Lick mats for dogs: fillings, freezing and safe use

What it does for your dog

• Licking can help many dogs relax and settle.
• Turns a small amount of food into a longer activity.
• A useful distraction during grooming, bathing or nail trims.
• Suits dogs on wet or raw diets, where scatter feeding isn't practical.

Which dogs and situations it suits

Lick mats suit most dogs, including puppies, seniors and dogs on restricted exercise. They are a good choice when you want a quiet activity rather than an exciting one.

They are not suitable for unsupervised use with dogs that chew and destroy mats. Some dogs will chew silicone once the food is gone, and swallowed pieces can be dangerous.

What you need

• A lick mat sized for your dog (bigger and thicker for larger dogs)
• Soft food: wet dog food, plain unsweetened yoghurt, mashed pumpkin or banana, or soaked kibble
• A freezer, if you want it to last longer

How to do it

Preparation

1. Choose a filling that suits your dog's diet and doesn't upset their stomach.
2. Take the amount from their daily food allowance.
3. Spread a thin layer, pressing it into the grooves.

Step by step

1. 1Spread the filling across the mat and press it into the texture with a spoon.
2. 2For a longer session, freeze the mat for a few hours or overnight.
3. 3Offer it in a calm spot, such as their bed or a mat.
4. 4Stay nearby. When they finish licking, pick it up.
5. 5Wash it promptly in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows.

Make it easier or harder

Beginner version

• Use a smooth, tasty filling spread thinly so it's easy to get.
• Don't freeze it for the first few sessions.

Advanced variations

• Freeze it for a longer-lasting challenge.
• Layer two fillings and freeze between layers.
• Use a mat with deeper, more complex textures.

For puppies

Use soft, puppy-safe fillings and supervise closely, as puppies love to chew. A lick mat can be a helpful distraction during early handling and grooming practice.

For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues

Ideal for older dogs. Raise the mat on a low, stable surface if bending to the floor is uncomfortable, and use soft fillings if your dog has dental issues.

Supervision and safety

• Never use anything containing xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar). It is highly toxic to dogs and can appear in some peanut butters, yoghurts and spreads. Check the label every time. See NC State University's guidance on xylitol.
• Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chocolate and macadamias.
• Supervise and remove the mat when the food is gone, to prevent chewing and swallowing pieces.
• Clean it thoroughly after every use to prevent bacteria building up in the grooves.
• Use part of your dog's daily food, and talk to your vet about fillings if your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, pancreatitis or another condition.

Common mistakes

• Using peanut butter or yoghurt without checking for xylitol.
• Leaving the mat with the dog unsupervised.
• Using rich, fatty fillings that upset the stomach.
• Not cleaning the mat between uses.