Last updated on May 12th, 2025 at 05:20 pm
Looking for an easy way to keep your dog calm, busy, and happy? You’ve got to try dog lick mat recipes. These simple mats turn snack time into a fun and soothing activity for your pup. They’re great for easing anxiety, fighting boredom, and even helping with digestion. As a vet, I love recommending them to pet parents—and with the right ingredients, they can be a healthy treat too.
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Let’s talk about why lick mats are so helpful and how to make some easy recipes your dog will love.
(And bonus – you’ll get a printable list of my yummy lick mat recipes for FREE!)
What Is a Dog Lick Mat?
A dog lick mat is a simple but genius tool designed to keep your dog entertained and relaxed. It’s usually made of soft, food-safe silicone with textured grooves or patterns. You spread something tasty—like peanut butter, yogurt, or wet dog food—onto the mat, and your dog licks it off. It’s like a puzzle and a treat rolled into one!
Why Your Dog Will Love a Lick Mat
🧠 Mental Stimulation
Dogs need more than just walks and fetch—they crave mental exercise too. Lick mats make your dog slow down and focus, as they work to extract every bit of food from the mat’s textured surface. It’s a puzzle for their tongue, and that brain work helps tire them out in the best way.
😌 Natural Stress Relief
Licking is a soothing, repetitive behavior for dogs. It actually triggers the release of endorphins, which helps them relax. That’s why a lick mat can be a calming go-to during stressful moments like thunderstorms, fireworks, nail trims, vet visits, or when you leave the house.
🐾 Slows Down Fast Eaters
Got a pup who gulps their food in seconds? Lick mats help slow them down. This can reduce the risk of choking, bloating, or upset stomach—especially in deep-chested breeds or dogs with sensitive digestion. It also promotes better satiety, so they feel fuller longer.
🐶 Perfect for Puppies to Seniors
Whether you’re trying to redirect a nippy puppy, calm an anxious adult dog, or keep a senior dog engaged without overexertion, lick mats are incredibly versatile. They’re easy on aging joints, gentle on teeth, and keep high-energy dogs occupied in a healthy, constructive way.
💤 Fights Boredom & Bad Habits
Licking a mat takes time—and that’s a good thing. Instead of barking at the window, chewing furniture, or digging at the carpet, your dog can channel their energy into something relaxing and rewarding.
🦷Supports Dental health
The textured surface of a lick mat can help gently remove food residue from your dog’s tongue and teeth as they lick, which may reduce plaque buildup over time.
While it’s not a replacement for regular brushing, it’s a helpful extra step in your dog’s dental care routine.
How to Use a Dog Lick Mat
Using a lick mat is super easy:
- Spread a dog-safe spreadable treat (like peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed banana) onto the mat.
- Place the mat on the floor or stick it to a flat surface (many mats come with suction cups).
- Let your dog enjoy!
Pro tip: For an extra challenge, freeze the mat after adding the treats. This will make it last longer and keep your dog busy for hours.
Top Picks for Dog Lick Mats
Here are some of our favorite lick mats that your dog is sure to love:
This durable mat is perfect for everyday use and comes in fun shapes like bones and hearts.
Known for its high-quality pet products, KONG offers a lick mat with deep grooves for maximum licking fun.
🛒LUKITO Lick Mat for Dogs & Cats 2 Pack
This affordable option is great for beginners and comes with suction cups for easy sticking.
🛒LickiMat 8″X8″ Pack of 2 Slow Feeder for Dogs Boredom & Anxiety Reducer
A compact and portable option, perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
What to Put on a Dog Lick Mat
The possibilities are endless! Here are some dog-safe ideas:
- Peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- Wet dog food
- Mashed banana or apple sauce
- Cream cheese (in moderation)
Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
For even more inspiration, here are 8 creative and nutritious lick mat recipes:
Tuna Melt
Combine canned tuna with a small amount of plain Greek yogurt. Spread onto the lick mat for a protein-rich treat.
PB & Jelly
Spread xylitol-free peanut butter and top with mashed blueberries or strawberries for a sweet and savory snack.
Cream and Strawberries
Blend fresh strawberries with plain Greek yogurt and a touch of unsweetened applesauce. This fruity mix is both tasty and refreshing.
@kate_cleanhome Here is our lick mat recipe! 🐶🍏🥰 #lickmat #puppy #puppylove #puppytiktok #lickmatrecipe #dogs #dogtreats #doglickmat #pets #healthydogs #dogsoftiktok #dognutrition #enrichmentfordogs ♬ original sound – 🤍🥥S•phia🐚🍨
Yogurt and Fruit Parfait
Use apple sauce, plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter and bananas to make this delicious parfait. This sweet combination offers a variety of textures and flavors.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Mix canned pumpkin with plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chia seeds. This combination is high in fiber and beneficial for digestion.
Salmon Poke Bowl
Combine cooked salmon with diced cucumber, edamame beans, and chickpeas. This mix offers omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of textures.
Egg and Fish Salad
Mix chopped lettuce with hard-boiled eggs and small pieces of cooked fish. This unique combination provides a crunchy and protein-rich snack.
Hummus & Lamb Kabob
Blend cooked lamb with mashed chickpeas for a fiber-rich and flavorful treat.
If you’d like a FREE PRINTABLE LIST of my favorite vet-approved lick mat ideas, be sure to subscribe and get access to my free Pet Care Resource Library!
How to Clean and Maintain Lick Mats
One of the nice things about lick mats is how simple they are to clean—especially compared to hollow rubber toys that can be a pain to scrub inside. Since they’re flat and don’t have deep corners or crevices, food doesn’t get stuck as easily or build up in ways that could cause mold.
For most mats, a good rinse with warm, soapy water does the trick. That’s especially true for those made from natural rubber. If your mat is made from food-grade silicone, you might be in luck—many of them are top-rack dishwasher safe. Just toss it in with your regular dishes and let the machine do the work.
Some people suggest boiling lick mats to sanitize them, but I’d be careful with that. Always check the product description first—some materials can melt or warp with high heat.
Bottom line: cleaning your dog’s lick mat doesn’t have to be a hassle, and a quick wash keeps it safe and ready for the next round of tasty enrichment.
Final Note – Dog Lick Mat Recipes
Dog lick mats are a low-cost, high-reward way to enrich your dog’s life. With calming effects, digestive benefits, and endless recipe options, they’re more than just a trend—they’re a smart addition to your pup’s wellness routine.
Ready to try some dog lick mat recipes? Start with simple ingredients from your fridge or freezer. Let me know how your dog likes it in the comments below!
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