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The Top 5 Simple and Healthy Lick Mat Recipe Ideas in 2023
Author Anais M.
Last Updated: 02/10/2023
Index
The most versatile feeding and enrichment system
A dog lick mat is a textured silicone mat designed to slow your dog’s eating and provide mental stimulation (AKA enrichment).
Lick mats have raised bumps and ridges that make it difficult for your dog to woof down their food quickly.
There are lots of dog lick mat ideas with different dog-licking treats.
Owners often ask, What can I put on a lick mat for dogs? The answer is just about anything, and we cover every dog’s favourite lick mat recipes here.
Do you know the best lick mat for dogs or the best lick mat recipes for dogs? Both depend on your dog’s size, breed, weight and if they have any diet restrictions.
What to put on a lick mat for dogs
These treats are complimentary to your dog’s diet and should not be given as their main food
1 Dog-Safe Peanut butter without Xylitol or Sugar.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Most PB is safe for dogs to eat. Ensure it doesn’t contain Xylitol or added salt and sugar. Your ruff and tuff dog might seem bullet-proof but can be taken down by Xylitol.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener toxic to canines.
You wouldn't give artificial ingredients to a toddler. The same goes for your dog!
PB is a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
The healthiest peanut butter for dogs is unsalted, dog-specific, or homemade. High sodium levels can harm dogs, and homemade peanut butter does not contain extra sugar or other additives.
How much PB can your dog safely consume daily?
Like any other new food or treat, introduce them gradually to your dog. A basic guideline for dog peanut butter is:
½ teaspoon for a small dog (twice daily).
1 teaspoon for a medium sized or large dog (twice per day).
Source https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-peanut-butter
To be safe, choosing peanut butter labelled peanut butter for dogs or all-natural peanut butter is best. These types of peanut butter won’t contain Xylitol.
You should also avoid peanut butter that contains extra sugar or salt, as these can be unhealthy for dogs and cause obesity and other medical conditions such as pancreatitis.
Additional tips for giving your dog peanut butter
Ensure the peanut butter is smooth and creamy. Remember, your dog can choke on chunky peanut butter.
Supervise your dog when eating peanut butter to prevent them from overeating.
Always give the peanut butter on a lick, mat, silicone snuffle mat, Kong, or other enrichment aid. Using these will increase your dog’s enrichment time and allow them to ingest the PB slowly.
If you eat PB yourself, you will know how it can affect saliva and thirst. Therefore, always ensure your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water.
Dog-Friendly Peanut Butters
2. Dog-Friendly Yoghurt Products
Dog Yoghurt
“Can my dog eat yoghurt?” or “Can I give my dog natural yoghurt?“
Dog yoghurt is normally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts and is a great source of calcium and probiotics. However, choose plain, unsweetened yoghurt, because sweetened yoghurt can be high in sugar. As with peanut butter, avoid yoghurt with Xylitol.
With any new food, we recommend introducing yoghurt to your dog gradually and in small amounts so they do not have any adverse reactions.
Don’t give your dog yoghurt that has been sweetened with honey, as honey can also be toxic to dogs. Don’t give your dog too much either, as this can cause diarrhoea.
What Yoghurt can I give my dog?
Not sure whether yoghurt is safe for your dog? It is always best to consult your veterinarian.
You can use yoghurt straight out of the fridge and in frozen lick mat recipes.
3. Dog-Friendly Liver Products
Liver sprinkles are safe toppings for dog food and can be used just as well on a lick mat for dogs. These can be sprayed with water and worked into the grooves to make your dog work harder.
Other lick-mat ideas are using regular human meat paste you would have on toast or a liver paste. Check the label so you can make up your mind about how much salt they contain. Homemade meaty gravy works very well with some hidden pureed veg.
Choose a spread that is made with ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat.
- Avoid spreads that contain onions, garlic, grapes, or other toxic ingredients to dogs.
- Choose a spread that is low in fat.
- Give your dog a small amount of spread at first to see how they react to it.
- If your dog has any health problems, talk to your Vet before giving them a meaty sandwich spread that is made for humans.
- Overall, being cautious about giving your dog any spread is essential. While some dogs may enjoy the taste of it, it’s crucial to choose a spread that is safe for them to eat and to give them a small amount at first.
Anxiety And Stress Reduction Licking can calm dogs, helping reduce anxiety and stress.
Using a lick mat can provide a soothing and relaxing activity.
Studies show that licking releases endorphins in dogs, which helps soothe them.
This is why licking can sometimes become excessive, and dogs lick their paws for hours. So a lick mat’s main purpose is to give dogs, especially puppies, a positive way to receive the feel-good hormones they get from licking
Liver and meat paste
4. Regular dog food
When spread on a lick mat, your dog’s everyday soft dog food can attract their curiosity, even if they won’t eat it from their bowl. Shitzu owners know all about their fussy ways and how hard it can be to get them too easy. Mine is no different, so sometimes I put her dinner on a lick mat, and she eats it from there. Are there any dog psychologists out there?
Spread it as usual and maybe hide in some extra treats like a bit of liver paste or meat to keep them interested. Their regular crushed kibble makes the whole experience last longer, and they think they are getting something different.
If you ever think, “Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats?” then play him at his own game. Put his dog food on a lick or snuffle mat and thinks he is in ‘treat mode‘.
Soft Dog Food for Licky Mats
Dog Lick Mat Ideas with Frozen Treats
Whatever treat your pup likes on their lick mat, freezing the mat will usually double their enrichment time.
Hot weather is welcome for humans, but it is almost always uncomfortable for our pets when the mercury hits 24 degrees C and dangerous for dogs above that.
Every dog parent knows they can’t sweat, can quickly overheat, or worse, suffer from heatstroke.
Freezing your dog’s lick mats all year round is an excellent idea because it provides more of a challenge for them.
A frozen dog lick mat can be made much more fun in the summertime if it contains frozen watermelon, blueberries, peanut butter, doggie-safe yoghurt, pureed fruit and veg (pumpkin is a perennial favourite), cream cheese, and our favourite – mashed banana.
Let me know in the comments below if you want more frozen dog lick mat recipes added when I update this page.
The Benefits of a Lick Mat for Dogs
A dog licky mat is low-cost, versatile and will easily last a few years, providing it isn’t eaten!
If your pup is small enough, a lick mat can be used as a bowl replacement and can always be used as an enrichment mat for any sized dog.
Remember, your dog will become hyper-excited when using the mat and will need plenty of drinking water at all times.
What about licky mats for puppies? In our experience, puppies can get too excited and are prone to chew lick mats, and they should always be watched when first using the mat.
Most lick mats come with suckers on the reverse that can be used to stick the mat to a shiny surface like bathroom tiles or floor tiles. They don’t adhere very well on laminate floors, especially if they have wood-effect patterns.
With the lick mat in place, you should get a clear 10 minutes to wash or groom your pup.
Conclusion
Dog lick mats and treats are very popular because of their utility. When buying both, consider your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Avoid foods containing artificial ingredients, such as colours, flavours, and preservatives.
If you need help deciding on the best treats for your pet, talk to your Vet.