Licking is soothing for dogs, which makes a lick mat one of the easiest calm-down tools you can own. Use it after exciting play, during grooming or nail trims, during a storm, or as a quiet start to time alone.
These ten recipes take two minutes to make. For how to choose a mat and use it safely, see our lick mat guide.
Quick spreads (ready in two minutes)
| Recipe | What to spread |
|---|---|
| 1. Plain and simple | Wet dog food, pressed into the grooves |
| 2. Yoghurt swirl | Plain unsweetened yoghurt (check for xylitol) with a few blueberries |
| 3. Pumpkin smear | Plain cooked or tinned pumpkin (not pie filling) mixed with a little wet food |
| 4. Banana mash | Ripe banana mashed with a spoon of soaked kibble |
| 5. Sardine spread | A sardine in spring water, mashed with soaked kibble |
Frozen mats (longer, and great for summer)
Spread any recipe, then freeze the mat flat for two to three hours. Freezing can double how long a mat lasts and makes it a cooling treat on hot days.
| Recipe | What to spread |
|---|---|
| 6. Frozen breakfast | Soaked kibble pressed firmly into every groove, then frozen |
| 7. Watermelon cooler | Seedless watermelon (no rind) blended with plain yoghurt |
| 8. Chicken broth ice | Wet food in the grooves, a thin layer of onion-free, low-salt broth over the top |
Calming combinations
| Recipe | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 9. Grooming mat | Smear wet food on a mat stuck to the bath or a cupboard during brushing or nail trims |
| 10. Settle mat | A frozen mat on their bed after an exciting game, to help them switch off |
How much to put on
A thin layer pressed into the grooves goes much further than a thick spread, and keeps calories down. If you use lick mats daily, take the food from your dog's normal ration.
Ingredients to avoid
- Xylitol (birch sugar) in peanut butter, yoghurt or anything sugar-free.
- Grapes, raisins and sultanas.
- Onion and garlic, including in broth and stock powder.
- Chocolate, coffee and macadamia nuts.
- Sweetened or flavoured yoghurt.
Sources and further reading
Nikola lives with Henry, a Hungarian Vizsla, and wrote his weekly enrichment plan by hand for months before turning it into this app. Not a vet or a qualified behaviourist: the guides draw on everyday experience with a high-drive gundog and on published guidance from animal welfare organisations, which is linked where it is used.
Frequently asked questions
Are lick mats good for dogs?+
For most dogs, yes. Licking is calming, and a lick mat slows down eating. Supervise, and stop if your dog chews the mat.
Can I put peanut butter on a lick mat?+
A thin layer is fine if the label shows no xylitol. Peanut butter is high in fat, so keep it small.
How long does a frozen lick mat last?+
Usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the dog and how thick the layer is.
Do lick mats help with anxiety?+
Licking can help a dog settle, and many owners use lick mats during storms, grooming or vet visits. For strong fear or anxiety, talk to your vet.
