Golden Retrievers are playful, energetic dogs that thrive on toys – they “love their toys. And they love destroying them too!”. In fact, the pet toy industry is booming: the global pet toy market was about $8.5 billion in 2023, reflecting strong demand for safe, durable toys. To keep a Golden happy and healthy, it’s essential to pick the best toys for Golden Retrievers – ones that match their high energy and intelligence. In this guide, we share 20 top-rated Golden Retriever toys (available in the USA) to cover all your dog’s needs: from chew toys and fetch balls to interactive puzzles and cozy plushes. We’ll answer “What are the best toys for a Golden Retriever puppy?” and recommend fun and engaging toys for Golden Retrievers of all ages.
- Physical Exercise: Goldens are active dogs that need vigorous play (like fetch and tug) to stay fit. Durable balls, frisbees and tug ropes are must-haves for exercise.
- Mental Stimulation: Highly intelligent, Goldens benefit from brain-teasing toys. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensers can keep them entertained and prevent boredom best toys for golden retrievers.
- Chewing Outlet: Golden Retrievers have strong jaws. Tough chew toys (rubber Kongs, nylon bones, etc.) satisfy their chewing instinct, clean teeth, and save your furniture.
- Comfort & Bonding: Plush toys – even a soft Golden Retriever stuffed animal for kids – provide comfort. Interactive play (like tug games) also strengthens the bond with your pet.
With these benefits in mind, let’s explore the top categories and our 20 favorite Golden Retriever toys: durable chews, fetch gear, puzzle toys, plushes, and more best toys for golden retrievers.
Table of Contents
Top 20 Best Toys for Golden Retrievers
Chew Toys for Golden Retrievers
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy (Rubber Chew) – A perennial favorite. The rubber KONG can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, offering mental enrichment while the Golden chews. It’s made of ultra-durable rubber that stands up to powerful jaws. KONG balls and chew shapes bounce unpredictably and float, making them versatile for fetch in parks or water. Choose the right size (XL or XX-Large) for adult Goldens best toys for golden retrievers.
2. Nylabone Power Chew (DuraChew Bone) – A tough nylon chew bone made specifically for large, strong chewers. These nylon toys are engineered to resist wear and grinding. They come in flavors (bacon, chicken, peanut) to attract pups. Nylabones help clean teeth and satisfy chewing urges without splintering best toys for golden retrievers.
3. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley (Rubber Chew & Fetch Toy) – This ultra-durable hollow rubber stick is made of Zogoflex material that “resist[s] aggressive chewing”. It floats and bounces (great for lake days) and is dishwasher-safe. One pet parent noted it survived “several dogs” with heavy chew habits. It’s eco-friendly too – West Paw will recycle it when worn out best toys for golden retrievers.
4. Benebone Wishbone Puppy Chew Toy – Specially designed for puppies, this nylon chew is curved for easy gripping with teething teeth. Dr. Kong notes “Golden Retriever puppies need soft yet durable toys to cater to their teething needs”. Benebone’s puppy formula is softer than the adult version, and it includes real bacon flavor to entice pups. It helps redirect chewing from slippers to a toy. (Tip: Replace as your pup’s teeth mature best toys for golden retrievers.
5. Cactus Chew Toy (Rubber Textured) – A fun, spiky rubber chew in a cactus shape (as seen on some pet sites). The texture is designed to massage gums and clean teeth. It’s colorful and durable, and soft enough to soothe teething dogs but tough enough for adult Goldens. The unique shape also makes it great for fetching and tugging.
Fetch & Tug Toys
6. Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Fetch Ball) – A classic fetch ball engineered for tough play. The Chuckit Ultra Ball has a durable rubber core and a bright orange exterior for visibility. It’s more durable than a tennis ball and floats in water, perfect for Goldens that love swimming. Pairs well with any Chuckit! Ball Launcher, so you can throw it extra far without bending over best toys for golden retrievers.
7. Chuckit! Flying Squirrel (Frisbee Disc) – A flying disc designed for long distances. Unlike hard frisbees, the Flying Squirrel is soft-rubber with rounded edges, making it easy on dog mouths and teeth. Its aerodynamic, hollow-ring shape glides far and floats on water. This taps into a Retriever’s love of fetch and flying best toys for golden retrievers.
8. KONG Flyer (Rubber Flying Disc) – Another popular frisbee by KONG. Made of soft rubber, it won’t hurt your dog’s teeth, and it’s bendable for easy carrying. It’s durable enough for moderate chewing and great for outdoor play. (Note: If your dog is a frisbee fanatic, monitor to ensure it’s intact best toys for golden retrievers.
9. Wubba Tug Toy (KONG Wubba) – A versatile tug-and-fetch toy made by KONG. It’s a durable rubber core covered with heavy-duty fabric and long tails. Dogs love to tug at the ends and chase the Wubba. Its extended fabric handles keep your hands a bit farther from dog jaws during tug-of-war. The Wubba is machine-washable and holds up surprisingly well to rambunctious play.
10. Mammoth 5-Knot Rope Tug – A thick cotton rope with multiple knots for chewing and tugging. Rope toys help floss teeth while chewing. This heavy-duty rope (about 30″ long) keeps your hands safely away from your dog’s mouth during tug games. Goldens enjoy the interactive tug—it’s great for play or for them to gnaw on solo. Just replace it if frayed or pieces come loose best toys for golden retrievers.
Puzzle & Interactive Toys
11. Nina Ottosson Tornado Puzzle Toy – An intermediate-level treat puzzle that challenges dogs to spin layers to reveal hidden compartments. As Dr. Kong explains, Goldens “often prefer toys that encourage interaction and cognitive engagement”. In this toy, your dog uses paws or nose to twist the top layers and find kibble or treats underneath. It’s great mental stimulation and helps fight boredom. (For advanced play, move the treat blocks around for an extra challenge.)
12. Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Feeder – A weighted treat-dispensing toy that wobbles and releases kibble as your dog nudges it. It’s ideal for slowing down fast eaters and providing mental engagement. Dogs will bat and paw at the Bob-A-Lot to get treats out of the holes. It’s very sturdy plastic – just load with your dog’s kibble or small treats. Encourages play and thinking, plus helps burn energy while feeding best toys for golden retrievers.
13. Snuffle Mat (Nose Work Puzzle) – A soft mat made of fleece strips and pockets to hide treats or kibble. Goldens can “root around” and sniff out hidden food, satisfying their natural foraging instinct. The Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat, for example, is large enough for a Retriever and has a non-slip backing. This slows eating, sharpens the nose, and keeps your dog busy with a game of “find it.”
14. LickiMat Wobble Slow Feeder Bowl – A bowl-style lick mat that wobbles. Spread soft foods (peanut butter, yogurt, wet food) into its ridges. The wobble design forces your dog to move the bowl with their nose or paws to reach the food, extending meal time. Lick mats can reduce anxiety and speed eating. Many owners report it drags mealtime out to 20+ minutes. Plus it cleans their tongue and teeth best toys for golden retrievers.
15. Arf Pets Memory & Treat Dispenser (Electronic Toy) – An interactive electronic puzzle that rewards dogs for learning. Place a treat in the dispenser and cover it with a button. The dog must push the button to release the treat. Then you move the button to a new spot and the dog learns to find and push it again. This high-tech toy provides mental exercise and can challenge a smart, food-motivated Golden. (Great for advanced training and brain games; uses AAA batteries.)
Plush & Squeaky Toys
16. Outward Hound Invincibles Snake (Stuffing-Free Plush) – A long plush snake toy designed to withstand moderate chewers. It’s made without stuffing, and even if punctured, the internal squeakers keep squeaking. The reinforced seams and Dura-Tuff lining make it tougher than regular plush. It’s ideal for cuddling and fetch. Owners of “bitey” Goldens like that the Invincibles snake doesn’t have loose stuffing to ingest best toys for golden retrievers.
17. KONG Jumbler Ball (Squeaky Toy) – A rubber ball with a smaller ball inside. It has two squeakers and dual handles on the outside for easy grabbing. Goldens love chasing the bright yellow tennis ball inside, and when it’s punctured, the ball keeps bouncing with the outer rubber frame. Great for fetch – the handles can also be tugged. Many owners find it durable and fun for interactive play best toys for golden retrievers.
18. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Plush Puzzle) – A plush tree trunk with several squeaky squirrels hidden inside. This toy is recommended even for senior Goldens because it’s soft on aging teeth and provides a gentle mental challenge. The dog hunts the squirrels out of the trunk one by one. It’s like a mini puzzle that encourages natural hunting instincts. (We recommend removing if your Golden is prone to eating plush bits; replacement squirrels are sold separately best toys for golden retrievers.
19. Stuffed Golden Retriever Plush (Kid-Friendly) – While not a chew toy, a realistic Golden Retriever stuffed animal can be fun for children and adults who love the breed. Brands like Aurora or Douglas produce lifelike Golden plushes. They can serve as comfort toys or photo props. (Warning: if given to an actual dog, a real stuffed animal may not survive long. Always supervise and choose a durable dog-suitable plush if it’s for the pet best toys for golden retrievers.
Specialty & Puppy Toys
20. Puppy Teething Toys (Rubber Pacifiers) – Soft rubber “pacifier” style toys shaped like a baby pacifier, designed for teething puppies. They have textured surfaces that massage gums. For example, a Pacifier Chew Toy by X or Y brand soothes sore gums and is sized for a puppy mouth. These are perfect for Golden Retriever puppies especially during teething. They’re food-safe and help keep little chewers occupied without hurting them.
Additional Categories: Other top picks include flirt poles (a wand with a lure for chase-and-catch play), treat balls (tough balls that dispense kibble), and even puzzle boards (with sliding parts and compartments). Many owners on forums (and subreddits like r/goldenretrievers) rave about Kong toys, Nylabone chews, and treat puzzles as the “best toys for Golden Retrievers” to keep dogs busy and out of trouble best toys for golden retrievers.
Tips for Choosing Golden Retriever Toys
- Match Your Dog’s Style: Consider your Golden’s interests and energy level. Do they love to chew, chase, puzzle-solve, or cuddle? Pick toys that suit their personality (e.g. puzzles for thinkers, rope toys for tug-lovers).
- Safety & Durability: Golden Retrievers have strong jaws. Look for toys labeled for large breeds or “indestructible.” Avoid toys with small pieces or toxic materials. Regularly inspect toys and retire any that are broken.
- Replace Worn Toys: Dogs outgrow or destroy toys over time. If a toy is cracked, shredded, or has pieces coming off, replace it immediately to prevent choking. Even well-made toys have a lifespan.
FAQs
Q: What are the best toys for a Golden Retriever puppy?
A: Puppies need soft, chewable toys appropriate for baby teeth. Teething puppies benefit from gentle rubber chew toys (like a puppy Benebone or soft “pacifier” chews) that soothe their gums. Plush squeaky toys made for puppies and gentle rope chews can also work. Look for puppy-specific sizes – for example, a small-sized KONG Puppy or the Bacon-Flavored Puppy Benebone. These help prevent destructive chewing of furniture while your pup is teething best toys for golden retrievers.
Q: What are good interactive dog toys for Golden Retrievers?
A: Golden Retrievers excel with toys that engage their mind and body. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys rank among the best interactive dog toys for Goldens. For example, Nina Ottosson puzzles (hidden treats under spinning layers) and wobbly feeders like the Bob-A-Lot keep them busy for long periods. Lick mats and snuffle mats are also interactive, as your dog must work (with tongue or nose) to get treats. These toys channel energy into problem-solving, which “prevents boredom and stimulates their cognitive functions” best toys for golden retrievers.
Q: Which toys help satisfy a Golden Retriever’s chewing urge?
A: Durable chew toys are key. Experts recommend rubber KONG toys (stuffable with treats) and nylon chew bones as some of the best chew toys for Golden Retrievers. These are made to withstand a Golden’s powerful jaws. The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley is another favorite – it’s built to resist aggressive chewing and can even be used for tug and fetch. Always choose large-size tough chews so your dog can’t swallow pieces.
Q: Are stuffed animals OK for Golden Retrievers?
A: Stuffed toys can provide comfort, but Goldens are heavy chewers. If you give them a plush, pick one made for dogs, ideally stuffing-free (like the Outward Hound Invincibles or Hide-a-Squirrel). These are designed so a dog can play and even puncture them without ingesting loose stuffing. Real “Golden Retriever stuffed animal” toys made for humans (soft toys) are best left for children or gentle play under supervision. For your dog, choose durable plush dog toys best toys for golden retrievers.
Q: What should I avoid when selecting toys?
A: Avoid toys that your dog can easily tear apart (no tiny squeakers or fluff if your Golden tears them out), and anything with breakable pieces. Don’t give hard plastic that can crack into sharp edges. Regularly inspect and remove unsafe toys. Also consider size – a toy that’s too small could be a choking hazard for a large Golden.
Did we miss your Golden’s favorite toy? Let us know in the comments! Share this guide on social media to help fellow Golden Retriever owners find the best toys for Golden Retrievers and keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and entertained best toys for golden retrievers.
Sources: Authoritative pet care sites and breed experts were used to compile these picks. Always choose toys suited to your dog’s age and monitor play for safety.
