A lick mat for dogs is a textured silicone or rubber mat you spread soft food or treats onto, giving your dog a slow, satisfying licking activity. Lick mats support calm behavior, slow down fast eaters, encourage hydration, and make mealtime more enriching. They are also one of the easiest ways to give a dog CBD oil or functional mushroom powder, since the supplement spreads right into the grooves. Freeze the mat to make the activity last longer.
What Is a Lick Mat for Dogs?
A lick mat for dogs, also called a lick pad, is a flat silicone or rubber mat covered in grooves and ridges. You spread a soft food or treat across the surface, and your dog works to lick it out of every crevice. That slow, repetitive licking is the whole point. It turns a 30-second bowl of food into a 10-minute activity that keeps your dog focused and settled.
Dogs are natural foragers. A lick mat taps into that instinct, giving the mind something to do while the body slows down. Pet parents reach for them during baths, nail trims, thunderstorms, vet visits, or any stretch of alone time. They are also one of the simplest ways to give a dog a supplement, since CBD oil or functional mushroom powder spreads right into the grooves with the food.
11 Benefits of a Lick Mat for Dogs
1. Provides Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
Lick mats for dogs serve as excellent tools for promoting mental stimulation and helping maintain normal emotional balance. These mats are designed with various textures and patterns that require a degree of mental effort and focus from dogs as they work to lick out the treats or food spread into the grooves. This process of "foraging" for food is a natural behavior for dogs and encourages problem-solving skills, helping to keep their minds sharp and protecting your pet’s health.
This mental workout can also lead to a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, providing pet owners with another method for positive reinforcement. The slow and methodical licking required by these mats can have a calming effect, reducing hyperactivity and promoting relaxation. In essence, lick mats are not just a source of tasty treats but also a form of brain exercise, enriching your dog's mental wellbeing.
2. Supports Calm Behavior in Stressed Dogs
Lick mats for dogs are excellent tools that dog owners can use to provide help for restless animals. The act of licking, by nature, has a soothing effect on dogs; it stimulates the release of endorphins, often called 'feel-good' hormones, which help dogs relax. Lick mats take advantage of this natural mechanism by encouraging prolonged periods of focused licking. The mats can be loaded with various treats or foods, which the dogs then spend time licking away, creating a repetitive and soothing activity that supports normal emotional balance.
This can be especially beneficial in potentially stressful situations, such as during thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or grooming sessions. The use of a lick mat can also help distract dogs who may otherwise engage in destructive behavior when bored. Overall, lick mats offer a simple yet effective way to help promote calm and composed behavior in dogs.
3. Slows Down Fast Eaters
Lick mats are an excellent tool for promoting slower eating habits in dogs. The unique design of these mats, featuring various grooves and patterns, encourages dogs to lick the food or treats spread into the crevices. This process significantly slows down the rate of consumption compared to traditional eating from a bowl.
Slower eating can promote your pet’s health and overall well-being. It can help prevent choking, reduce the risk of health problems, and support healthy digestion, as the dog produces more saliva during the prolonged licking, which assists in the digestive process. Additionally, slower eating can lead to a feeling of fullness with less food consumed, which can be beneficial for dogs on a weight management plan.
4. Supports Oral Hygiene
Lick mats can significantly contribute to enhancing a dog's dental health. The act of licking treats off the mat's textured surface stimulates saliva production, which can have beneficial effects on oral hygiene. Saliva naturally contains enzymes that help break down food particles and protect against plaque buildup. The licking action also mechanically cleans the tongue and can help remove bacteria from the teeth, promoting overall oral hygiene.
Although lick mats are not a substitute for regular teeth brushing or professional dental cleanings, they can serve as a supplementary tool in maintaining your dog's oral health. The mat's texture helps to scrape off loose plaque and food particles from your dog's tongue, teeth, and gums. Using a lick mat regularly could, therefore, be part of an overall strategy for maintaining good dental health for your pet.
5. Easy to Clean and Dishwasher Safe
One of the appealing features of lick mats for dogs is that they are typically easy to clean. Most lick mats are made from food grade silicone or rubber, materials that are known for their durability and resistance to stains and odors. After your dog has finished using the lick mat, you can simply rinse it under warm water to remove any leftover food particles. For a more thorough clean, many lick mats are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Additionally, the non-porous materials used in these mats prevent the absorption of food and bacteria, further simplifying the cleaning process and ensuring a hygienic feeding tool for your dog. However, it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for any specific cleaning guidelines to maintain the longevity of the mat.
6. Doubles as a Cooling Treat on Hot Days
Lick mats for dogs are incredibly versatile, and one of their popular uses is as a cooling treat dispenser during hot days. You can spread a dog-safe treat on the mat, like yogurt or bone broth, and then freeze it. The textured surface of the lick mat allows the frozen treat to last longer, providing your dog with a refreshing and engaging activity.
The process of your dog licking the cold surface not only cools your dog down but also helps keep them hydrated. Plus, the long-lasting nature of the frozen treat can keep your dog occupied for an extended period of time, making the lick mat a great tool for mental stimulation as well. On a hot summer day, a frozen lick mat can be a fun and beneficial way to help your furry friend beat the heat.
Frozen vs. Fresh
How long a lick mat keeps your dog busy depends on what you spread and whether you freeze it. A fresh mat with a thin layer of peanut butter or yogurt usually lasts around 10 minutes. Freeze that same mat for 30 minutes first and you can stretch the activity to 30 minutes or more, which makes a frozen lick mat one of the easiest ways to keep a dog occupied during a longer stretch alone or on a hot afternoon.
7. Fits Big Dogs and Small Dogs
Lick mats for dogs are designed with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and textures to cater to the needs of all dogs, regardless of their breed or size. Some mats are smaller and simpler, perfect for smaller dogs or puppies, while others are larger with more complex textures to keep larger dogs engaged for longer periods. You can find lick mats in fun shapes like bones or paws, and others with intricate patterns to hold the treats in a way that requires more effort to lick clean.
This variety not only ensures that there's a suitable mat for every dog, but it also allows owners to choose a mat that best suits their dog's eating habits, size, and preferences. Whether you have a teacup breed or a large dog, there's a lick mat designed to keep them entertained, stimulated, and content.
8. Works for Puppies, Adults, and Senior Dogs
Lick mats are an incredibly versatile tool, making them suitable for dogs of all ages. For puppies, lick mats can be an excellent way to introduce them to new flavors and textures, as well as a tool for teething relief when frozen. Puppies can also learn to associate the lick mat with positive experiences, making it useful for crate training or other potentially stressful situations.
For adult dogs, lick mats provide mental stimulation and can help alleviate boredom, which can deter destructive behaviors. For senior dogs, lick mats can serve as a gentle way to exercise their cognitive and motor skills.
Additionally, if a senior dog has lost some appetite, a lick mat can encourage eating by making mealtime more interesting. Regardless of your dog's age, a lick mat can offer an engaging activity that stimulates their mind and contributes positively to their overall wellbeing.
9. Supports Healthy Weight Management
Lick mats can play a pivotal role in managing your furry friend’s weight. The unique design of these mats, which includes various grooves and textures, encourages dogs to eat slower by licking the food or treats spread on the mat. Slowing down the rate of consumption can have several benefits related to weight management.
Eating slowly can give the body more time to register fullness, reducing the amount of food required to satisfy hunger, and thus helping control portion sizes. Also, by providing mental stimulation and occupying the dog for a longer time, lick mats can also serve as a low-energy-consuming activity that prevents quick calorie intake, further supporting weight control.
Lick mats can also be used with a variety of low-calorie, nutritious spreads, allowing pet owners to provide a satisfying treat without contributing excessively to daily calorie intake. In essence, lick mats offer a fun and effective way to help support proper weight management.
10. Encourages Hydration
Lick mats can contribute positively to promoting hydration in dogs. As a dog licks the mat to retrieve the treat spread over it, the process stimulates saliva production. This increased salivation can create a natural thirst response, encouraging dogs to drink more water following their lick mat session.
This can be particularly beneficial for dogs that may not naturally drink enough water throughout the day. You can increase this hydrating effect by spreading wet or hydrating foods onto the mat. For example, you can use low-sodium broths or water-infused purees, which not only add to the flavor and enjoyment but also directly contribute to the dog's water intake.
During hot days, a frozen treat on the mat can further help with hydration and cooling down. Therefore, lick mats are not just for feeding and entertainment but can also be a strategic tool to promote your dog's hydration levels.
11. Adds Variety to Your Dog's Diet
Lick mats can be used with a variety of foods, allowing you to get creative while ensuring your dog is getting a healthy and enjoyable treat. Here are some options of what you can add to your food grade silicone mat:
- Wet dog food: Easily spreadable, canned dog food can make for a great lick mat treat and can also be frozen for an extended dog licking session.
- Dry dog food: The dry dog food will get caught in the grooves, helping them slow down their eating.
- Peanut butter: A favorite among many dogs, ensure it's xylitol-free, as xylitol is harmful to dogs.
- Cream cheese: Another easily spreadable option that dogs usually love.
- Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a healthy option. Freeze it to provide your dog yogurt as a refreshing treat on hot days.
- Pumpkin puree: Excellent for dogs' digestion; ensure it's plain pumpkin puree without any added sugars or spices.
- Mashed bananas: A sweet and healthy treat that can be used alone or mixed with some organic xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Low-sodium broth: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths can add flavor and can be frozen to make a long-lasting treat.
- Ground beef: Portion a small amount of ground beef and add it to the lick mat.
- Cottage cheese: A source of protein and calcium, and can be easily spread on the mat.
- Cooked sweet potato: Mashed sweet potato is highly nutritious and usually well-loved by most dogs.
Always remember to use these treats as part of a balanced diet and not to exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake with treat foods. Also, be sure to introduce new foods gradually to observe how your dog’s body reacts.
What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs
Lick Mat Recipes Dogs Love
A few simple combinations cover most needs. Keep portions small. Treat foods should stay under 10% of your dog's daily calories, and introduce any new ingredient gradually.
Frozen Summer Cooler Plain unsweetened yogurt spread thin, topped with a few blueberries and a little mashed banana. Freeze for 30 minutes. A refreshing option for hot days that also helps with hydration.
Calm-Time Classic Xylitol-free peanut butter spread across the mat with a dose of Earth Buddy full-spectrum hemp extract mixed in. Good for baths, grooming, or before alone time.
Gut-Friendly Bowl Plain canned pumpkin puree with a scoop of Gut Health Colostrum for Dogs & Cats worked in. A gentle everyday option that makes supplement time effortless.
Senior Soft Spread Mashed cooked sweet potato with low-sodium bone broth. Soft, aromatic, and easy to lick, which helps encourage interest at mealtime for older dogs.
Spread a full-spectrum CBD tincture or functional mushrooms for dogs across the mat so your dog takes the full dose, calmly
Make Supplement Time Easy with Earth Buddy CBD, Colostrum, and Mushrooms for Dogs
How to Use a Lick Mat for Dogs with CBD and Functional Mushrooms
Using a lick mat for administering CBD tinctures to dogs can be a beneficial approach for both the pet and the owner. Earth Buddy’s full spectrum hemp extract comes in oil form, which can be easily spread across the textured surface of a lick mat. This allows the dog to slowly lick up the CBD oil while also enjoying a tasty treat, ensuring that they consume the full dose over a period of time. This method can make the process of administering CBD less stressful and more enjoyable for the dog.
The act of licking can also help the CBD oil be absorbed more effectively through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Additionally, using a lick mat for this purpose can create a positive association with taking the tincture, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for your dog and easier for you to administer. Mushroom capsules or Mushroom Powders may sometimes be difficult to administer to picky dogs, so incorporating them into your dog’s food is an easy way to sneak them in.
Functional mushrooms for dogs can promote beneficial gut microbial activity. Dogs with separation stress can often be attributed to underlying health issues like upset tummies, so supplementing functional mushrooms for dogs on lick mats with other yummy ingredients is a fun and soothing way to promote relaxation.
Can Dogs Be Left Alone With Licking Mats?
While lick mats are designed to provide a safe and stimulating activity for your dog, leaving your dog alone with a lick mat requires careful consideration. The spread used on the mat should be safe for your dog to consume without supervision. It should be non-toxic and free of any ingredients that your dog may be allergic to.
The main concern with leaving your dog unsupervised with the lick mat is, while most lick mats are designed to be highly durable, some dogs may attempt to chew or tear the mat. This is especially true if they're aggressive chewers. However, if your dog doesn’t tend to chew, you may be able to leave them unsupervised if necessary.
To ensure your dog's safety, it's recommended to monitor your dog's interaction with the lick mat until you're confident they will not try to chew or swallow pieces of it. It’s also important to note that cleaning is essential after each use to avoid bacteria growth on the mat. However, if your dog licks the mat after it’s been cleaned, that could cause bacteria to grow.
How to Place a Lick Mat So It Stays Put
When preparing a lick mat for your dog, you'll want to ensure that it's securely placed to prevent it from sliding around while your dog is trying to enjoy their treat. Choose a quiet and comfortable area in your home that your dog is accustomed to. The kitchen floor or any area with hard flooring is often the best choice, as it's easier to clean up any mess afterwards.
After spreading the desired treat on the treat dispensing mat, place it directly on the floor. Some lick mats come with numerous suction cups on the bottom to help them stick to hard, smooth surfaces. If yours has this feature, press down firmly to secure it in place. Other lick mats may not have this feature. In this case, you can place the mat in a shallow dish or tray to help keep it steady and collect any spillage.
Make sure the mat is far enough away from any walls or furniture that might sustain damage from stray licks or smeared food. Once the mat is properly placed, invite your dog over and allow them to enjoy their treat, monitoring the first few uses to make sure they're interacting with the mat safely. For more tips and tricks on how to mix CBD for dogs or functional mushroom powders into dog food, check out our Earth Buddy YouTube channel!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lick Mats for Dogs
How long should a dog use a lick mat?
Most dogs do well with 10 to 20 minutes per session. A thin spread keeps them working without frustration, and freezing the mat can stretch the activity to 30 minutes or more. Put the mat away once it is clean so it stays an activity, not a chew toy.
Are lick mats good for dogs?
Yes. Lick mats support calm behavior, slow down fast eaters, and provide mental enrichment. The repetitive licking motion is naturally soothing for most dogs, which is why many pet parents use them during baths, grooming, thunderstorms, or alone time.
What can I put on a dog lick mat?
Spreadable, dog-safe foods work best: xylitol-free peanut butter, plain unsweetened yogurt, canned dog food, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, cottage cheese, low-sodium bone broth, or mashed sweet potato. Keep treat foods to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.
Can I put CBD oil on a lick mat?
Yes. A lick mat is one of the easiest ways to give a dog CBD oil. Spread the dose across the grooves with a soft food your dog likes so they take the full amount over a few minutes, which makes dosing calmer and more consistent.
How often can a dog use a lick mat?
Daily use is fine. Many pet parents build a lick mat into a daily routine, such as during their own mealtime or before being left alone. Just count any food or treats toward your dog's daily calories.
How do you clean a lick mat?
Rinse under warm water right after use to loosen residue, then scrub with dish soap. Most lick mats are top-rack dishwasher safe. Clean after every use, since leftover food can grow bacteria.
Are lick mats safe to leave a dog alone with?
For most dogs, yes, as long as the spread is non-toxic and your dog is not an aggressive chewer. Supervise the first few uses. Dogs that try to bite or tear the mat should only use it with you present.
For further reading, we recommend:
Go Slow Feeding Bowls: How Effective Are They at Getting Dogs to Eat More Slowly?
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Stress (Blessing et al., 2015)
Effect of a Feeding Toy and the Presence of a Dog Owner During Feeding Time on Dog Welfare
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