Lick mats are a great way to provide a fun activity for your dog. They are easy to use and simply involve spreading some soft food across the rough surface of the mat. This allows your dog to lick the food off.
What Can I Put On A Lick Mat?
There are plenty of affordable options that you may already have in your kitchen. You could try plain yoghurt, smashed banana, pumpkin, cucumber or your dog’s usual wet food.
However, it is important to ensure what you are putting on the lick mat is safe for your dog.
Here are 10 safe and affordable options to try.
Why Use A Lick Mat For Dogs?
Lick mats have lots of little ridges and patterns along with rough areas to stick soft food onto. This allows your dog to use their tongue to scoop up the food.
A few benefits of using a lick mat with your dog include:
A lick mat should not replace walks, exercise, training or socialisation. It should only be a small part of a balanced mental stimulation routine.
10 Safe And Affordable Options To Use On A Lick Mat
You don’t need to spend a lot on dog treats to create a lick mat. Here are some simple options that can be affordable if kept plain and fed in the correct amount.
1 Plain Yoghurt
One of the easiest options to use. It has a smooth texture and can easily be spread over the ridges.
Make sure to choose plain, unflavoured, unsweetened yoghurt. Avoid any products that have xylitol in them as it is toxic to dogs.
Some dogs struggle to digest lactose so if your dog has a sensitivity, they may struggle with yoghurt. Start with a tiny amount or use a dairy free product that your vet can confirm is safe.
Place a small amount of plain yoghurt onto the lick mat. Spread over the surface. Serve straight away or place in the freezer for a short amount of time.
2 Smashed Banana
A great option as it is soft and easy to smash.
Simply remove the skin and smash a small amount with a fork. This can be placed straight onto the lick mat or mixed with another suitable option.
As banana contains natural sugars, it should be fed in moderation.
Peel the banana. Smash a small amount. Spread over the surface.
3 Plain Pumpkin Puree
Another great option. The thicker texture can easily be spread over the surface. Many dogs love the mild flavour.
Choose a plain cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree. Avoid any with added sugar, spice or other ingredients. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling as it may contain unsuitable ingredients for dogs.
Place a small amount of plain pumpkin puree onto the mat. Spread evenly over. Serve fresh or place in the freezer.
Don’t overfeed as it can cause tummy issues.
4 Peanut Butter
Many dogs love peanut butter. It has a thick texture.
Before feeding, make sure the ingredients are safe. Choose a plain peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol (birch sugar). This is extremely toxic to dogs.
Avoid any with added chocolate, too much salt or other unsuitable ingredients. Peanut butter is also high in fat so only feed a small amount.
Check the label. Spread a very thin layer. Only feed occasionally.
5 Smashed Sweet Potato
An affordable option to use when creating homemade mental stimulation for your dog.
Peel and cook the sweet potato until it is soft. Don’t add any butter, salt, sugar or seasoning.
The smooth texture can easily be spread over the ridges.
Cook a small sweet potato until it is soft. Remove the skin and leave to cool. Then smash until smooth.
Only feed cooked sweet potato.
6 Cucumber Puree
A simple option to try.
Wash the cucumber and remove any hard parts if needed. Blend or smash into a soft texture. Alternatively finely grate and place a small amount onto the lick mat.
It is low in calories however should still be fed in moderation.
Wash a fresh cucumber. Remove the ends. Blend or finely grate a small portion. Spread over the lick mat.
Don’t add any salt, sauce or seasoning.
7 Smashed Apple
Adding apple can give a natural sweetness.
Wash the apple and remove the core and seeds. Smash a small amount of the flesh.
If your dog can tolerate dairy, you can mix with a little plain yoghurt.
Wash the apple. Peeling is optional. Remove the core and all of the seeds. Smash a small amount of the flesh. Spread thinly over the surface.
Avoid using sweetened applesauce or anything with added sugar or unsuitable ingredients.
8 Your Dog’s Usual Wet Food
Sometimes you don’t need to make a special treat. You can use your dog’s usual wet food.
This can be a great option if you want to keep things familiar.
Simply measure out the right amount of your dog’s usual food and spread over the surface.
Measure out a portion of your dog’s usual wet food. Spread over the rough areas. Serve as part of their meal.
Make sure to count this towards their daily meals. Don’t add any extra calories.
9 Cooked & Smashed Carrot
Another affordable option to use.
Cook the carrot until it is soft. Leave to cool and then smash into a smooth texture. Don’t add any butter, salt or seasoning.
Cooked carrots are easier to spread.
Wash and peel the carrot. Cook until it is completely soft. Leave to cool. Smash and spread a small amount.
Don’t leave any large hard pieces as they can be a choking hazard.
10 Plain Low Sodium Broth Gel
A small amount of plain broth can add some flavour to the lick mat.
Choose a dog safe broth or make a simple homemade option. Make sure there is no onion, garlic, too much salt or seasoning.
As it is a liquid you may need to thicken it up or place in the freezer. If the lick mat is suitable for freezing, you can place a small amount in the mat itself.
Choose a plain dog safe broth. Check the ingredients carefully. Add a small amount to the mat. Freeze until it has the right texture.
Ensure it isn’t too hard for your dog to lick.
How To Make A Lick Mat For Your Dog
To create a lick mat simply follow the steps below.
- Choose a clean lick mat and wash. Ensure there are no damaged or loose parts.
- Choose a safe option. Either feed your dog something they can already tolerate or introduce a new food.
- Prepare the food. Mash, blend or spread.
- Spoon or use a spatula to spread over the rough areas. Make sure it is spread thinly.
- Serve straight away or place in the freezer for a short amount of time. If the lick mat is suitable.
- Keep an eye on your dog whilst they use the lick mat. If they start to chew it, remove.
Start off with a simple option. This will make it easier to see if something doesn’t agree with your dog.
Tips To Make Lick Mats More Fun
Once your dog knows how to use a lick mat, you can try a few simple tips to make it more enjoyable.
- Try using different toppings. Rotate between suitable options.
- Try mixing two things your dog can tolerate. Such as pumpkin and smashed banana.
- Spread thinly over the ridges.
- Try freezing for a short amount of time. Some toppings will firm up.
- Keep the portions small. The lick mat should fit within your dog’s usual daily food allowance.
- Choose a easy surface. Ensure they can use the lick mat comfortably.
You don’t need to over complicate things. A simple topping can be enjoyable.
Common Mistakes With Lick Mats
Lick mats are easy to use. However there are a few common mistakes you can make.
Feeding Unsafe Foods
Never assume something is safe as we eat it. Avoid feeding chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and anything with xylitol in.
Overfeeding
You don’t need to feed too much. It can add unnecessary calories.
Too Many New Foods
Feeding too many new foods will make it difficult to tell what has caused their tummy to be upset.
Try one new food at a time and start with a small amount.
Not Keeping An Eye On Your Dog
Some dogs enjoy licking the mat however others may try to chew it. Keep an eye on them and remove if it gets damaged.
Not Cleaning
Food can get stuck in the small ridges. Wash thoroughly following the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave to dry.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Peanut Butter On A Dog Lick Mat?
Yes. You can use a small amount of plain peanut butter. Avoid anything with xylitol or other unsuitable ingredients. Check the label carefully. Peanut butter is high in fat.
2. Can Dogs Have Yogurt On A Lick Mat?
Many can. Feed a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt. However some dogs are sensitive to lactose. Avoid any flavoured or sweetened yogurt. Never use anything with xylitol in.
3. Can I Freeze A Dog Lick Mat?
Yes. If the lick mat is freezer safe. Spread a suitable topping over and place in the freezer for a short amount of time. Ensure it isn’t too hard for your dog to lick.
4. How Often Can I Give My Dog A Lick Mat?
You can include lick mats in your dog’s routine. Just ensure they are using the right ingredients and amounts. Consider the calories in the toppings and adjust their meals accordingly. Don’t feed too much.
5. What Should I Never Put On A Dog Lick Mat?
Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and anything with xylitol. Avoid foods with too much salt, added sugar or unsuitable seasonings.
6. Can Puppies Use Lick Mats?
Often yes. However ensure the lick mat is the correct size and is puppy safe. Use soft suitable foods and small amounts. Ensure it isn’t easily damaged by chewing. If you’re unsure what is suitable for your puppy, speak to your vet.
Final Thoughts
A lick mat is a simple and affordable way to add some variety to your dog’s indoor mental stimulation. You don’t need to spend lots on treats or create complicated recipes.
You can try plain yoghurt, smashed banana, pumpkin puree, cooked sweet potato, cucumber or your dog’s usual wet food.
Always check the ingredients, introduce new foods slowly and feed the right amount for your dog’s size and daily meals. Most importantly keep an eye on them and ensure the lick mat is clean.
With a few simple ingredients you can make a plain snack into something enjoyable.
Happy Paws, Happier Homes!
