What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs
Lick mats have become one of the most popular enrichment tools for dogs — and for good reason.
They help:
- slow feeding
- reduce boredom
- provide mental stimulation
- encourage calm behaviour
- create positive grooming distractions
Plus, they are incredibly easy to customise using healthy dog-safe ingredients you may already have at home.
Why Dogs Love Lick Mats
Licking is naturally calming for many dogs and may help:
- reduce stress
- encourage relaxation
- provide enrichment
- redirect nervous energy
- support slower eating habits
Lick mats are especially helpful during:
- grooming sessions
- bath time
- crate training
- fireworks
- bedtime routines
- hot weather enrichment
Superfoods & Healthy Additions for Dog Lick Mats
Superfood Powders
These can be sprinkled lightly onto yogurt, pumpkin, or goat milk bases.
- Rosehip powder
- Mulberry powder
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Coconut flakes
- Goat milk powder
- Spirulina (small amounts)
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon (small amounts)
- Slippery elm powder
- Pumpkin powder
Fruits Safe for Dog Lick Mats
Fresh Fruits
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Banana
- Watermelon
- Apple (no seeds)
- Pear
- Mango
- Raspberry
- Blackberry
Frozen fruit works especially well for enrichment.
Vegetables for Lick Mats
Dog-Safe Vegetables
- Pumpkin purée
- Sweet potato
- Carrot purée
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Steamed broccoli
- Spinach
- Green beans
Blended or mashed vegetables spread best on lick mats.
Healthy Liquid Bases
Use these as the base layer:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Goat milk
- Coconut yogurt
- Kefir
- Bone broth
- Pumpkin purée
- Mashed banana
Healthy Protein Additions
- Sardines in springwater
- Wet dog food
- Boiled chicken
- Cottage cheese
- Egg yolk
- Salmon
Crunchy Toppers
Perfect sprinkled over frozen lick mats:
- Crushed freeze-dried treats
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Crushed blueberries
- Coconut flakes
- Crushed dog biscuits
Calming Lick Mat Additions
Great for bedtime or stressful situations:
- Chamomile tea ice cubes
- Lavender hydrosol mist nearby (not directly on food)
- Banana
- Goat milk
- Pumpkin purée
Gut Health Lick Mat Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Kefir
- Pumpkin purée
- Goat milk powder
- Chia seeds
- Slippery elm powder
DIY Lick Mat Recipe Ideas
Calming Bedtime Lick Mat
- Greek yogurt
- Chamomile tea ice cubes
- Banana
- Blueberries
Summer Cooling Lick Mat
- Goat milk
- Watermelon
- Coconut yogurt
- Frozen blueberries
Gut Health Lick Mat
- Pumpkin purée
- Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Goat milk powder
Pink Superfood Lick Mat
- Greek yogurt
- Mulberry powder
- Strawberries
- Coconut flakes
Green Wellness Lick Mat
- Kefir
- Spirulina
- Cucumber
- Hemp seeds
Autumn Pumpkin Lick Mat
- Pumpkin purée
- Cinnamon
- Goat milk yogurt
- Chia seeds
Berry Gut Health Lick Mat
- Goat milk
- Blueberries
- Rosehip powder
- Greek yogurt
High-Value Grooming Distraction
- Peanut butter
- Wet dog food
- Cottage cheese
Perfect for:
- nail trims
- brushing
- bath time
Ingredients to Avoid on Lick Mats
Avoid:
- xylitol
- chocolate
- grapes
- raisins
- onions
- garlic
- heavily salted foods
- sugary toppings
Always introduce new foods gradually.
Tips for Better Lick Mat Enrichment
Freeze It
Frozen lick mats last longer and provide calming enrichment.
Rotate Ingredients
Changing toppings keeps enrichment interesting.
Keep It Simple
You do not need complicated recipes to create meaningful enrichment.
Use During Stressful Situations
Lick mats can help redirect focus during stressful moments.
Final Thoughts
Lick mats are one of the easiest ways to create calming enrichment moments while supporting your dog’s wellbeing naturally.
Simple ingredients, slow routines, and nourishing toppings can turn enrichment into a comforting daily ritual.
