A lick mat is a textured mat you spread with something tasty. Your pet has to lick the food out of the grooves bit by bit, which slows them down and gives them something calm to focus on. Licking is naturally soothing for many dogs and cats, which is why lick mats are popular for bath time, nail trims and noisy evenings.
When a lick mat helps most
- Bath time and grooming: stick the mat to the side of the bath or a tiled wall with its suction cups so your pet stays busy while you wash or brush them.
- Nail trims: a distraction that keeps your pet still for a few minutes.
- Fast eaters: spread a portion of their normal wet food over the mat to stretch a meal out.
- Fireworks, storms or visitors: something calm to do when the house feels unsettled.
- Time alone: a frozen mat can keep a dog occupied as you head out the door.
Safe lick mat ideas for dogs
- Your dog's usual wet food
- Kibble soaked in warm water and mashed into a paste
- Plain, unsweetened natural yoghurt, in small amounts
- Peanut butter that is xylitol-free, spread thinly
- Mashed banana
- Plain cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, mashed (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Plain cooked chicken, finely shredded and mixed with a little water
Safe lick mat ideas for cats
- Your cat's usual wet food or pâté
- Lickable cat treats from a tube
- Plain cooked chicken or white fish, mashed with a little water, with no seasoning
Foods to avoid
Some common foods are harmful to pets. Never put these on a lick mat:
- Xylitol (also listed as birch sugar), found in some peanut butters, sugar-free yoghurts and sweets. It is toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate
- Grapes, raisins and sultanas
- Onions, garlic and chives, including onion or garlic powder in gravies and stock
- Anything heavily salted, seasoned or sugary
Many cats do not digest dairy well, so skip the yoghurt for cats. If your pet has a medical condition or a special diet, check with your vet before adding new foods.
Make it last longer: freeze it
A fresh lick mat might be finished in a few minutes. Freezing it turns it into a much longer activity.
- Spread a thin base layer, such as soaked kibble or wet food, into the grooves.
- Add a second layer on top, such as yoghurt (dogs only) or mashed pumpkin.
- Freeze flat for two to three hours, or overnight.
- Let it sit for a minute or two before giving it to your pet.
Making a few mats at once and keeping them in the freezer means one is always ready. Our Silicone Lick Mat comes as a single mat or in packs of five, which makes this easy.
Keep it healthy
- Count it as food. Whatever goes on the mat is part of your pet's daily intake, so reduce their meals a little to make up for it.
- Supervise, especially at first. If your pet starts chewing the mat rather than licking it, take it away.
- Wash it after every use. Food left in the grooves goes off quickly. Our silicone lick mat is dishwasher safe.
More ways to keep pets busy
For dogs who need more of a challenge, the Slow Feeder Puzzle Toy makes them work kibble or treats out of a maze. You can find more ideas in our toys and enrichment collection.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I give my dog a lick mat?
Daily is fine for most dogs, as long as the food on it is counted as part of their daily allowance.
Are lick mats good for anxious pets?
Many owners find licking helps pets settle during stressful moments such as bath time or fireworks. It is a helpful distraction, not a treatment, so speak to your vet if your pet's anxiety is severe.