Enrichment Dog Lick Mats

Flower Dog Enrichment Lick Mat $20.99 2 Size available
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Jigsaw Dog Enrichment Lick Mat $20.99 3 Color available
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What is a Dog Lick Mat?

Spread your pup’s favorite treat—like peanut butter or yogurt—into the grooves of the lick mat for a fun, tasty challenge. Freeze it for a refreshing summer treat! Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials, our mats come in shapes and sizes to suit any dog.

Benefits of Lick Mats & Puzzle Bowls for Dogs

1

Mind Games

Adds a fun challenge to mealtime, providing mental stimulation. Regular bowls do not provide a brain exercise or good eating habits.

2

Healthy Digestion & Mouth

Encourages taking time to enjoy food, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. The act of licking can help clean the tongue, improving oral hygiene and resulting in fresher breath.

3

Stress Reduction

Licking releases endorphins, helping to calm and soothe your dog, making lick mats especially useful during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks.

4

Durable and Lasting

Crafted from high-quality rubber in North America, these mats are designed to withstand the long run, offering long-lasting fun and value for money. Dishwasher safe.

4 Easy Dog Lick Mat Recipes

Choosing The Right Enrichment Mat

Rubber Lick Mat

A lick mat is a textured rubber mat designed to spread soft foods and treats across its surface. This innovative tool encourages dogs to lick and savor their treats slowly, which not only prolongs their enjoyment but also has calming effects. Licking releases endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Moreover, the consistent licking aids in cleaning the dog's tongue and stimulating saliva production, benefiting dental health.

Nylon Puzzle Bowl

Puzzle bowls are intricately designed feeding tools that turn mealtime into a brain-engaging game for dogs. With various compartments and obstacles, these bowls challenge dogs to think and strategize in order to access their food. This design inherently slows down their eating pace, minimizing the risk of rapid consumption and subsequent issues like bloating. Made often from durable plastic, they also cater to different levels of canine intelligence and curiosity, ensuring meals are both fun and mentally stimulating.

Lick Mats Vs. Puzzle Bowls

Comparison of enrichment lick mats and puzzle bowls

ProductsLick MatsPuzzle Bowls
What is it used for?

Rewarding & enriching snack, stress relief, slow eating

Slow fast eaters, rewarding and anxiety relief

Sensory Experience

Very soothing to lick the different textures

Foraging for food by making it challenging

Stress Relief
Dental/Oral Health
Easy to Clean (dishwasher)
Difficulty Level

Easy to get started (can choose more or less challenging patterns)

More challenging

Texture

Soft rubber

Tough nylon (plastic)

Promotes Slow Eating

Slightly

Yes! Very challenging

When choosing between Lick Mats and Puzzle Bowls, several factors come into play. Both are excellent choices, but each has its unique features:

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Consider Choosing lick mats for a calming and versatile treat experience. Opt for puzzle bowls for challenging and mentally stimulating mealtimes. Every dog is different; try both to find the perfect fit!

Why Lick Mats Are a Must-Have for Dog Parents

If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably heard the buzz about lick mats. These simple tools are more than just trendy – they’re packed with benefits for your pup. From soothing anxious minds to turning mealtime into a fun challenge, here’s why dog owners (and their furry friends) can’t get enough of them.

There are a large range of benefits of lick mats and slow feeders!

1. Mental Stimulation

A bored dog is a mischievous dog. Lick mats offer an easy way to engage your pup’s brain while keeping them happily entertained.

Just spread their favorite treat—like peanut butter, plain yogurt, or even mashed sweet potato—into the textured grooves, and watch them work to get every last bit. It’s like a puzzle for their tongue! For an added twist, freeze the mat before giving it to them. The extra challenge will keep them occupied even longer.

2. Slow Feeding

Does your dog inhale their food in record time? A lick mat can help slow them down, turning a rushed meal into a more mindful experience.

Spreading their food across the mat’s surface encourages slower eating, which can:

  • Reduce the risk of choking and vomiting.
  • Help prevent bloat, especially in larger breeds.
  • Support better digestion overall.

Looking for creative topping ideas? Here’s a list of 30 Delicious Lick Mat Recipes Your Dog Will Love.

3. Low-Calorie Fun

One of the best things about lick mats? You don’t need much to keep your dog’s attention. A thin layer of a healthy spread—like pumpkin puree or unsweetened applesauce—is all it takes.

Since you’re only using small amounts of food, lick mats are perfect for low-calorie snacks that won’t leave your pup feeling deprived. They’re a great way to treat your dog without worrying about extra pounds.

4. Reduce Anxiety

If your dog gets stressed during thunderstorms, fireworks, or trips to the vet, a lick mat can work wonders. The simple act of licking releases endorphins, which naturally help calm your dog down.

Think of it as a comfort activity, like how some people unwind with a good book or their favorite snack. Regular licking sessions can even help your dog feel more relaxed overall.

Try These Lick Mat Recipes

Want to make your pup’s lick mat sessions even better? You can whip up all kinds of healthy, dog-friendly recipes with just a few simple ingredients.

From frozen peanut butter pops to fruit and yogurt blends, the possibilities are endless. Check out these 30 Delicious Lick Mat Recipes Your Dog Will Love for inspiration.

Should I Get a Lick Mat or Puzzle Bowl?

Dog Lick Mat: Calm and Engaging

Perfect for dogs who enjoy quieter playtimes, our lick mats are more than just toys—they’re a tool for relaxation and enrichment.

  • Promotes calm behavior: Ideal for soothing anxious pups or creating a peaceful routine.
  • Fun and rewarding: Spread their favorite treat—like peanut butter or yogurt—into the grooves for a tasty, engaging challenge.
  • Perfect for sensory play: The textured surface keeps your dog entertained while encouraging a sense of calm.

Dog Puzzle Bowl: A Challenge for Curious Minds

For pups who love solving puzzles (and for those who scarf down meals too quickly), our puzzle bowls are a game-changer.

  • Mental stimulation: Turn mealtime into an engaging activity that challenges your dog’s brain.
  • Healthier eating habits: Slowing down your dog’s eating pace helps prevent bloating, choking, and overeating.
  • Keeps boredom at bay: Perfect for dogs who love to think, explore, and solve problems.

Lick Mat Questions

Below are some questions and answers to popular lick mat questions.

Lick mats are textured silicone or rubber mats designed for dogs to lick food or treats spread across them. Licking stimulates saliva production, aiding digestion. Moreover, the repetitive motion can calm and soothe dogs, reducing anxiety and boredom.

Simply spread a dog-friendly treat or food over the surface of the lick mat. Popular options include peanut butter (ensure it's xylitol-free), yogurt, or wet dog food. Then, place it on the floor for your dog to enjoy. Always supervise during use.

Lick mats are generally safe for most dogs when used under supervision. Choose a mat appropriate for your dog's size, and ensure the treat you spread isn't a choking hazard. It's also essential to check for any potential allergens in the treat used.

Our lick mats can be cleaned with warm soapy water after each use. They are also dishwasher-safe. Regularly inspect the mat for any wear and tear to ensure safety.

Yes, freezing a lick mat with the treat spread on it can prolong the licking experience. This is especially beneficial in warm weather, providing a cooling treat for your dog.

Lick Mat Articles

Learn all about Lick Mats & Enrichment for Dogs

happy dog licking a lick mat

30 Delicious Lickmat Recipes Your Dog Will Love

Looking for ways to spoil your furry friend? Use one of our lick mats along with any of our 30 delicious lick mat recipes for a super enriching treat.