Your secret weapon for distraction-free dinners.
What Is a Lick Mat?
If you haven’t used one before, a lick mat is a flat, rubbery mat with textured patterns where you spread soft treats (like peanut butter, plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, or even wet dog food). Your dog then spends a good 5–15 minutes licking it clean—yes, it’s that simple, and yes, it works.
🐶 It Calms the Chaos
Licking releases calming endorphins in dogs. We smear a little plain Greek yogurt on the mat before bath time, and suddenly Frankie’s too busy licking to worry about the water. Same goes for brushing his ears or clipping nails.
🧠 Built-In Enrichment
It’s a slow, engaging activity that works their brain without overstimulating them. Especially helpful for puppies or high-energy breeds that need a “job” to do.
💦 Easy to Clean
Most mats are dishwasher-safe (praise be). We just rinse and toss it in.
🥶 Freezer-Friendly
Want it to last longer? Freeze it! We prep a few in advance with different flavors and pop them in the freezer for when we need them.
There are lots of options! Below are a few, the first one is what we’ve had luck with!
🐾 Don’t Forget Dry Food Slow Feeders
If your dog eats kibble like it’s a speed-eating contest, a slow feeder bowl might be your new best friend (besides your dog, of course). These bowls are designed with ridges, spirals, or raised patterns that force pups to eat more slowly—turning a 30-second scarf-fest into a 5–10 minute mealtime.
Slowing down mealtime can help with:
✔️ Digestion
✔️ Preventing bloat
✔️ Reducing begging (because they feel fuller longer)
✔️ Mental stimulation—yes, even kibble can be enriching!
What to look for:
- Dishwasher-safe designs (because convenience matters!)
- A pattern that matches your dog’s eating style (tight spirals for fast gulpers, wider ridges for gentle eaters)
- Non-slip bases to keep the bowl from sliding
Here are a few top-rated slow feeders from Amazon to start your search:
