What To Know About Lick Mats For Dogs

Ready to treat your pup during snack time? Here’s everything you need to know about lick mats for dogs.

If you know me, you know I am always on the lookout for ways to enrich my dogs’ lives and make their everyday more special. One discovery that I made after Bill died is lick mats. They were recommended from our holistic vet as an enrichment tool for Judy. We’ve been using lick mats now for two months and I have to say…where have these been all my life?! With a little prep work, they can be an amazing tool to have at home for dogs of any size. Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about lick mats, including what they are, the benefits and lick mat recipes.

Everything To Know About Lick Mats For Dogs

Incorporating lick mats into Judy’s routine has been a game-changer. Not only does it add an element of joy to her snack time, but it also provides numerous benefits for her overall well-being. Let’s get into it…!

What are Lick Mats?

Lick mats are innovative feeding tools designed to turn snack time into a delightful and mentally stimulating experience for dogs. These mats typically come in various shapes and sizes, with a textured surface that allows dogs to lick their favorite treats or spreadable foods from its crevices. Made from safe and durable materials, lick mats provide an engaging and interactive way for dogs to enjoy their meals or treats.

Lick Mat Recipes for Dogs

It may seem easy to just smear peanut butter or apple sauce on a lick mat and go, but the best way to do it is to prep a little bit, freeze the lick mat so it lasts longer, and then present it to your dog. Some of Judy’s favorite recipes are below! We’ve also tried smashed blueberries, apple slices stuck on peanut butter, pureed sweet potato, and carrot shreds. 

Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of unsalted, dog-safe peanut butter

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Instructions: Mix the peanut butter, mashed banana, and yogurt together in a bowl. Spread the mixture evenly on the lick mat, making sure to fill the textured patterns. Freeze the mat and serve.

Pumpkin 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened and not pumpkin pie filler! Just pure pumpkin!)

2 tablespoons unsalted, dog-safe peanut butter

1/4 cup no-sodium chicken broth

Instructions: Combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and chicken broth until smooth. Spread the mixture onto the lick mat, ensuring it reaches into the nooks and crannies. Freeze until solid and serve.

Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs

Mental Stimulation

Lick mats offer mental stimulation as dogs engage in the challenge of extracting every last bit of their favorite treat. This mental exercise helps keep their minds sharp and can alleviate boredom, especially for dogs that spend time alone during the day.

Slow Feeding

For dogs that tend to devour their meals in seconds, lick mats provide a simple solution. The textured surface slows down their eating pace, promoting better digestion and reducing the risk of indigestion or bloat. We haven’t used a lick mat to feed Judy her meals, but I could see this being a beneficial tactic. Judy uses a slow-eater that slows her down when she’s eating breakfast and dinner.

Anxiety Reduction

The repetitive licking action required on a lick mat has a calming effect on dogs. It can be particularly beneficial for anxious or stressed pups, helping them relax and associate positive experiences with other things that might be going on.

Dental Health

The licking motion involved in using a lick mat can contribute to better oral hygiene by promoting saliva production. This natural process helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.