Licking is naturally calming for dogs — the sustained repetitive action releases endorphins and reduces stress. Licking treats extend that benefit by giving dogs something worthwhile to focus on, whether that’s during a hot afternoon, before a stressful event, or simply as an enriching alternative to a food bowl. All five recipes below are genuinely simple and use ingredients most people already have.
📋 Five Licking Treat Recipes
⚠️ Peanut Butter Safety Note
Several recipes below use peanut butter. Always check the label before using — some peanut butters contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Use only plain peanut butter with no added sweeteners, salt, or additives. When in doubt, make your own (see Recipe 2). Some nuts are also toxic to dogs — macadamia nuts in particular should never be used.
Frozen Yogurt Pupsicles
A refreshing frozen treat well suited to hot Australian summers. Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than regular yogurt and easier for most dogs to digest.
🧁 Frozen Yogurt Pupsicles
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol)
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ½ cup chopped strawberries
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the yogurt, mashed banana, and chopped strawberries in a bowl
- Stir in the honey if using
- Spoon the mixture into popsicle moulds or ice cube trays
- Freeze for at least 2–3 hours until solid
- Run the mould under warm water briefly to loosen
- Serve and supervise
💡 Variations
- Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or pumpkin puree
- For dogs with dairy sensitivity, substitute with lactose-free yogurt or coconut milk
- Skip the honey — it’s optional and adds unnecessary sugar for most dogs
Homemade Nut Butter
Most store-bought peanut butters contain added salt, sugar, or sweeteners that aren’t ideal for dogs. Making your own takes less than ten minutes and gives you complete control over what’s in it.
🥜 Homemade Nut Butter
Instructions
- Spread raw peanuts (or cashews) on a baking tray
- Roast at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant
- Allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor
- Blend until smooth and creamy — this takes 2–4 minutes
- Add a small splash of neutral oil if a smoother consistency is needed
- Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
How to Use It
- Spread onto a lick mat for an immediate treat
- Mix with plain yogurt, mashed banana, or pumpkin puree for variety
- Stuff into a Kong and freeze for a longer-lasting challenge
- Use as a base for any of the other recipes below
Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Two-ingredient frozen treats that work well in moulds, ice cube trays, or spread across a lick mat and frozen flat.
🍌 Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1–2 tablespoons plain peanut butter (no xylitol — or use homemade)
- Splash of unsweetened almond milk or water (optional, for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Mash the bananas thoroughly in a bowl
- Add peanut butter and mix until well combined
- Add a small splash of almond milk or water if a smoother texture is preferred
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone moulds
- Freeze for a few hours until solid
- Alternatively, spread onto a lick mat and freeze flat
💡 Variations
- Substitute peanut butter with cashew butter for dogs with peanut allergies
- Add blueberries or strawberries for a different flavour
- Mix in a spoonful of plain yogurt for a creamier texture
Chicken Broth
Frozen broth is one of the most underrated licking treats — it’s hydrating, low calorie, and most dogs find it irresistible. Particularly useful on hot days or after exercise. The recipe below makes a large batch that freezes well for up to three months.
🍗 Chicken Broth
Ingredients
- 3kg chicken bones (raw or cooked — no seasoning)
- 8 litres filtered water
Instructions
- Place the chicken bones in a large stockpot (13 litres works well for this quantity)
- Add the water and bring to a boil
- Reduce to a low simmer and cook for 2–3 hours
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely
- Strain the broth and discard all solids — bones become brittle during cooking and must not be fed to dogs
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
💡 How to Serve
- Freeze into ice cubes for individual serves
- Pour a small amount onto a lick mat and freeze flat
- Use as a liquid base for frozen pupsicles or other recipes
- Never add onion, garlic, salt, or any seasoning — these are toxic to dogs
Sweet Potato and Apple Mash
A naturally sweet, fibre-rich mash that works well on a lick mat or spooned into a Kong. Both sweet potato and apple are safe for dogs and well-tolerated by most.
🍠 Sweet Potato and Apple Mash
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 apple (peeled and cored — remove all seeds)
- Water
Instructions
- Peel and chop the sweet potato and apple into small pieces
- Add to a pot and cover with water
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender — around 15–20 minutes
- Drain and allow to cool completely
- Mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth
- Serve on a lick mat or stuff into a Kong — freeze for a longer-lasting version
⚠️ Apple Seeds Are Toxic
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when metabolised. Always remove the core and all seeds before cooking. The flesh is completely safe and most dogs enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Licking Treats FAQ
How often can I give my dog licking treats?
Treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Most of these recipes are low-calorie, but portion size still matters — particularly for smaller breeds. A lick mat session with a thin layer of nut butter or broth a few times a week is generally well within a reasonable treat allowance for most dogs.
Can puppies have these treats?
Most of these recipes are suitable for puppies in small amounts, but check with your vet before introducing new foods to a young puppy — their digestive systems are still developing. Avoid honey for puppies under 12 months. Plain Greek yogurt and mashed banana are generally well-tolerated starting points.
What’s the best tool for serving licking treats?
A lick mat is the most versatile option — the textured surface holds the treat in place and encourages slow, sustained licking. A Kong stuffed and frozen works well for longer sessions or when you need the dog occupied for an extended period. Ice cube trays and silicone moulds are the simplest for making batches in advance.
