What to put on lick mat for dog?

Lick mats are a simple, low-cost tool that can add mental stimulation, slow feeding, and brief distraction for many dogs. As a clinician who works with dogs and owners regularly, I typically recommend lick mats when a dog needs focused, calm activity that doesn’t require training on new commands. Below are practical guidelines on when to use one, what to put on it, how to prepare and supervise sessions safely, and where to look for more detailed guidance.

Best Moments to Offer a Lick Mat

Use a lick mat when you want to help a dog settle without resorting to sedatives or high-energy toys. Lick mats can be effective during acute stressors such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or the moments before a car trip because the focused licking behavior may shift attention away from the trigger.

For dogs that inhale kibble or finish meals too quickly, using a lick mat for part of a feed is a reliable slow-feeding option. Spreading a portion of a meal on the mat can reduce gulping and may lower the risk of digestive upset tied to rapid eating.

Lick mats are a practical distraction during routine procedures that many dogs find unpleasant: grooming, nail trims, ear cleaning or brief veterinary handling. Presenting a highly valued spread can make hands-on care easier by keeping the dog’s mouth engaged and head down.

They also serve an enrichment role for both senior dogs who need low-impact mental stimulation and highly energetic dogs who need extra outlets between walks. For older dogs, softer spreads and shorter sessions work better; for high-energy dogs, freezing a mat into a longer-lasting treat can extend engagement.

Top Tasty Fillings for Your Dog’s Lick Mat

Here is a short, practical list of safe, commonly available toppings to try first. Always check ingredient lists for hidden sweeteners and confirm your dog’s tolerances.

• Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling): fiber-rich and usually well tolerated.
• Mashed banana: soft, naturally sweet, and good for spreading in small amounts.
• Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, low-fat): offers tangy texture and may contain probiotics if labeled as such.
• Xylitol-free peanut butter mixed with pumpkin or yogurt: a high-value combo—ensure the peanut butter ingredient list does not include xylitol.
• Pureed sweet potato or mashed cooked carrot: low-risk vegetable options that spread well.
• Small amounts of cottage cheese or wet dog food for a higher-protein option.
• Foods to avoid: chocolate, grapes/raisins, products containing xylitol, raw onion or garlic, macadamia nuts, and any seasoned or sugary human spreads.

What Makes Lick Mats So Appealing to Dogs — comfort, focus, and calm

Licking releases calming neurochemicals; it often leads to a small rise in endorphins and a reduction in arousal in many dogs. This biochemical effect is one reason licking activity seems soothing, especially when the dog can concentrate on a repetitive oral task.

Dogs also explore with their mouths and noses. A lick mat concentrates scent and taste in one spot, which satisfies a species-typical investigative drive. This scent-driven reward can be more reinforcing than a simple toss-and-fetch because it engages the dog for longer periods.

Functionally, spreading food and requiring licking simulates a slow-foraging behavior. Instead of gulping from a bowl, the dog must work to get small rewards over time. That slowed intake reduces the speed of consumption and provides mental work, which many dogs find satisfying.

Finally, the texture of a mat—ridges, grooves and small pockets—gives tactile feedback. That focused oral activity can reduce displacement behaviors and make the dog less likely to choose attention-seeking or destructive behaviors when used as part of a broader enrichment plan.

Situations That Call for a Lick Mat (and the right timing)

During acute noise events like thunderstorms or fireworks, offer a lick mat as part of a calming protocol: a low-distraction environment, the mat with a favored spread, and brief duration at first. In my experience, combining a lick mat with soft background noise or gentle handling often works better than the mat alone.

For slow-feeding, substitute a portion of the dog’s regular meal on the mat so the total caloric intake remains stable. If the mat is used immediately after exercise, keep servings modest to reduce stomach volume right after heavy activity.

Puppies do well with short lick mat sessions because their attention spans are small; start with a minute or two and build up. For heavy chewers or dogs that might bite at the mat, freeze the spread inside a well-made silicone mat or use a shallower design to avoid prolonged, aggressive chewing on the mat itself.

Season affects choices: room-temperature spreads can be comforting in cold weather, while frozen mats serve as cooling enrichment in summer and also last longer, which is helpful during travel or extended alone time.

Spotting Risks: Lick Mat Safety and Warning Signs

Stop using a licking spread immediately if the dog shows vomiting, diarrhea, choking, breathing difficulty, sudden lethargy, or signs of oral pain. These signs suggest a medical reaction, obstruction, or food-related illness and should prompt veterinary advice.

Allergies and food intolerances are real concerns. Dairy may cause loose stools in some dogs; peanuts can be problematic if the dog has a history of sensitivity. I typically recommend trying a small test amount first and observing stools and behavior for 24–48 hours.

High-fat or high-sugar spreads increase the risk of pancreatitis over time in susceptible dogs and can contribute to obesity. Use calorie-conscious choices and measure portions. If a dog has a history of pancreatitis or chronic gastrointestinal issues, consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for tailored options.

Mat hazards include torn pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed and mold growth if mats are not cleaned properly or if organic spreads are left at room temperature for long periods. Inspect mats for damage before each use, clean after every session, and replace any mat with persistent tears.

Make a Lick Mat in Minutes — safe, simple preparation

Start by selecting a safe ingredient and scan the label for xylitol, artificial sweeteners, or other additives. When in doubt, choose plain single-ingredient items like pumpkin or mashed vegetables that are easy to confirm.

Decide on portion size based on your dog’s calorie needs. A practical method is to take the amount of a regular meal portion you would give and use only a fraction—often 10–25%—on the mat as an enrichment treat. Use the rest as the main meal.

Spread the food evenly across the mat so the dog can’t lick everything in one spot. Layering can increase interest: a thin base of pumpkin, a dab of yogurt, and a sprinkle of finely chopped cooked chicken creates texture variation. For longer-lasting sessions, place the mat in the freezer for several hours; frozen spreads slow the rate of consumption significantly.

Supervise the dog for the first few sessions to ensure they lick rather than repeatedly bite the mat, and to confirm tolerance to the ingredient. After the session, clean the mat promptly with hot soapy water or place a dishwasher-safe mat in the dishwasher. Dry completely before storing to reduce mold risk.

Integrating Lick Mats into Training and Everyday Routines

Introduce the lick mat gradually. Present the mat when the dog is calm and reward calm behavior around it. If the dog becomes overexcited, remove the mat and reintroduce on lower-value spreads until they learn that the mat is a settle cue rather than an invitation to jump or bark.

Use lick mats as part of an enrichment rotation; don’t rely on them as the sole form of mental engagement. Rotate different spreads, toys, and puzzle types across the week to reduce boredom and increase overall behavioral resilience.

For dogs with handling or veterinary-related anxiety, use the lick mat during low-stress practice sessions while touching ears, paws, and muzzle gently. This pairs positive oral reward with handling and may speed desensitization when done consistently and calmly.

Manage duration and frequency to avoid dependence. If a dog only calms when given a mat, gradually increase other forms of enrichment and coping strategies. The mat should be one tool among several for emotional support and enrichment.

Essential Tools and Safe Ingredients for Lick Mat Use

High-quality silicone lick mats with textured surfaces are durable, flexible, and often freezer-safe. Shallow slow-feeder trays can be an alternative for dogs that find deep grooves frustrating; pick mats that match your dog’s muzzle shape and licking style.

Keep simple tools on hand: a small spreader or spatula for even application, measuring scoops to control portions, and airtight containers for pre-made, freezer-safe portions. Freezer-safe muffin tins or silicone molds let you portion mixes ahead of time for quick use.

Opt for dishwasher-safe mats or those with smooth crevice designs that are easier to clean. A toothbrush can help remove stuck-on residue from textured mats. Consider lower-fat, low-sugar spreads and commercially formulated, tooth-friendly pastes if dental health is a priority for your dog.

References and Further Reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Pancreatitis in Dogs — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/pancreatitis/pancreatitis-in-dogs
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Separation Anxiety in Dogs — https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/separation-anxiety-dogs
• ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB): Resources on Canine Behavior and Anxiety — https://www.dacvb.org/owner-resources
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Toolkit — https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/