What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs

Lick mats for dogs have been sparking a lot of curiosity lately – from their benefits to what treats work best on them, and even how to keep them clean. If you’ve been wondering about lick mats for your dog lately, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’ll be discussing the answers to the following questions:

• What is a lick mat for dogs?
• Are lick mats good for dogs?
• What to put on a lick mat for dogs?

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Content:

1. What Is a Lick Mat for Dogs
2. Are Lick Mats Good for Dogs
3. What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs
4. Conclusion

What Is a Lick Mat for Dogs

A dog lick mat (also known as dog lick pad or dog licking mat) is an interactive feeding tool designed to keep your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated. Often made from soft, textured rubber or silicone with grooves, it encourages dogs to lick and savor their food or treats slowly.

A pet camera such as the Petcube Cam is a good way to monitor your dog’s eating habits and thus understand their motivations, needs, and wants in the process.

Are Lick Mats Good for Dogs

Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs

Lick mats offer many benefits for both your dog’s well-being and your peace of mind. Here’s why dog parents love them:

• It promotes dental health - The grooves and ridges help scrape away plaque and food residue, supporting dental care and preventing tooth loss. They’re a great addition to your dog’s oral hygiene routine.
• It creates positive experiences - Lick mats make crate training easier by creating a positive, rewarding experience that helps your dog feel calm and comfortable in their crate.
• It encourages your dog to slow down when eating - As a slow feeder, lick mats encourage your dog to eat more slowly, reducing the risk of bloat and aiding digestion.
• It soothes anxiety - According to Sarah Hodgson, certified trainer and behavior consultant, the repetitive licking action calms anxious dogs by releasing soothing endorphins, helping them gradually adjust to triggers like strangers, traffic, or other dogs through counterconditioning and desensitization.
• It provides entertainment - Both you and your dog can enjoy the process. Prepare a tasty treat for your pup and watch them enjoy it while keeping them entertained for longer, preventing boredom.

Lick mats are easy to clean, durable, and versatile, making it a great tool for enhancing your dog’s life!

What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs

Lick mats for dogs are a great way to provide enrichment and mental stimulation. What to put on dog lick mat? You can spread a variety of dog-safe ingredients on them, such as:

• Peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol) – Most dogs love this as a treat.
• Greek Yogurt – Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be spread on the mat and is a good source of probiotics.
• Cottage Cheese – Another great dairy option that many dogs enjoy.
• Pureed Fruits – Such as applesauce (no added sugar), pumpkin puree, or mashed bananas.
• Wet Dog Food – A good option for mealtime enrichment.
• Chicken or Beef Broth (low sodium) – You can freeze it on the mat for extra fun.
• Baby Food (pureed) – Pureed meats or vegetables are safe and tasty for dogs.

You can also combine ingredients to add variety. In a Reddit discussion, a Redditor suggested putting it a notch higher by mixing quality ingredients using a blender. Just be sure that whatever you use is safe for dogs and doesn't contain harmful ingredients for dogs like xylitol, chocolate, or grapes.

To make sure that your dog is enjoying their food safely and not eating anything that they shouldn’t, having an innovative pet camera like the Petcube Cam is a life saver. With it, monitoring your dog is as easy as 1-2-3.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lick mats for dogs are a fantastic, versatile tool for enriching your dog’s life, promoting dental health, and slowing down mealtime to prevent issues like bloat. They’re easy to clean and offer endless possibilities for creative, dog-safe treats. From peanut butter to pureed fruits and wet dog food, the options are endless! All in all, incorporating lick mats into your dog's routine is a simple yet effective way to boost their well-being and happiness.