30 Delicious Lick mat Recipes Your Dog Will Love
Welcome to the ultimate lick mat and slow feeder guide for pet owners who are always on the lookout for innovative ways to spoil their furry friends! We have curated a list of 30 irresistible lick mat recipes that will turn your pet's treat time into an extravaganza of flavors. It's not just about tantalizing their taste buds, but also about providing them with nutrition-packed meals that contribute to their health and vitality.
These recipes are intended to be fun keeping in mind the diverse palate of our canine companions. From fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to the crunch of peanut butter and the sweetness of honey, there's something to cater to every dog's preference.
We're going to dive into these lip-smacking recipes that your dog is going to absolutely love, but first let's learn more about why it even matters!
The Benefits of Licking Pad and Lick Mats for Dogs
Prepare to embark on an exciting culinary journey for your dog! But first, let's uncover the magic behind an extraordinary tool that will transform your pet's dining experience - the silicone lick mat! Made from silicone rubber with dens and grooves, these mats provide a fun and delicious way for your dog to get their food. Your pup can lick around the mat to grab their food using their tongue, making mealtime more enjoyable and stimulating. Not just a feeding accessory, lick mats are a game changer in the world of pet wellness for a multitude of reasons:
- Mental Stimulation: Lick mats are the canine equivalent of Sudoku! They offer an interactive and fun-filled challenge that's proven to keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged. As they navigate the labyrinth of flavors, they're strategizing to lick up every last scrumptious bit.
- Soothing Therapy: The simple action of licking is a stress-buster for dogs, releasing calming hormones that soothe their nerves. It's like a Zen yoga session for their mind, helping reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Speed Regulator: Do you have a pet that gobbles up food faster than a Formula 1 race car? A lick mat can be your pit stop! It naturally slows down their eating pace, preventing unpleasant issues like choking, vomiting, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
- Dental Spa: Who knew maintaining oral health could be so delicious? The licking action not only tickles their taste buds but also promotes healthier teeth and gums by stimulating saliva production and cleaning the tongue.
Discover the transformative power of lick mats at WoofCrate, where we offer a variety of high-quality, durable lick mats perfect for these delightful recipes. So, are you ready to dive into a world of drool-worthy lick mat recipes that your dog is sure to adore? Let's dig in!
Top 30 Lick Mat Recipes That Dogs Love
Nutty Delights: A Boost of Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for your dog's coat, skin, and brain function. These recipes are loaded with good fats.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Bliss: Mix a ripe banana and 2 tablespoons of dog-friendly peanut butter. Spread evenly on the lick mat.
2. Carrot-Peanut Crunch: Cook a large carrot until soft, allow to cool, then blend with 2 tablespoons of dog-friendly peanut butter until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly on the lick mat.
Fruity Feast: A Burst of Vitamins and Antioxidants
Fruits are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that are beneficial for your dog's health. Here are some fruity recipes.
3. Autumn Delight: Blend together the flesh of 1 small cooked pumpkin (seeds and skin removed) and 1 cored apple until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the lick mat.
4. Blueberry Frostbite: Blend a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil until you achieve a smooth, purple paste. Spread this mixture onto the lick mat, ensuring even coverage, and freeze for a couple of hours until firm.
5. Berry Bliss: Blend a handful of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries) with Greek yogurt in a blender until smooth. Spread this fruity yogurt mix on the lick mat and freeze for a cooling treat.
6. Banana Blueberry Bliss: Blend 1 ripe banana with a handful of blueberries until you have a smooth, fruity mixture. Spread this antioxidant-rich mix on the lick mat.
7. Apple Pumpkin Pie: Mix equal parts of unsweetened applesauce and pumpkin puree until well combined. Spread this autumnal mix on the lick mat.
8. Pear Cheesy Dream: Blend a ripe pear with a scoop of cottage cheese until smooth. Spread this sweet and creamy mixture evenly on the lick mat.
9. Banana Rice Pudding: Cook rice as per the instructions, allow to cool, then blend with a ripe banana until smooth. Spread this comforting mixture on the lick mat.
10. Honeydew Heaven: Puree a slice of honeydew melon and mix with a tablespoon of honey until well blended. Spread this refreshing mixture on the lick mat.
Veggie Power: A Punch of Fiber and Minerals
Vegetables are a great source of fiber and essential minerals. These recipes are a great way to add veggies to your dog's diet.
11. Spinach Splash: Puree a handful of fresh spinach, 1 cored apple, and a scoop of dog-friendly plain yogurt in a blender until smooth. Spread this green mixture over the mat, filling up all the crevices.
12. Sweet Potato Paradise: Cook a sweet potato until soft, allow it to cool, and then puree it with a splash of unsalted chicken broth. Spread this thick, nutritious mixture evenly on the lick mat.
13. Beef Veggie Volcano: Cook lean beef, peas, and carrots until tender. Allow to cool then puree with a little water or unsalted beef broth until smooth. Spread this hearty mixture on the lick mat.
14. Pea Potato Medley: Cook sweet potato and peas until tender, allow to cool, then puree until smooth. Spread this veggie-packed mixture on the lick mat.
15. Chicken Zucchini Zest: Cook zucchini and chicken breast until tender, allow to cool, then blend together until smooth. Spread this lean, green mixture evenly on the lick mat.
16. Carrot Pea Carnival: Steam carrots and peas until tender, allow to cool, then puree until smooth. Spread this colorful veggie mix on the lick mat.
17. Veggie Medley: Puree steamed carrots, peas, and pumpkin. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and mix well. Spread evenly on the lick mat.
Protein Packed: For Muscle Health and Energy
Protein is essential for your dog's muscle health and energy. These recipes are packed with high-quality protein.
18. Chicken Soup Soother: Blend cooked chicken, a small carrot, and unsalted chicken broth in a blender until it forms a smooth soup. Pour this onto the lick mat, ensuring even distribution.
19. Turkey Quinoa Feast: Cook quinoa and ground turkey separately, then mix together while still warm. Add a little unsalted chicken broth if needed for consistency and spread on the lick mat.
20. Sardine Surprise: Open a can of sardines in water, drain, and mash the sardines until they form a paste. Spread this evenly on the lick mat for a seafood treat.
21. Tuna Treasure: Open a can of tuna in water, drain, and mash the tuna until it forms a paste. Spread this protein-rich mixture on the lick mat.
Protein is essential for your dog's muscle health and energy. These recipes are packed with high-quality protein. Recommended link: an article about the importance of protein in a dog's diet.
22. Chicken Soup Soother: Blend cooked chicken, a small carrot, and unsalted chicken broth in a blender until it forms a smooth soup. Pour this onto the lick mat, ensuring even distribution.
23. Turkey Quinoa Feast: Cook quinoa and ground turkey separately, then mix together while still warm. Add a little unsalted chicken broth if needed for consistency and spread on the lick mat.
24. Sardine Surprise: Open a can of sardines in water, drain, and mash the sardines until they form a paste. Spread this evenly on the lick mat for a seafood treat.
25. Tuna Treasure: Open a can of tuna in water, drain, and mash the tuna until it forms a paste. Spread this protein-rich mixture on the lick mat.
Dairy Delights: For Digestive Health
Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir are rich in probiotics, which can aid in your dog's digestion. Here are some recipes featuring these ingredients.
26. Banana Kefir Cloud: Blend 1 ripe banana with 1/2 cup of kefir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Spread this evenly on the lick mat for a probiotic-filled treat.
27. Pumpkin Cheesy Melt: Mix equal parts of canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) with cottage cheese until well combined. Spread this delicious mix on the lick mat.
Seafood Sensations: Omega-3 Powerhouse
Seafood is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog's skin, coat, and brain. These recipes feature seafood. Recommended link: an article about the benefits of Omega-3 for dogs.
28. Salmon Squash Fusion: Cook butternut squash until soft, allow to cool, then puree it. Mix with flaked cooked salmon. Spread this omega-3 rich mixture on the lick mat.
Grain and Fiber: For Digestive Health
Grains are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion, and can also provide essential nutrients. Here are some recipes that include grains.
29. Apple Oatmeal Oasis: Cook oatmeal as per the instructions, let it cool, and mix in finely chopped apples. Spread this sweet and savory mixture on the lick mat.
Hydration Heroes: Refreshing and Hydrating
These recipes are perfect for hot days and help keep your dog hydrated.
30. Watermelon Chill: Puree seedless watermelon until smooth, then freeze. Spread the frozen puree on the lick mat for a hydrating, cool treat.
Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. Enjoy these nutrition-packed lick mat recipes that your pup will love!
Do Lick Mats Help With Dog Anxiety?
Lick mats can be a helpful tool for dogs with anxiety. The repetitive licking motion can have a calming effect on dogs, similar to how some people find comfort in chewing gum or sucking on mints. Lick mats can also provide mental stimulation and distraction, which can help redirect anxious behaviors. However, it's important to note that lick mats should not be used as the sole solution for managing anxiety in dogs. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer to develop a comprehensive anxiety management plan for your dog.
Can You Freeze Dog Lick Mats?
Yes, you can freeze lick mats. Freezing them can provide a longer-lasting and more challenging experience for your pet. It can also help to soothe their gums and provide relief during teething or hot weather. Just make sure to use pet-safe ingredients when filling the lick mat and avoid freezing anything that could be harmful to your pet.
Lick Mats for Dogs
Lick mats are a great way to keep your dog occupied and provide mental stimulation. They can also be used as a tool for training and behavior modification.
When using lick mats, make sure to choose appropriate ingredients that are safe for dogs and always supervise your pup while they are using the mat.
With proper care, lick mats can last for years and freezing them will help extend the time your dog spends licking. So go ahead and give it a try – your dog will thank you!
And there you have it, a collection of 30 spectacular lick mat recipes that will make your dog's mealtime an adventure to remember! Each recipe has been designed to not just delight your furry friend's palate, but also to provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and energetic. These recipes also make for great snacks throughout the day, keeping your dog hydrated and refreshed.
Happy barks and bon appétit to your furry friends!
If you’d like to get a lick mat for yourself or learn more about them, check out WoofCrate’s lick mat and enrichment feeder offerings.
