Lick mats are an easy way to keep your dog entertained while offering some enrichment. If you’ve never used one before, it’s basically a textured mat where you can spread soft foods for your dog to lick off. You can serve them fresh or freeze them for a longer-lasting treat!
Here are some simple ideas to try:
Frozen Lick Mat Ideas
These take longer for your dog to enjoy and are great for hot days!
Bone Broth Bliss – Pour organic dog-friendly beef or chicken bone broth onto the mat and freeze. Bonus: Add crushed treats or your dog’s supplements on top before freezing!
Gravy Goodness – If your dog eats a wet food with gravy, spread some of the gravy onto the mat and freeze for a flavorful treat.
Pâté Perfection – Spread a pâté-style dog food onto the mat and freeze. This makes it last longer and turns it into a fun licking challenge.
Yogurt Delight – Use plain, unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) as a base and freeze it. Add toppings like crushed treats or fresh fruit.
Pumpkin Pops – Spread pure pumpkin purée on the lick mat and freeze. It’s great for digestion and a perfect fall treat!
Fruity Freeze – Mash bananas or blend with a little water, then spread and freeze. Blueberries or strawberries work great too!
Veggie Mash-Up – Blend cooked sweet potato or carrots with a little water and freeze it for a naturally sweet snack.
Applesauce Chill – Use unsweetened applesauce as a spread and freeze for a refreshing, dog-safe treat.
Fresh Lick Mat Ideas
If your dog doesn’t like frozen treats or you want a quicker snack, these work great:
Soft Dog Food Spread – Any soft, wet, or fresh dog food can be spread on a lick mat as-is for a simple, no-fuss option.
Cottage Cheese Crunch – Spread a little unsalted cottage cheese on the mat and sprinkle some crushed treats on top.
Nut Butter Treat – Use a small amount of peanut butter (or almond butter) as a spread. Make sure it’s xylitol-free!
Baby Food Boost – Choose a baby food pouch with dog-safe ingredients (like pumpkin, sweet potato, or turkey) and spread it on the mat.
Fish Feast – Mash up plain, water-packed sardines or salmon and spread onto the mat for an omega-rich snack.
Extra Toppers for Any Lick Mat!
Want to make your lick mat even more exciting? Here are some fun toppings:
Crushed dog treats or the crumbs from the bottom of the bag.
Freeze-dried meat crumbles
Shredded, cooked chicken or turkey
Chia seeds (soaked in water first!)
A sprinkle of flaxseed for extra fiber
A drizzle of honey (only a tiny bit for an occasional treat!)
