What Is a Lick Mat and How Does It Work?
A lick mat is a flat mat with textured ridges, grooves, or bumps on its surface. You spread soft food across the surface, and your dog licks it clean. The textured design makes it impossible to eat quickly, extending a small amount of food into a prolonged, calming activity.
The repetitive licking motion releases endorphins in dogs, creating a naturally calming effect. This makes lick mats particularly useful during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or veterinary visits. The PDSA includes lick mats among recommended enrichment tools for dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Lick Mats?
- Anxiety reduction – The repetitive licking action releases calming endorphins, helping reduce stress during fireworks, thunderstorms, or separation
- Slow feeding – Prevents gulping and reduces the risk of bloat, particularly in deep-chested breeds
- Dental health – The textured surface helps scrape bacteria from the tongue and promotes saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth
- Mental stimulation – Working food out of grooves provides a cognitive challenge
- Distraction tool – Useful during grooming, nail clipping, or bath time when stuck to a smooth surface with a suction cup
The Blue Cross recommends lick mats as an easy way to provide daily enrichment, especially for dogs who are left alone for short periods.
What Are the Best Recipes for Lick Mats?
Try these dog-safe spreads on your lick mat:
Simple Spreads
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free only) – the most popular option
- Plain yoghurt – a good source of probiotics
- Mashed banana – naturally sweet and nutritious
- Wet dog food – spread thinly for maximum engagement
Frozen Lick Mat Recipes
- Frozen yoghurt and blueberry – Mix and freeze for a longer-lasting treat
- Bone broth freeze – Spread unsalted bone broth and freeze for a savoury option
- Pumpkin and peanut butter swirl – Mix pure pumpkin puree with a thin layer of peanut butter and freeze
Free Download: Seasonal Pet Care Calendar
Month-by-month guide: spring, summer, autumn, winter care for UK pets. Never miss a health task.
Important: Always check that peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. The RSPCA provides a list of foods that are harmful to dogs.
How to Use a Lick Mat Effectively?
- Spread thinly – A thin layer lasts longer than a thick dollop. Push food into the grooves with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Freeze for longer sessions – Freezing the lick mat doubles or triples the engagement time.
- Use the suction cup – Stick the mat to the floor, wall, or bathtub surface to prevent your dog from picking it up.
- Supervise initially – Some dogs may try to chew the mat rather than lick it. Redirect them and consider a thicker, more durable mat if chewing persists.
- Wash after each use – Most lick mats are dishwasher safe. Thorough cleaning prevents bacteria buildup in the grooves.
What Are the Recommended Lick Mats?
- Lickimat Soother – Cross-shaped ridges with suction cups. View on Amazon UK
- Lickimat Buddy – Nub-style texture for thick spreads. View on Amazon UK
- KONG Licks Mat – KONG-branded with ridged pattern. View on Amazon UK
- Hyper Pet IQ Lick Mat – Budget-friendly option with suction base. View on Amazon UK
What Is the Product Comparison Table?
| Product | Texture | Suction Cup | Dishwasher Safe | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lickimat Soother | Cross ridges | Yes | Yes | View |
| Lickimat Buddy | Nubs | Yes | Yes | View |
| KONG Licks Mat | Ridges | No | Yes | View |
| Hyper Pet IQ Mat | Mixed | Yes | Yes | View |
What Is the Key Terms & Glossary?
- Lick Mat
- A textured flat mat designed for spreading soft food, encouraging prolonged licking for enrichment and calming.
- Endorphins
- Natural chemicals released in the brain that promote feelings of wellbeing and can reduce pain and stress.
- Xylitol
- An artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters and sugar-free products, which is highly toxic to dogs.
- Bloat (GDV)
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, more common in dogs who eat too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lick mats safe for dogs?
Yes, when used under supervision with appropriate food. Choose food-grade silicone mats and avoid those with small parts that could be chewed off. Always check peanut butter for xylitol before use.
How long does a lick mat keep a dog busy?
A standard lick mat with a thin spread typically lasts 10-15 minutes. Freezing the mat can extend this to 20-30 minutes or more, depending on the food used and the dog’s licking intensity.
Can I use a lick mat for cats?
Yes. Many lick mats are suitable for cats. Use cat-safe spreads like plain yoghurt, wet cat food, or tuna paste. Choose a smaller mat or one designed for cats.
How often should I use a lick mat?
Lick mats can be used daily. They are particularly useful as a calming tool before stressful events, as a distraction during grooming, or as a way to extend mealtimes. Factor the food into your pet’s daily calorie intake.
What is the best food to put on a lick mat?
Peanut butter (xylitol-free), plain yoghurt, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, and wet dog food are all popular choices. For longer sessions, mix and freeze. Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, or onions.
Sources & References
- PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) – Free veterinary care charity and pet health advice
- RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – Animal welfare guidance and advice
- Blue Cross – Pet charity providing health and behaviour advice
- BVA (British Veterinary Association) – Professional body for UK veterinary surgeons
- RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) – Regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK
Our team researches and writes practical pet care guides using information from trusted UK veterinary and animal welfare organisations.
Browse our complete collection of pet enrichment activities, training guides, and product recommendations.
