There’s something quietly magical about watching a dog lick—rhythmic, focused, content. That simple motion does more than occupy their mouth; it soothes the mind, engages the senses, and promotes calm.
Enter the lick mat—a simple textured surface that transforms snack time, bath time, or downtime into a moment of true enrichment.
Lick mats aren’t just peanut-butter distractions. Used creatively, they become one of the most valuable tools for training, calming, feeding, and supporting your dog’s mental and physical health. Let’s explore how this small tool can make a big difference in your dog’s day.
What Exactly Is a Lick Mat?
A lick mat is a textured feeding surface designed to hold soft or spreadable foods, encouraging dogs to lick and work for every bite. Most are made from food-grade silicone, though some use stainless steel, TPR (thermoplastic rubber), or a mix of durable materials—offering options for hygiene, strength, and personal preference. This is especially helpful for dogs who are enthusiastic lickers or light chewers.
Lick mats come in many styles:
- Shallow mats for quick snacks
- Deep-pocket mats for longer licking sessions
- Suction-cup versions for bath or grooming time
- “Tuff” mats for power lickers
Many even include companion holders to prevent sliding and protect edges.
Each texture and material changes the experience, encouraging focus, control, and satisfaction through the natural act of licking.
Why Lick Mats Are So Enriching
A Natural Calming Tool
Licking is an instinctive, self-soothing behavior. It helps dogs release endorphins and focus their minds. For anxious or high-energy dogs, this repetitive motion can create an almost meditative calm.
At daycare, we’ve seen it firsthand—dogs who once struggled to settle, pacing or seeking constant attention, can now relax deeply when given a lick mat. What once felt like chaos becomes calm focus.
Dogs nervous about car rides or crate time often learn to associate the mat with comfort and predictability. Over time, it becomes a cue for safety and relaxation—something familiar that tells them all is well.
That’s what enrichment really is: meeting your dog’s mental and emotional needs through thoughtful activity.
Mental Work, Not Just Mouth Work
A lick mat isn’t about “tiring a dog out”—it’s about engaging their brain. When a dog must figure out how to reach food tucked between ridges or frozen in layers, they’re problem-solving, using patience and persistence.
Mental exercise like this builds confidence and prevents boredom behaviors such as chewing, barking, or pacing. It gives your dog a sense of purpose—and that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Digestive and Oral Support
Licking stimulates saliva, which aids digestion and helps keep the mouth cleaner. It also slows down dogs who gulp their meals too quickly, helping prevent bloating or discomfort.
And while it’s no substitute for dental care, a lick mat can gently “polish” the tongue and reduce food buildup when paired with good nutrition and healthy chew habits.
6 Ways to Use a Lick Mat
Lick mats are incredibly versatile. They can fit almost any situation where calm focus or slow feeding is helpful.
1. During Meals
Turn mealtime into enrichment. Spread your dog’s raw mix or wet food across a large mat, or divide their daily food among several mats. This mimics natural foraging and slows eating.
2. Crate Comfort or Alone Time
For dogs learning to love their crate—or staying calm when you’re away—a lick mat can create positive association. It gives them a “job” while you slip out the door.
3. Grooming, Baths, and Nail Trims
Suction-cup mats on the tub or grooming wall are a game-changer. Smear on something delicious (like kefir and salmon purée) and watch as your dog stays focused and relaxed while being brushed, bathed, or having their nails trimmed.
4. Family Dinner or Guests
Instead of begging under the table, your dog can enjoy their own “dinner.” A frozen mat keeps them quietly occupied while the humans eat.
5. Taste Testing and Food Discovery
Divide a mat into four or six small sections and try different toppings in each. It’s a fun way to discover what your dog loves most, or to introduce new foods gently.
6. Travel, Vet Visits, and Public Outings
Bring a frozen mat in a small cooler. Whether in the car, at a brewery patio, or waiting at the vet, it helps your dog stay relaxed in new places.
Beyond Peanut Butter: Healthy Toppings for Lick Mats
Peanut butter may have made lick mats famous, but it’s only the beginning. The real beauty lies in layering flavors and nutrients for variety and purpose.
Liquids and Smooth Bases
- Goat milk or kefir
- Bone broth or turkey stock
- Pureed raw mix thinned with broth
- Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
These spread easily and sink into grooves—perfect for beginners or freezing.
Veggie and Fruit Purees
- Pumpkin or sweet potato purée (great for digestion)
- Mashed banana, berries, or apple (for antioxidants and flavor)
- Blended greens or veggie smoothie cube (for detox and fiber)
Proteins and Meaty Textures
- Ground raw meat, organ blends, or tripe
- Sardines, mackerel, or salmon purée for Omega-3s
- Finely chopped boiled chicken or turkey
- Raw or lightly scrambled eggs — nutrient-dense and naturally binding
Functional Add-Ons
- Chia seeds or flax meal for omega oils
- Kelp powder or green-lipped mussel for joint and dental health
- Mushroom or berry blends for immune support
- Drizzles of fish oil or coconut oil
Crunchy or Chewy Layers
Sprinkle freeze-dried treats or crushed chews over a soft base for contrast. Dogs love the mix of textures.
Pro Tip:
Think of a lick mat as your dog’s “tasting board.” Every spread can have purpose—hydration, gut health, calm, variety, or training support.
Textures and Techniques
Different textures keep things interesting and challenge your dog’s tongue in new ways:
- Smooth purees (pumpkin, yogurt) cling tightly and take time to remove.
- Chunky mixes (minced meat, veggies) add problem-solving value.
- Liquids (broth, goat milk) can be frozen for a longer session.
- Layers (yogurt → raw mix → crushed treat) make the licking experience change from start to finish.
By alternating surfaces and consistencies, you can make a simple mat feel new every day.
Building Confidence: From Easy to Advanced
If your dog is new to lick mats, start simple:
- Spread a thin layer of a favorite food on an easy-textured mat.
- Keep sessions short and always supervise.
Once your dog gets the hang of it:
- Add small lumps or chunks they must work around.
- Freeze the mat to make the session last longer.
- Combine different foods or layer ingredients for variety.
Soon, you’ll have a dog who looks forward to “mat time” with enthusiasm and patience—a skill that carries over into other areas of life.
The Behavior Bonus
Some dogs lick furniture, paws, or floors when stressed. A lick mat can redirect that urge into a healthy outlet. The focused, rhythmic licking satisfies the same neurological need—but in a positive, controlled way.
Regular use can help reduce pacing, anxiety, and other displacement behaviors. It’s a gentle, powerful tool that supports emotional balance and overall well-being.
Keeping It Safe and Smart
Like any enrichment tool, lick mats work best when used responsibly:
-
Supervise Early Use
Some dogs may chew the mat if they can’t reach food easily. Always supervise until you know your dog’s licking style. For power lickers, choose durable “Tuff” or “Keeper” mats. -
Watch Portion Sizes
It’s easy to overfill. Keep portions small—especially with calorie-dense foods like nut butters or oils. A teaspoon can go a long way. -
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash thoroughly after every use, especially with raw food. Hot, soapy water or the dishwasher (top rack) works well. -
Manage Multiple Dogs
Feed dogs separately to avoid resource guarding. Each dog should have their own mat and space. -
Check Materials and Condition
Inspect mats regularly for wear or cracks, and replace them when surfaces become rough or edges start to tear.
The Science of Calm
What makes a lick mat so special isn’t just the silicone—it’s the process.
When a dog licks in long, steady strokes, their heart rate can drop, helping them enter a calm, focused state. It’s a form of self-regulation—a way to decompress and reset.
Used consistently, lick mats can help dogs handle transitions more smoothly, recover from overstimulation, and settle faster after exciting activities like playtime or daycare.
Think of it as a natural “reset button” for your dog’s brain.
Putting It All Together
- Choose the right mat for the situation—non-slip for the floor, suction for the bath, or sturdy for mealtime.
- Pick a base spread and one or two nutritious add-ins.
- Press or drizzle evenly across the mat.
- Chill or freeze if you want a longer-lasting challenge.
- Serve in a calm setting and supervise.
- Wash and store for next time.
- Keep two or three mats on rotation so you always have one ready.
This simple routine makes it easy to turn everyday moments into enrichment, calm, and focused activity for your dog.
A Place for Paws🐾 Favorite Lick Mat Combos
Quick Calm Mix:
Pet Releaf’s Stress Releaf CBD Oil and/or Edibites CBD Treats + Plain Yogurt + Pumpkin + 4 Leaf Rover Mushroom Powder + Chamomile + Ginger
Protein Power:
Raw Turkey Blend + Bone Broth Drizzle + Air-Dried Turkey Hearts + Raw Egg
Summer Chill:
Answers Raw Goat Milk + Sardines + Blended Blueberries + Crushed Watermelon + Basil → Freeze for 30 Minutes
Golden Harvest:
Pumpkin + Goat Milk Kefir + Turmeric Golden Paste + Sunflower Butter + Drizzle of Salmon Oil
Cozy Winter Stew:
Raw Rabbit Blend + Bone Broth + Finely Chopped Carrots + Air-Dried Lamb Lung + Answers Raw Goat Milk
Each combination offers different nutritional benefits—hydration, probiotics, antioxidants, joint support, or anti-inflammatory goodness—all delivered through the joyful act of licking.
Small Mat, Big Impact
The lick mat may be small, but it’s mighty. It transforms simple ingredients into enrichment, turns routine moments into training opportunities, and helps everyday dogs become calmer, happier companions.
At A Place for Paws🐾, we believe enrichment isn’t a luxury—it’s part of living a balanced, joyful life with your dog. Whether you’re using a lick mat to make bath time peaceful or to explore new foods, you’re doing something wonderful: helping your dog think, relax, and thrive.
So go ahead—spread, freeze, and let the licking begin!