Lick mats are flat rubber mats covered in ridges and bumps — spread them with something soft and your dog will lick contentedly for far longer than you’d expect. The sustained licking action is genuinely calming, and the combination of scent work and tongue effort provides real mental stimulation. They’re particularly useful for rainy day entertainment, bath time distraction, and settling an anxious dog.
Here are five recipes using ingredients you can find in a regular supermarket, including a few that freeze well for a longer-lasting challenge.
1. Frozen Fruit and Yoghurt
A good one for Australian summers — the frozen mat takes longer to work through and the cold is genuinely refreshing. Blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (seeds and rind removed) are all safe and nutritious choices. Use plain natural yoghurt with no added sweeteners.
Blend your chosen fruit with plain natural yoghurt until smooth, then spread the mixture across the mat. Don’t thin it with water — you want it thick enough to stay in place when you transfer it to the freezer. Freeze for a few hours until solid before giving it to your dog.
2. Peanut Butter and Banana
A classic combination — most dogs respond enthusiastically to both ingredients. Peanut butter is calorie-dense so use it in modest amounts, and always check the label first: peanut butter containing xylitol is toxic to dogs and must be avoided. Plain peanut butter with no added sweeteners is what you want.
Mash a ripe banana in a bowl, then mix in peanut butter until you have a thick, spreadable consistency. Spread across the mat and freeze for a few hours. The frozen version lasts noticeably longer than room temperature, which makes it a better choice for dogs that work through things quickly.
3. Sardine and Sweet Potato
A more nutritionally dense option — sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and protein, while sweet potato contributes fibre, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. This one requires a little cooking but most of that is passive time.
Peel and chop a sweet potato into small pieces, then boil or steam until tender. Drain and allow to cool. Open a can of sardines packed in water or their own juices — choose the lowest sodium option available. Combine the sardines and sweet potato in a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread onto the mat and freeze for a few hours before serving.
This is a particularly good option for dogs that are working on mental stimulation — the savoury smell makes them work harder and stay engaged longer than sweet options.
4. Dehydrated Meat and Bone Broth
This one involves a bit more preparation but makes a satisfying, high-value result. You can use a food dehydrator to make your own meat pieces — chicken breast works well — or use store-bought dehydrated dog treats if you’d prefer to skip that step.
Slice the meat into thin strips, remove any excess fat, and dehydrate until completely dry and crunchy. Prepare your bone broth (the Instinctive Bite bone broth works well here) and allow it to cool to room temperature. Spread the broth across the mat, arrange the dehydrated meat on top, then freeze for a few hours until solid. The broth freezes around the meat pieces, giving the dog different textures to work through as it thaws.
We use the BioChef dehydrator for making the meat — it’s reliable and sized well for small batches of dog treats.
5. Veggie and Cheese
Vegetables like carrots, sweet potato, and green beans are safe and nutritious for most dogs. Combined with a small amount of grated cheese, this makes a savoury, lower-sugar option for dogs that don’t need more sweetness in their life.
Wash and cut the vegetables into small pieces. Mix with grated cheese until evenly combined, spread onto the mat, and freeze. Keep portions modest — cheese is high in fat and calories, and some dogs are lactose intolerant. If your dog hasn’t had much dairy before, give a small amount first and monitor their reaction. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about their digestion.
💡 General Tips for All Recipes
- Freeze for longevity — a frozen mat takes significantly longer to work through than a room-temperature one, which gives the dog more mental engagement
- Supervise use — lick mats are generally very safe, but keep an eye on your dog in case pieces of the mat material start to come away with heavy use
- Account for calories — lick mat portions count toward the dog’s daily food intake; reduce their meal slightly on days they get a loaded mat
- Check safe foods first — not all vegetables are safe for dogs; confirm any new ingredient before using it
- Wash thoroughly after use — most lick mats are dishwasher safe; check the manufacturer’s instructions
