To make a lick mat, you spread dog-safe, spreadable foods like peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin puree, yogurt, or mashed banana into the grooves of a silicone mat or even a muffin tin, then freeze it for a longer-lasting, mentally stimulating treat. You can mix and match ingredients like pureed veggies, wet dog food, or broth for variety, and freezing makes the treat last much longer.
how to make an edible lick mat/bowl for your dog 👇 ✨ coat a bowl / mold in olive oil ✨ mix together water and beef gelatin ✨ move the mixture around in the bowl until it hardens/becomes jelly like. if not hardening stick in fridge for a few hours! ✨ remove from the bowl and top with your dogs favorite snacks!
The lick mats themselves are pretty cheap, but if you really don't want to spend you could use a silicon ice tray or baking sheet. Silicon is best because it is durable and usually holds up to any chewing without hurting your pup's teeth. My go-tos for lick pads are plain yogurt or peanut butter.
Ideas for lick mat foods: Peanut Butter (check to make sure there is no xylitol) Canned dog food Pumpkin Cream cheese Liverwurst Canned cat food Be creative! Anything you can smear or freeze can go on a lick mat! Just be sure that any food you choose is safe for your dog. When to use a lick mat:
The Supernature Pet and LickiMat® co-branded Lickeez Beef & Superfood Spread Mix is the perfect solution! This tasty and nutritious enrichment spread mix is specially designed for licking mats and other slow feeders, keeping your dog entertained while providing essential nutrients.
A lick mat is a great way to get a dog to tolerate unpleasant situations like bathing, grooming, nail clipping and vet visits. That's only so long as your dog is highly food-motivated. You could also use it as an aid to crate training and getting your dog accustomed to car trips.
Peanut Butter and Banana
This creamy, comforting combo is a timeless favorite for dogs and pet parents alike. To prepare, mash one ripe banana and mix it with a spoonful of natural, xylitol-free peanut butter. Spread the mixture across your dog's lick mat, smoothing it into all the grooves to keep them busy.
Most dog lick mats are made of silicone or rubber and have various crevices or textures, making them ideal vehicles for peanut butter, softened kibble, raw food, or canned food.
How Often Should You Use A Lick Mat? Lick mats are safe to use daily, as long as the toppings are part of your dog's balanced diet. Rotate toppings to keep things exciting and ensure nutritional variety. You can even freeze the mat with yogurt or Woof's Bacon & Cheese LickMix spread for a longer-lasting treat.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Spray, 8oz – Easy to Use Spray for Dogs & Cats – Helps Alleviate Sensitive Skin, Scratching, and Licking of Coat (1 Pack)
How to make your mat
Spreads
So, can you put applesauce on your dog's lick mat? Absolutely, as long as it is plain, unsweetened, and served thoughtfully. Applesauce can be a fun, flavorful addition to your enrichment routine that keeps your pup relaxed, focused, and happily occupied.
The 10 best dog food toppers include canned pumpkin, fresh vegetables, sardines, phytoplankton, raw eggs, anchovies, cucumbers, bone broth, plain yogurt or kefir, and blueberries. These toppers not only enhance the taste of your dog's meals but also provide added nutrients and health benefits.
Lick mats are flat mats designed with dips, ridges and bridges that encourage slow feeding through the action of licking. When used correctly the lick mat can be the purr-fect anxiety reliever, slow feeder, tool of enrichment and much more!
Lick mats are more than just a fun toy—they're a fantastic tool for your dog's enrichment and mental well-being. When filled with tasty treats, lick mats slow down eating, relieve stress, and provide endless entertainment. And when you freeze them, you create a long-lasting treat that keeps your dog busy for hours!
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Yes, many vets recommend lick mats because they can provide a much-needed distraction during periods of extreme anxiety, such as bathtime and grooming. You can use a lick mat for any anxiety-inducing event to help decrease stress and distract them.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
Cons: Very floppy material so take care when carrying these with filling that could drip easily. Material is also not very durable and may not last long with dogs who tend to nibble on lick mats while using them.
10 minutes in the yard or designated spot. 10 feet of potty area, not a strict spot. And 10 minutes of supervision (stay with your puppy while they go).
What Can I Put On My Dogs Lick Mat?
Introducing your dog to a licking mat is easy and fun. Start by spreading a thin layer of their favorite treat on the mat and encourage them to lick it off. Positive reinforcement and patience are key here.
You can also try providing your dog with distractions from licking, like a treat-filled puzzle toy or long lasting dog chew. If the licking is due to anxiety, you can seek help from your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.
A lick mat can be a daily tool for your enrichment routine. Use it before leaving the house to prevent boredom, as a fun way to feed part of your pet's kibble, or at bedtime to signal wind-down time.