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5 Unique Dog Lick Mat Ideas to Keep Your Pup Busy

Looking for new ways to keep your pup entertained and stimulated? Dog lick mat ideas might just be the answer you’re looking for! Dog lick mats are flat, rubber mats that are covered in small bumps or ridges. They are designed to be spread with a soft and sticky food, such as peanut butter or yogurt, and then given to your pup to lick off.

Lick mats have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their ability to keep dogs entertained and stimulated for longer periods of time. In this article, we’ll explore 5 unique dog lick mat ideas that you can try at home to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Our Top 5 Lick Mat Recipes for Dogs

From the sweet and fruity Frozen Fruit Dog Lick Mat to the savoury and meaty Dehydrated Meat Lick Mat, we’ve got your pup covered with delicious and nutritious options. So, let’s dive into the world of lick mat recipes for dogs and treat our furry friends to some fun and healthy snacking!

#1: Frozen Fruit Dog Lick Mat Idea

Summer in Australia can be sweltering for both humans and dogs. But what better way to cool down your furry friend than with a refreshing frozen fruit lick mat? Not only is this idea delicious and fun, but it’s also a healthy treat for your pup.

dog lick mat idea with yogurt and blueberries

Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (don’t forget to remove the rind and seeds) are all excellent choices for dogs as they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants. To create a frozen fruit lick mat, simply mix some blended fruit with plain yogurt and spread it over the mat.

dog lick mat idea
Use natural yogurt with no additional sweeteners and don’t add any water so it’s easy to move your lick mat into your freezer.

Then, pop it in the freezer for a few hours until it’s solid. Once it’s frozen, give it to your pup to lick and enjoy! This idea can keep your dog entertained for longer periods of time as they work to lick off all the frozen goodness. Just be sure to supervise your dog while they’re using the lick mat to prevent any choking hazards.

#2: Peanut Butter and Banana Lick Mat

Many dogs love peanut butter, and bananas are also a favourite among many pups. Combining the two can make for a delicious and engaging dog lick mat idea. However, it’s important to note that peanut butter is high in calories, so it’s best to use it in moderation and for smaller lick mats.

dog lick mat idea with peanut butter and banana

Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

  • Peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
  • Ripe bananas
  • Lick mat

Start by mashing the banana in a bowl, and then add peanut butter to the mix until you have a thick and creamy consistency. Spread the mixture onto the lick mat and freeze it for a few hours. Once frozen, give it to your dog to enjoy.

small lick mat for dogs with peanut butter and banana

#3: Sardines and Sweet Potato Dog Lick Mat Idea

Sardines and sweet potatoes are both highly nutritious foods for dogs. Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and protein, while sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Combining these two ingredients makes for a healthy and delicious lick mat option for your furry friend.

Here’s how to make a sardine and sweet potato lick mat:

  1. Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potato into small pieces, then boil or steam them until they are tender. Drain the water and let the sweet potatoes cool down.
  2. Open a can of sardines (use the ones that are packed in water or their own juices, and pick the brand with the lowest sodium levels), place them in a food processor with the sweet potato and blend until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
  3. Once the mixture is ready, spread it onto a lick mat and freeze it for a few hours until it is solid.

This lick mat can provide a healthy source of protein and carbohydrates for your dog while keeping them mentally stimulated and engaged.

#4: Dehydrated Meat Lick Mat

Dogs love meat, and using dehydrated meat to create a lick mat is a simple and tasty way to keep your furry friend entertained. Dehydrated meat is also a great source of protein, making it a healthy treat option for your dog.

Here’s what you need:

Alternatively, you can also use store-bought dehydrated dog treats if you don’t want to make them yourself.

Step 1: Make the dehydrated meat

To create a dehydrated meat lick mat, you will need thinly sliced meat and a dehydrator. Cut the meat into thin strips, removing any excess fat or gristle. Place the strips in the dehydrator and let them dry for several hours until they are completely dehydrated and crunchy.

Step 2: Prepare the broth

Next, prepare the bone broth and let it cool down.

Step 3: Put it all together

Once the bone broth is at room temperature, spread it on your lick mat, arrange your dehydrated meat on top of the broth in a fun and engaging pattern, and then pop it in the freezer for a few hours.

#5: Veggie and Cheese Lick Mat

Using vegetables and cheese as a snack for your dog can provide a healthy source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans are great sources of fibre and vitamins A, C, and K, while cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. This lick mat idea is a great way to incorporate these healthy ingredients into your dog’s diet.

It’s important to note that while cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, it should be given in moderation as it is also high in fat and calories. Additionally, some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have trouble digesting cheese, so it’s important to monitor their reaction and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns.

How to make this dog lick mat idea:

To make the veggie and cheese lick mat, you will need a mix of your dog’s favourite vegetables and some grated cheese. First, prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into small pieces. Then, mix the grated cheese with the vegetables until they are evenly combined. Spread the mixture onto a lick mat and freeze it for a few hours until it is solid.

It’s important to note that not all vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, so be sure to do your research before including any new vegetables in your dog’s diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dog lick mats can provide a fun and engaging way to keep your furry friend mentally stimulated while also offering a healthy and tasty treat. We have discussed five unique lick mat ideas that can be easily made at home using healthy ingredients that your dog will love.

By incorporating lick mats into your dog’s routine, you can offer them an activity that can help reduce anxiety, boredom, and destructive behaviour. It’s important to remember to monitor your dog while they are using a lick mat and to adjust their diet accordingly to prevent overfeeding.

We encourage you to try out these lick mat ideas and see how your dog responds. It’s a great way to bond with your furry friend while also keeping them healthy and engaged.

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