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Licking toys work because licking itself is calming for dogs — the repetitive action triggers endorphin release and can meaningfully reduce anxiety and stress. A lick mat or stuffed Kong isn’t just entertainment; it’s one of the more effective low-effort interventions available for a dog that’s anxious, bored, or needs to settle. Here’s what’s available and how to use them.
Why Licking Dog Toys Work
🧠 Three Genuine Benefits
Mental Stimulation
Licking engages a dog’s nose, mouth, and problem-solving instincts simultaneously. Working through a textured lick mat or extracting food from a Kong requires focus and effort — it’s genuinely tiring in a way that passive chewing isn’t. A good licking session can settle a dog more effectively than a walk of the same duration. See our full mental stimulation guide for more ideas.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Licking has a calming physiological effect on dogs — the sustained repetitive motion triggers endorphin release, producing genuine relaxation rather than just distraction. Particularly effective for dogs with separation anxiety when given just before departure, and for dogs that struggle to settle in new or stressful environments.
Dental Hygiene Support
Licking stimulates saliva production, which helps wash bacteria and food particles from the teeth and gums. Not a substitute for actual dental care, but a useful supplement — particularly lick mats with textured surfaces that provide mild mechanical cleaning as the dog works across them.
Types of Licking Toys
🐾 Four Main Types
Lick Mats
Flat silicone mats with textured surfaces — spread with peanut butter (xylitol-free), yoghurt, pumpkin puree, or wet food. The texture slows the dog down and prolongs engagement significantly compared to a bowl. Freeze for a longer session. Popular options include the LickiMat and OAPRIRE Lick Mat. See our lick mat ideas guide for filling inspiration.
Lick Bowls
Bowl-shaped silicone toys — deeper than a flat mat, which makes them better for wetter foods and purees. The curved shape encourages the dog to work around the inside. The LickiMat Wobble adds an unstable base that makes the dog work slightly harder, and the Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl is a well-reviewed alternative. Both are dishwasher safe.
Lickable Chew Toys (Kongs)
Hollow rubber toys filled with food — the dog has to lick and manipulate the toy to extract the contents. The Kong Classic is the benchmark. Fill with a mix of kibble, peanut butter, banana, or yoghurt and freeze overnight for maximum duration. One of the most versatile enrichment tools available — see our enrichment feeding guide for filling ideas.
Frozen Lickable Toys
Any licking toy becomes significantly more engaging when frozen — the food releases slowly rather than all at once, extending the session from minutes to 20–30 minutes or more. Particularly useful on hot days as a cooling treat. The Kong Goodie Ribbon is designed specifically for freezing with soft fillings packed into the ridges. You can also freeze standard lick mats once spread.
If you’d rather not buy a toy at all, licking treats like PUPsicles provide a similar benefit without any equipment.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Them
✅ Getting Started
Introduce Gradually
- Let the dog investigate the toy before expecting them to use it — sniffing it is the first step
- Start with something highly appealing and easy to access — a thin smear of peanut butter on a flat mat is a better starting point than a fully packed frozen Kong
- Reward interest in the toy rather than waiting for perfect use
- Build up to longer and more challenging sessions over multiple days
Choose the Right Toy for Your Dog
- Flat lick mats suit dogs new to licking toys — easy, rewarding, low frustration
- Kongs suit dogs that need longer engagement and are comfortable with slightly more challenge
- Avoid toys with small removable parts for dogs that chew aggressively
- Match the difficulty to the dog — a toy that’s too hard produces frustration, not enrichment
Safety and Maintenance
- Supervise the first few sessions with any new toy to check for appropriate use
- Check toys regularly for damage — cracks in rubber or worn silicone can harbour bacteria
- Most lick mats and silicone toys are dishwasher safe — wash after each use
- Replace any toy that is cracking, splitting, or showing significant wear
- Never use peanut butter containing xylitol — check the ingredients label every time you buy a new jar as formulations change
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Licking Toys FAQ
What’s the best filling for a lick mat or Kong?
Peanut butter (xylitol-free — always check the label) is the most popular and effective. Other good options include plain unsweetened yoghurt, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, cream cheese, wet dog food, and bone broth. For frozen toys, combine wet and dry ingredients — kibble mixed into wet food, for example — so the filling freezes solid rather than just icing over on the surface.
How long should I give my dog a licking toy for?
As long as they’re engaged and the session fits within their daily food intake. A standard lick mat takes 5–15 minutes. A frozen stuffed Kong can last 20–40 minutes depending on size and filling. Factor the calories in the filling into the dog’s daily food allowance — regular licking toy use with high-calorie fillings adds up quickly, particularly for smaller dogs.
Can licking toys help with separation anxiety?
They can help as part of a broader approach. Giving a frozen Kong immediately before you leave creates a positive association with your departure and gives the dog something engaging to focus on during the transition. However, licking toys alone won’t resolve significant separation anxiety — that typically requires a structured desensitisation programme. If separation anxiety is a serious problem, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Are licking toys suitable for puppies?
Yes — lick mats in particular are well-suited to puppies. They’re low-difficulty, immediately rewarding, and a useful tool for keeping a puppy occupied during settling-in periods or crate training. Use age-appropriate fillings and check that the toy is sized so there’s no risk of the puppy fitting the whole thing in their mouth. Supervise closely until you’re confident the puppy is using the toy appropriately.
