What should I put on a dog licking mat? You can put many safe, dog-friendly foods on a lick mat! Good choices include yogurt, mashed banana, canned pumpkin, dog-safe purees, and smooth peanut butter for dogs. Always check that any ingredient you use is safe for your dog first. Licking mats are great tools. They help keep your dog busy. They also offer mental stimulation. This guide will show you the best things to spread on your dog’s mat.
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Why Use a Licking Mat for Your Dog?
Licking is a soothing action for dogs. It lowers their heart rate. It releases feel-good chemicals in their brains. A lick mat helps your dog do this calming activity. This is especially useful when you need your dog to settle down. Think bath time or nail trims.
Licking mats promote slower eating. This can help dogs who gulp their food too fast. It makes snack time last longer. This adds enrichment to their day. Enrichment is very important for a happy dog.
Choosing the Right Spreads: Safety First
Not all human foods are safe for dogs. Never use anything with xylitol. Xylitol is a common sweetener in many products, including some peanut butters. It is very toxic to dogs. Always read labels carefully.
When looking for the best smear for lick mat, think about texture. The spread needs to stick to the mat’s grooves. It should be thick enough not to drip away too quickly. It should also be easy for your dog to lick off.
Foods to AVOID on Lick Mats:
- Foods with lots of salt or sugar.
- Chocolate or caffeine products.
- Grapes or raisins.
- Avocado (in large amounts).
- Xylitol or artificial sweeteners.
- Dairy products if your dog is lactose intolerant (yogurt might be okay in small amounts).
Top 5 Simple Spreads for Your Dog’s Lick Mat
These simple options are easy to find. They are usually safe for most dogs.
1. Plain Yogurt (Unsweetened)
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is a great base. It’s creamy and dogs often love the taste.
- Health Note: Use full-fat or low-fat plain yogurt. Check the label to ensure there is no added sugar. Some dogs do well with Greek yogurt, but introduce it slowly.
- Texture Tip: Yogurt spreads easily. It’s great for a quick treat.
2. Canned Pumpkin Puree (Not Pie Filling!)
Canned pumpkin is a champion for dog digestion. It is high in fiber.
- Health Note: Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has spices like nutmeg, which can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Use Case: Great for soothing mild tummy issues. This makes it a fantastic calming dog treat for lick mat.
3. Mashed Banana
Bananas are sweet and soft. They work well when mashed thoroughly.
- Health Note: Bananas are high in natural sugar. Use them in moderation as an occasional treat.
- Texture Tip: Mash it well so there are no large chunks.
4. Unsalted, Unsweetened Applesauce
Applesauce is another safe fruit option.
- Health Note: Like bananas, applesauce contains sugar. Feed it as a special snack. Make sure it has no added sugar or cinnamon.
5. Commercial Dog Food Purees
Many companies now make wet dog food specifically for spreading. These are made with dog health in mind.
- Benefit: You know the ingredients are balanced for dogs. They often have a perfect, thick texture.
Advanced Spreads: Creating a Dog Lick Mat Recipe
If you want to try something new, mix a few safe ingredients together. These recipes can offer more nutrition and fun flavors.
Simple Peanut Butter Based Dog Lick Mat Recipe
This is the most popular choice, but remember xylitol safety!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth peanut butter for dogs | 2 Tablespoons | Must be xylitol-free! |
| Plain Yogurt | 1 Tablespoon | Adds moisture and probiotics. |
| Mashed Banana | 1 Teaspoon | For extra sweetness. |
How to Prepare: Mix all ingredients well. Use a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the mat grooves.
Carrot & Sweet Potato Puppy Lick Mat Spread
This blend is great for puppies or dogs needing fiber.
- Preparation: Steam or boil a small sweet potato or carrot until very soft. Mash it completely until smooth. Mix in a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt for better spreading.
- Benefit: Excellent source of vitamins and fiber.
Liver Treat Spread
For the dog who loves meaty flavors, this is a winner.
- Preparation: Take a small amount of plain, cooked, unseasoned liver (chicken or beef). Mash it very finely with a fork. Add a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to make it spreadable.
- Caution: Liver is rich. Use this sparingly.
Making It Last Longer: Frozen Dog Lick Mat Ideas
When you want the treat to last longer, freezing is the best trick. This is especially useful for anxious dogs or during long car rides.
The Yogurt Block
- Mix plain, unsweetened yogurt with a drizzle of water.
- Pour the mixture into the lick mat.
- Place the entire mat in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until solid.
- Serve frozen! The dog has to work much harder to lick the ice, extending the session.
Broth Popsicles
- Use low-sodium, plain chicken or beef broth. Ensure it has no onion or garlic powder.
- Pour the broth into the mat.
- Freeze until solid.
- This is a hydrating, low-calorie option, especially good in warm weather.
The Full Meal Freeze
You can freeze raw food for dog lick mat applications, provided you follow strict food safety rules. If you feed a balanced raw diet, you can use a small portion of their daily ration and freeze it onto the mat.
- Safety Note: Always wash the mat thoroughly after using raw ingredients. This prevents cross-contamination.
Peanut Butter Alternatives for Dog Lick Mats
Some dogs cannot have peanuts due to allergies or if their owners prefer to avoid them. What are the peanut butter alternatives for dog lick mats?
| Alternative Spread | Primary Ingredient | Best For | Texture Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower Seed Butter | Roasted Sunflower Seeds | Nut allergies | Ensure it’s low-salt and xylitol-free. |
| Pumpkin Seed Butter | Pumpkin Seeds | Rich in minerals | Can be slightly oily; use less. |
| Plain Hummus (No Garlic/Onion) | Chickpeas | A thicker, savory option | Must be completely free of toxic spices. |
| Mashed Avocado | Avocado Flesh | Creamy texture | Use in small amounts; high in fat. |
Important Note on Seed Butters: Just like peanut butter, always verify that these seed butters do not contain xylitol. Many commercial brands add it for texture.
Healthy Dog Treats for Lick Mats
Focus on treats that provide nutritional value alongside fun.
Veggie Purees
- Sweet Potato: Excellent source of Vitamin A. Boil or steam until very soft, then mash.
- Carrots: Cooked carrots are easier to digest and blend well.
- Peas: Mash briefly or use small amounts of thawed frozen peas mixed with yogurt.
Fruit Purees (Use Sparingly)
Fruits are sugary, so treat them like candy.
- Blueberry puree (great antioxidants).
- Mashed strawberries.
Specialty Spreads
- Bone Broth Gel: Cook down high-quality bone broth until it forms a thick gel or very thick liquid. Pour into the mat and freeze. This is fantastic for joint health.
- Cottage Cheese: Some dogs tolerate cottage cheese well. It adds protein and calcium. Ensure it’s low sodium and watch for dairy issues.
How to Use a LickiMat Effectively
Simply smearing food on the mat is only half the battle. Proper usage maximizes the benefits.
Placement is Key
Place the mat on a non-slip surface. Use a surface that is easy to clean, like tile or linoleum. If the mat slides, the dog gets frustrated.
- Tip: Many lick mats come with suction cups. If yours doesn’t, place a damp towel underneath the mat to keep it still.
Introducing the Mat to a New Dog
If your dog has never used one, they might be confused.
- Start by using a very appealing, easy-to-reach spread, like plain yogurt.
- Spread it lightly on the outer edges of the mat.
- Place the mat on the floor and let your dog investigate.
- If they still don’t get it, gently rub a little spread onto their nose so they smell it. They should figure out licking the mat is the way to get more.
Using the Mat for Calming
The calming dog treat for lick mat session should be distraction-free.
- During Grooming: Place the mat down just before you start brushing or trimming nails. The intense focus on licking distracts them from the process.
- Crate Training: A frozen mat makes a great, long-lasting distraction when introducing the crate.
Duration and Frequency
Licking sessions should be managed. For a regular treat, 10 to 15 minutes is usually a good session length. This provides enough mental work without overfeeding calories.
- Calorie Control: Always account for the calories in the spread. If you use a rich best smear for lick mat like peanut butter, reduce your dog’s next meal slightly.
Serving Suggestions for Different Dogs
What you spread changes based on your dog’s age and needs.
For Puppies
Puppies need easily digestible food. They are also learning new things constantly.
- Use soft, small portions.
- Mashed banana or plain pumpkin works well.
- Keep the spreads thin until you know how their digestion reacts. This is a great puppy lick mat spread activity.
For Senior Dogs
Senior dogs often benefit from joint support and softer food.
- Use bone broth gels or thinned wet food.
- Avoid very hard or frozen items if they have dental issues.
For Dogs on Weight Loss Plans
Choose low-calorie, high-volume options.
- Plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree.
- Watermelon flesh (seedless and rind removed).
- Thinly spread, low-fat cottage cheese.
Making Your Own Raw Food for Dog Lick Mat Mixture
For owners who feed a raw food for dog lick mat diet, preparation is key for safety and texture.
Recipe Idea: Raw Meat Paste
- Take a small portion (about 1 ounce) of your dog’s normal, balanced raw ground meat mix (e.g., chicken or beef).
- Mix it with a teaspoon of plain, ground bone (if your dog eats ground bone raw).
- Add just enough water or low-sodium bone broth to make a thick paste that sticks to the back of a spoon.
- Spread this mixture onto the mat.
- Freeze immediately. Freezing helps secure the meat and slows down consumption.
- Wash hands and the mat thoroughly after use with hot, soapy water.
Table: Spread Comparison for Quick Reference
This table helps you compare popular healthy dog treats for lick mats options.
| Spread Type | Calorie Density | Preparation Difficulty | Licking Time (Estimate) | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth peanut butter for dogs | Medium/High | Very Easy | 10 – 15 mins (Room Temp) | High reward flavor, high fat content. |
| Plain Yogurt | Low | Very Easy | 5 – 10 mins (Room Temp) | Probiotics, quick cool-down. |
| Frozen Broth | Very Low | Easy (Freezing Time) | 15 – 25 mins (Frozen) | Hydration, very long session. |
| Mashed Sweet Potato | Medium | Medium (Cooking Needed) | 10 – 18 mins (Room Temp) | Vitamin A, fiber. |
| Raw Food Paste | Medium | Medium (Safety Focus) | 15 – 20 mins (Frozen) | Complete meal element, high satisfaction. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lick Mats
Can I leave the lick mat down all day?
No. Lick mats should be used for supervised treat sessions. Leaving it down encourages constant grazing, which can lead to overfeeding. It also gets messy and can harbor bacteria if left out too long. Put it away once the dog is finished or after about 20 minutes.
Is smooth peanut butter for dogs better than crunchy?
Yes, smooth peanut butter for dogs is much better for lick mats. Crunchy peanut butter has large pieces that can be hard to clean out of the mat’s small grooves. More importantly, large chunks might break off and be swallowed too quickly, defeating the purpose of slow licking.
My dog licks too fast. What can I do?
If your dog inhales the spread, you need something harder to get. The best solution is freezing. Try one of the frozen dog lick mat ideas. You can also spread the food thinly. Thicker layers are easier to clear quickly. Use a mat with deeper grooves if you have a fast licker.
Are xylitol-free crackers okay to use on the mat?
While crackers are generally safe if they don’t have onion/garlic/xylitol, they are usually too dry. They won’t stick well to the mat. It is better to use a moist spread. If you want a crunchy texture, try mixing a small amount of plain, unsweetened rolled oats into a yogurt base.
Can I use baby food as a spread?
Yes, baby food makes an excellent puppy lick mat spread. Look for single-ingredient purees like carrot, sweet potato, or squash. Always check the label to ensure there are absolutely no added seasonings, starches, or thickeners not meant for dogs. This is one of the easiest healthy dog treats for lick mats.
What is the best way to clean a lick mat after using sticky spreads?
First, rinse off any large bits immediately with warm water. Then, use hot, soapy water and a small brush (like an old toothbrush or bottle brush) to scrub the grooves thoroughly. Ensure all food residue is gone. If you used meat or raw food, you might want to run it through the dishwasher afterward for extra sanitation.
How often can I give my dog a lick mat session?
For most healthy dogs, one session per day is plenty for mental enrichment. If you are using it specifically as a medical aid (like during vet visits or thunderstorms), you can use it more often, but always reduce their regular food portion that day to balance calories.