A lick mat looks simple: a textured silicone square you spread food on. But ask any experienced dog owner and they'll tell you it's one of the most useful things in the house. Here's how to get the most out of one.
7 ways to use a lick mat
1. Make crate time something your puppy looks forward to
Give your puppy a lick mat only in the crate. Over time, the crate becomes the place where good things happen.
2. Bath time
Stick the mat to the side of the tub (silicone grips smooth surfaces when it's wet), add a thin layer of topping, and wash while your dog licks.
3. Nail trims and brushing
Same trick, different room. Put the mat on the floor or wall at your dog's nose height and trim while they're busy.
4. Slowing down fast eaters
If your dog inhales their food, spread wet food across the grooves. It takes much longer to eat off a textured surface than out of a bowl.
5. When you need 15 quiet minutes
Work calls, dinner prep, or guests arriving. A lick mat gives your dog a job to do.
6. Rainy days
When walks get cut short, licking gives your dog something to focus on indoors.
7. A frozen treat on hot days
Spread a topping, then pop the mat in the freezer for an hour or two. A frozen mat lasts much longer. Check your mat's care instructions first.
Safe toppings to try
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Your dog's regular wet food
- Mashed banana
- Peanut butter, but only a brand that's xylitol-free
Toppings to avoid
- Anything containing xylitol (also listed as birch sugar). It's toxic to dogs and shows up in some peanut butters and sugar-free foods. Always check the label.
- Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic
- Anything heavily salted, sweetened or seasoned
Use toppings as treats, not a meal replacement. A thin layer goes a long way, and if you use the mat daily, count it toward your dog's daily food.
Tips for success
- Spread thin. A thin layer pressed into the grooves lasts longer than a big scoop on top.
- Supervise. Lick mats are for licking, not chewing. Put the mat away once the food is gone.
- Wash after every use. Food left in the grooves gets gross fast.
Our lick mat
Our silicone dog lick mat is made from food-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe. It comes in a small 6.1" size for puppies and small breeds and a large 7.9" size for medium and large dogs, in five colors, with free US shipping.