upright until your dog nudges it, when it will spin and roll, gradually releasing food. The resulting movement is unpredictable, which means that it is always stimulating for your pet. Kept empty, it can also be used as a bouncing, interactive toy.

Just make sure you get treats of the right size for the size of toy you get. The larger toys have a larger opening that is not ideal for small pieces of food, as they will pour out too easily for your dog to really enjoy the toy. This toy is better for medium to large dogs, as some smaller dogs can find even the smallest size a little heavy to use.

Pros:

• Extremely durable, will stand up under the most intense chewing
• Comes in a variety of sizes and strengths for different dog breeds
• Can be filled with treats or a full meal to dispense food
• Dishwasher safe, easy to clean

Cons:

• The food dispensing hole on the larger sizes is a little big
• Small size can be slightly heavy for small dogs

The Wobbler is probably the best chew toy on the market, especially if you are looking for something food dispensing.

2. Trixie Activity Flip Board Interactive Toy – Best Puzzle Toy

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If you are looking for a fun interactive toy to stimulate your dog, then check out the Trixie Active Flip Board.

Product Features

• Interactive toy
• Durable plastic with rubber floor grip
• Food dispensing

Made from durable plastic with a rubber floor grip to keep it in place while your dog plays, this Trixie toy has multiple compartments where treats can be hidden, giving your dog potentially hours of entertainment as they try and find them all. Don’t worry if they slobber all over it in the process, the toy is also dishwasher safe and easy to clean.

This toy is probably better for older pups that have learned about problem-solving and less active dogs, as they can pretty much stay in one place while engaging with this toy. While the toy comes in a variety of sizes for different dog breeds, it is not ideal for extreme chewers, as there are lots of pieces for them to take apart. This means that your dog really does need to be supervised while using this toy.

Pros:

• Can keep your dog entertained for hours while you are busy with other things
• Ideal for older, less active, but more experienced dogs
• Cleans quickly and easily in the dishwasher

Cons:

• Does have small pieces that chewers are likely to break off
• Dogs require supervision while using the toy

If your dog loves to sniff out a puzzle and you are looking for some intellectual stimulation inside the home, then try this interactive, treat-dispensing toy from Trixie.

3. Chuckit! Flying Squirrel – Best Budget Toy

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If you are looking for a budget toy for dogs that were born to run, then this flying squirrel from Chuckit! is for you.

Product Features

• Interactive toy
• Flexible canvas material
• Multilayer construction for added durability

While the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel works much like a standard frisbee throwing toy, it features raised edges which makes it easier for your dog to pick up off the ground and allows it to float in water for swimmers. These raised edges also offer a bit of cushioning should your dog miss trying to catch this toy in mid-air. It also has a glow-in-the-dark feature to make it easy for your dog, and you, to spot in low light.

The toy comes with a 9-, 10-, or 11-inch diameter which means that they are great for pretty much any medium sized dogs. While the size is fine for smaller dogs, some of them might find it a tad heavy. It is also made from durable material, so the toy will hold up when your dog wants to play with it a bit before returning to you to throw again. This toy does take some practice to learn how to throw, so don’t forget to give yourself some training time as well.

Pros:

• Raised edges make it easy for dogs to pick up off the ground
• Floats, so it is great to use with swimmers
• Variety of sizes for medium to large dogs

Cons:

• Not ideal for very small or larger dogs
• Takes some practice to learn how to throw

If you are looking for an affordable toy for a medium dog that loves to run, then the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel will fit the bill.

4. Best Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy – Best Tug Toy

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If you are looking for a safe way to play tug with your dog and encourage positive behaviors, then look no further than this tug toy from Best Paw.

Product Features

• Interactive toy
• Unique S-shape design
• BPA-free, non-toxic, FDA-compliant plastic

This toy that will spend a lot of time in your dog’s mouth is made from BPA-free plastic, which means that it is both safe and durable. The company is so confident in its durability that they will replace it or refund your money if your dog chews through this toy, though parents of tough chewers have said that their dogs managed to chew through the toy pretty quickly.

It’s unique S-shape, which stretches out to twice the length, means that you can play with your dog but that it is also easy for two dogs to play together. This tug toy can also be repurposed as a throwing toy, as it will fly far, and it is easy for dogs to carry in their mouths. But this toy is for larger breeds, not your smaller pooch.

Pros:

• Unique shape allows two dogs to play together, ideal for multi-dog households
• Made from safe and durable plastic that comes with a company guarantee
• Multi-purpose, can be used as a tug toy or a throw toy

Cons:

• Only appropriate for larger breeds
• Touch chewers may tear through the toy quickly

If you are looking for a versatile, interactive toy for larger breeds, then try this well-designed tug toy.

5. Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Dog Toy – Best Plush For Puppies

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This plush puppy toy is ideal for nervous sleepers that tend to cry in the night and new puppies in general that are adjusting to new homes.

Product Features

• Plush toy
• Behavioral aid
• Battery operated

This plush toy tries to provide your dog with the feeling of home by mimicking the soft heartbeat and warmth of their mother and littermates. The heartbeat is battery operated and can function for about two solid weeks before batteries need replacing. It also comes with a warmth pack that can be inserted inside the toy to create a mother and littermates warmth, which can then be replaced with pretty much any store-bought heat pack. Be aware that replacing these features can add expense to a toy which is already on the pricey side.

This toy is pretty durable and easy to clean in the washing machine. However, it will certainly not hold up under chewing and destructive behavior, so puppies will need to be trained not to chew this toy. It is appropriate for pretty much all sizes of breeds but is designed for puppies. While the toy is more complex than a standard plush, dog owners agree that it works for nervous puppies. More than 90 percent of over 300 customers on Chewy would recommend this toy.

Pros:

• Reduces negative behavior by providing a comforting environment for nervous dogs
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Comes highly recommended by other pet owners

Cons:

• Expensive and has batteries and heat packs that need replacing
• As there are removable pieces, you will need to train your puppy not to chew this toy

If you are looking for ways to quiet a nervous puppy, then this Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy is worth the investment.

6. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Dog Toy – Best Sound Toy

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If you are looking for a durable chew toy that doesn’t rely on treats and which your dog can take everywhere, get them the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball.

Product Features

• Chew toy
• Made from phthalate-free vinyl
• Sound producing

This odd-shaped ball is made from strong and safe phthalate-free vinyl that has six pockets to allow your dog to pick up the toy and take it with them where they would like to play. However, the shape of the ball also makes it do unusual and unexpected things and will keep your dog entertained for hours. The giggle sound that the toy gives off lets you keep track of where your dog is taking it. The giggle is also designed to mimic the human laughter and joy that appeals to your dog. This is designed to reward your dog for their efforts without the need for calorific treats or close supervision.

However, the sound can be annoying and may encourage your dog to try and break the toy open in order to get at whatever is making that sound. While the toy is marketed for all sizes and breeds, it comes in only one size which is appropriate for medium to large dogs.

Pros:

• Rewards dogs with sounds rather than treats
• Easy for them to carry around

Cons:

• Giggle sound is annoying and can encourage dogs to try and open the toy
• Only comes in one size

If you are looking for a fun chew toy for your dog that doesn’t rely on giving them calorific treats, see if they like the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball.

7. Benebone Bacon Flavored Regular Wishbone Dog Chew Toy – Best Bone Toy

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If you struggle to find toys which appeal to your dog, try this bacon flavored wishbone from Benebone.

Product Features

• Chew toy
• Made from durable nylon
• Bacon flavored (other flavors available)

Some dogs, no matter how hard you try, just don’t find toys appealing. If this is the case with your pup, try this bacon flavored wishbone made from durable nylon that should appeal to their sense of taste and smell. While bacon-flavored nylon might seem like a strange concept, don’t worry, there are no artificial flavors added to this toy. Nevertheless, the nylon should not be eaten, which means that this toy is not ideal for aggressive chewers that might be able to break this up into edible pieces.

The curved shape makes it easy, but still interesting, for them to grab and chew, but it is one size only which means that it is best suited for adult dogs up to about 70 pounds. When you purchase from Benebone, you can also get a warm fuzzy feeling, as a portion of all Benebone sales are donated to animal support organizations.

Pros:

• Attracts fussy dogs by appealing to their sense of taste and smell
• Shaped to hold your dog’s interest while chewing
• Portion of all sales are donated to animal support organizations

Cons:

• One size only suitable for medium to large adult dogs
• Not appropriate for strong chewers that may break the toy

8. Mammoth Cottonblend 3-Knot Dog Rope Toy – Best Rope Toy

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Some dogs just love rope toys when it comes to tug, fetch, or chewing, and this cotton blend rope from Mammoth is safe and durable.

Product Features

• Interactive toy
• Made from 100 percent natural cotton
• Machine washable

This rope toy is extremely versatile, as it can be used to play a game of tug, for catch in the park, or just as a chew toy around the house. It is also great for your dog’s teeth while chewing, as the fibers act as a kind of dental floss. It might get pretty gross if your dog is slobbery, but it’s machine washable so you can return it to new in no time.

The toy comes in a variety of shapes and sizes for different dog breeds but won’t necessarily hold up well with dogs that are serious chewers. This can be a worry, as it breaks up into small pieces that your dog may eat, and you will also likely find them lying around the house.

Pros:

• Versatile, can be used to play tug, catch, or just as a chew toy
• Good for dog’s teeth as rope fibers floss
• Available in a variety of shapes and sizes for different dogs

Cons:

• Rope will come apart under heavy chewing
• Can leave string debris around the house

If you are looking for a versatile toy that will keep dogs interested when playing with you and when on their own, consider this rope toy from Mammoth.

9. Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavor Dog Toy – Best Dental Toy

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If you are looking for an entertaining chew toy that will also look after your dog’s dental health, then consider a Nylabone chew toy.

Product Features

• Dental chew toy
• Made from durable nylon
• Nobby design for healthy teeth

While it is hard for me to imagine my pet gnawing on anything mint-flavored, bacon is another matter. The bacon scent and flavor of this toy should attract even the most aloof of pooches.

The artificial bacon flavor is added to a durable and rugged nylon toy that will rub against your dog’s teeth in a way they find satisfying and that keeps their teeth clean and healthy. It will also leave them with fresh breath (that does not smell like bacon).

While the toy comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, it is better for medium and large breeds, as smaller dogs will struggle to engage with this toy. It is available in a variety of strengths, with light versions of the toy available for puppies with developing teeth or just softer chewers.

Pros:

• Flavor will encourage reluctant dogs to become interested in the toy
• Cleans teeth and freshens breath by rubbing against teeth and producing saliva
• Available in a variety of sizes and strengths for puppies to seniors

Cons:

• Not ideal for smaller dogs under 10 pounds
• Uses artificial flavors

10. Chuckit! Indoor Ball – Best Indoor Interactive Toy

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If you are looking for a house-safe way to keep your pooch active while they are stuck indoors, then Chuckit! has designed something for you.

Product Features

• Interactive toy
• Durable multilayer construction
• 4.5 inch diameter and three ounces in weight

This ball’s lightweight Bounceflex Core Technology makes it soft enough not to cause damage inside the home while still moving around enough to keep your dog entertained and give them a bit of exercise. Of course, it is designed for small dogs and puppies; playing fetch inside with larger dogs simply isn’t safe regardless of the toy used.

The toy is durable enough for most puppies and small dogs, but shouldn’t be used with dogs that like to chew and gnaw. If your dog likes to slobber, throw the ball in the washing machine to freshen it up.

Pros:

• Soft enough to play with inside the home but with enough bounce to keep it interesting
• Easy to clean in the washing machine

Cons:

• For puppies and small dogs only
• Not durable against serious chewing

If you are struggling to keep your dog occupied on rainy or cold days, consider one of these indoor safe interactive toys.

Dog Toy Buyer’s Guide

Dog toys are an important tool for raising your dog for a number of reasons. The four main reasons to invest in some good toys for your dog include:

Exercise

Toys can be a great way to encourage your dog to get the exercise that they need and wear them out before expecting them to spend the evening in the house. A simple game of fetch offers dynamic exercise that should be fun for both of you.

Intellectual Stimulation

Just like children, dogs can easily become bored. Bored dogs can wreak havoc on your house, destroying everything in sight and not responding to any of your hard-trained commands. Games can provide them with the mental stimulation that they need. According to dog expert Kate Finlay:

If your dog is bored, you’re going to find out very quickly. Dogs that lack mental stimulation are often ill-behaved… This usually isn’t from a lack of training per se but from a lack of mental exercise.

Bonding

Playtime gives you a chance to pass time with your dog in a way that does not involve food, baths, or training. This simple act of passing time together, especially doing something that they enjoy, can help you bond. Bringing multiple dogs together to engage in a game can also allow dogs to bond with each other.

Dental Health

Many dog toys are also designed to improve dogs’ dental health by encouraging chewing (something that isn’t your new shoes). Chewing stimulates the production of saliva which diminishes plaque and reduces its buildup.

Choosing The Right Dog Toy

When it comes to actually picking a toy for your dog, this can be extremely challenging as there are just so many options on the market. Should you go for something classic like a rope or a bone or invest in something sophisticated that dispenses its own treats?

There are four main types of dog toys, all of which serve different purposes and should be used differently:

Chew Toys

As you would expect, chew toys are designed to be gnawed by your dog. For this reason, they are normally made from durable materials such as rawhide or rubber. What type of material is best for a chew toy will likely depend on your dog’s breed. For example, here are some of the best chew toys for Golden Retrievers.

It is OK to make these toys available to your dog all the time as self-amusement toys, assuming that your dog has been chew toy-trained, which should be a priority from a young age. Chew toys actually encourage dogs to feel comfortable in their space when they are alone and can keep them out of trouble when they are unsupervised.

If you have a chew toy that can be filled with food, it can also be used to dispense food when you are out of the house for long periods of time. Always fill these toys with their normal food, rather than treats, in order to maintain their balanced diet. Read more tips on managing a large dog while working full time.

Dental Toys

Dental toys are very similar to chew toys but have additional features designed to scour teeth and encourage saliva in order to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. This usually means ridges on the toy that engage with the teeth, though some toys also allow for the addition of toothpaste. These toys too can generally be left with your dog all the time, unless toothpaste is involved, in which case your dog should be supervised.

Check dental toys after every use for parts that have become dislodged that may make the toy dangerous. These toys have more parts to go wrong that standard chew toys and need to be checked more regularly.

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are the toys that you use together with your dog, an activity which promotes bonding. They include a wide variety of toys like tug toys, balls, puzzles, and games. These toys should only be brought out when a play session is initiated by you, and your dog should not be given access to them all the time. This allows you to leverage the toy for training and as a reward.

While many people say that you should never play tug with your dog, it can actually be a useful game for training. According to vet Jason Nicholas:

Tug of war, played the right way and under the right circumstances, will not encourage aggression in your dog. Instead, it will actually give you a tool to establish a healthy relationship with your dog.

Tug can be a way to teach your dog a soft bite, as well as to teach them the commands for take and drop.

With all interactive toys, avoid squeakers. These can overstimulate your dog, and they will likely take it upon themselves to destroy the toy in order to get at the squeaker. This teaches negative behavior when it comes to destroying things and taking them apart.

Plush Toys

Plush toys come in an endless array, just like plush toys for children, and they serve much the same purpose. Dogs generally like to snuggle up to them in bed, perhaps because they remind them of their puppy siblings and that group safety. You should never let your dog chew or destroy their plush toy, as again, this teaches negative behaviors that we do not want to see elsewhere.

For more information on the different types of toys and how to use them, check out this video from Simpawtico Dog Training.

Features

Once you have picked a type of toy, the remaining features that you are likely to consider are predominantly linked to safety. Predictably, the things that are most attractive for dogs to play with are usually the most dangerous. Here are the main things to consider when it comes to safety:

Size

When it comes to safety, one of the first considerations is size. Dogs will be using their mouths to transport and manipulate their toys, so anything that is small enough for them to accidentally swallow presents a risk as it can easily become lodged in your dog’s throat.

As well as the overall size of the toy, consider small parts. For example, squeaky toys often have something smaller inside to generate the sound that your dog loves. But your dog will likely take it upon themselves to destroy the toy to get at the squeaky object which can present a risk for them if it is too small. The same goes for other small parts such as ribbons and strings; they should be removed before the toy is given to your dog.

Material

Naturally, dog toys need to be made from materials that are safe for dogs to interact with and if accidentally ingested. Toys designed specifically for dogs should meet safety criteria as should toys designed for children under the age of three. The most dangerous things to look out for are nutshells and polystyrene beads which may be used as ‘safe’ materials but really should not be ingested.

Be conscious when it comes to giving your dog rawhide chew toys, as they are not safe for all dogs. They can pose serious choking hazards and should only ever be given to your dog when they are being supervised. Consider consulting your vet before investing in this type of toy. Hard rubber can make a simpler, safer, and more ethical alternative.

Wear And Tear

Unfortunately for our wallets, dog toys do need to be replaced pretty regularly. Dog toys really need to be discarded as soon as they start to break down or get torn up, as this is when dangerous pieces or materials that were not evident when you bought the toy become apparent and dangerous. If your dog is a heavy chewer and you don’t want to break the bank, make sure you invest in the most durable toys.

Also look for toys that are easy to clean. Your dog may love their favorite stuffed toy, but will you love them dragging an old toy drenched in dog drool and beginning to mold around the house? Something machine washable will save you a lot of angst.

There are some things that you can do to make your toys last a little longer. For example, consider rotating your dog’s toys so that only a few are available at a time (though this is not advisable when it comes to their favorite soft toy).

Activity Level

Consider the activity level of your dog when selecting a toy. Puppies and normal healthy dogs will probably want engaging toys that keep them active and wear them out, but these will not be appropriate for older dogs or dogs with significant mobility issues. These dogs will need toys that they can easily engage with while lying in one place. This gives them the mental stimulation they need without overexerting them in a way that might be dangerous to their health.

Supervision

To ensure safety, you should supervise your pet as much as possible when they are playing with their toys. Of course, this is not always possible, especially with self-amusement toys. But make sure you supervise your dog with the toy for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that they interact with the toy safely before leaving them alone with it.

FAQs

Do dogs have favorite toys?

Just like kids, dogs will have their favorite toys. It is not unusual for dogs to have a favorite plush toy. Dogs that are instinctive hunters might like to carry one around, and it can remind dogs of the puppy siblings. Some dogs just love fetch, and their ball will be their favorite toy. It depends very much on the individual dog.

What color ball is best for dogs?

It is pretty common knowledge that dogs do not see colors the same way that we do. To them, red looks brownish; purple looks blue; and green, yellow, and orange toys all look like a shade of yellow. When it comes to fetch toys, consider something that will be easy for them to see in the green grass like something blue.

Why do dogs obsess over balls?

Games like fetch feed a dog’s prey drive which releases endorphins that make them feel very good and can make the game addictive. This is why they will keep coming back for more even when you think that the game is well and truly done.

The Verdict

What dog toy is right for you and your pup depends on their size, age, activity level, and habits, as well as what you want to achieve with the toy. Are you looking for a bonding experience or just trying to keep them occupied for a few hours to give you some peace?

You should be able to find something for your pooch on this list of top 10 best dog toys. If in doubt, go for the Kong Wobbler which is the best interactive dog chew toy overall and will appeal to most dogs. If you are looking for the best budget toy to wear out your dog in the yard or at the park, then the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel is one of the best interactive toys available.

For intelligent, problem-solving pooches, consider the Trixie Activity Board, while for dogs that enjoy a bit of tug, the Best Paw is a great way to train this behavior appropriately. For puppies that are still a bit nervous away from their moms, the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy will bring them a lot of comfort, while the Wobble Wag will reward puppies and grown dogs for play without resorting to calorific treats.

Remember that if you want your dog to know how to use their toys appropriately, and if you want to use toys to teach appropriate behavior, you need to use them as training tools. Never just buy a toy and let your dog loose; show them the behaviors that you expect.