Looking for a way to keep your furry friend entertained and stimulate their gray matter? A lick mat could be the perfect solution! These simple mats provide your dog with a fun, sensory-rich activity that helps keep them busy and engaged. They’re great for dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and energy levels.
While there are many different lick mats on the market, finding the right one for your pup can be a challenge. To help you choose, I’ve put together a list of the best lick mats for dogs, based on factors including durability, size, price, and customer reviews.
What Is a Lick Mat for Dogs?
A lick mat for dogs is a textured mat, usually made of silicone or rubber, that can be used to keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated. Most dog lick mats have raised ridges or nubs that massage your dog’s tongue while they lick, providing a pleasurable sensation.
Many pet parents use lick mats as part of their dog’s daily enrichment routine. Enrichment activities are designed to provide mental and physical stimulation, which can help reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors.
A dog lick mat can also be a great way to slow down fast eaters and help with portion control. By making your dog work for their food, they’ll be less likely to gobble it down too quickly and are more likely to stay focused during mealtime.
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What Is the Best Lick Mat for Dogs?
Here are my top picks for the best dog lick mats:
Best Lick Mat Set
1) Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat Set
This value-packed set from Frisco includes one square mat and one hexagon mat, both made of durable, BPA-free silicone. The textured surfaces are perfect for peanut butter, yogurt, or other spreadable treats, and the mats can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Top Features
- Includes one square mat and one hexagon mat
- Made of durable, BPA-free silicone
- Textured surfaces are perfect for spreadable treats
- Mats can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly pair of lick mats, you can’t go wrong with the Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat Set. These simple, durable mats are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.
The mats are made from BPA-free silicone and are dishwasher-safe. They’re also microwaveable, so you can use them to heat up your dog’s food. Overall, these mats are a great value and receive high marks from pet parents.
Best Large Lick Mat
2) Lick Lick Pad Dog Distraction Lick Mat
This large lick mat from Lick Lick Pad is perfect for dogs that need a little extra stimulation. It sticks to almost any flat surface and can be filled with lickable treats. The mat is made from 100% food-grade silicone and contains no BPA, BPS, lead, or phthalates.
Top Features
- Sticks to almost any flat surface
- Made from 100% food-grade silicone
- Contains no BPA, BPS, lead, or phthalates
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Bottom Line
Give your dog the ultimate licking experience with the Lick Lick Pad Dog Distraction Lick Mat. This large, bone-shaped lick mat will keep your pup distracted and calm during bath time, grooming sessions, or any other time they need to stay still.
The mat is made from 100% food-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It’s also free of BPA, BPS, lead, and phthalates, making it a safe choice for your pup. Simply spread your dog’s favorite treat on the mat, sit back, and let them enjoy!
Best Small Lick Mat
3) Disney Mickey Mouse Silicone Lick Mat
If your pup is on the smaller side, this Mickey Mouse-themed lick mat from Disney is a great option. The textured lick mat is ideal for spreadable treats and can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Top Features
- Great size for smaller dogs
- Top rack dishwasher-safe
- Mickey Mouse-themed
- Available in red or black
Bottom Line
Your small pup will love this Disney Mickey Mouse Silicone Lick Mat. The mat is the perfect size for smaller dogs, and the textured surface is ideal for spreading peanut butter or other treats. Just smear it on and watch your furry friend go to town!
This mat is top rack dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean. Choose from red or black to find the perfect match for your pup’s personality and style.
Best Lick Mat for Star Wars Fans
4) STAR WARS The Mandalorian Grogu Silicone Lick Mat
If you’re a pet parent who loves Star Wars, this Grogu-themed lick mat is a must-have. The non-skid design ensures the mat stays in place while your pet enjoys their treats. It’s also top-rack dishwasher-safe and completely BPA-free.
Top Features
- Non-skid design helps keep it in place
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
- BPA free
- Matching food mat available
Bottom Line
This fun Grogu-themed STAR WARS lick mat will make treat time even more enjoyable for your four-legged friend. The cute lick mat features the character from The Mandalorian, and the non-skid design helps keep it in place while your pet enjoys their treats.
The lick mat is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, ensuring it’s both safe and easy to clean. If you’re looking for a complete set, there’s also a matching food mat available. Your pet will love this fun lick mat, and you’ll love the quiet moments it provides!
Best Slow Feeder Lick Mat
5) Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Lick Mat
Does your dog have a habit of gulping down their food? The Hyper Pet IQ Banquet lick mat is the perfect solution. This slow feeder lick mat has multiple raised sections that help slow down eating and promote better digestion.
Top Features
- Multiple raised sections to help slow down eating
- Aids digestion and guides portion control
- Helps ease anxiety and curb destructive behavior
- Promotes fresh breath and good oral health
Bottom Line
This lick mat is an excellent option for dogs that need to slow down their eating. It features four raised sections that help guide portion control and slow down the eating process. Licking the mat helps soothe and calm your pet, and the raised nubs clean their tongue and teeth as they eat.
Give this mat a try if you’re looking for a way to help your dog slow down at mealtimes. It’s also great for keep your pup engaged during stress-inducing activities like baths, nail trimmings, and thunderstorms.
Best 2-in-1 Lick Mat and Bowl
6) Pet Dream House PAW Non-Skid Plastic 2-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
This innovative 2-in-1 slow feeder bowl from Pet Dream House is a great choice for busy pet parents. The detachable, paw-shaped lick pad attaches to the bowl and is the perfect spot to serve up sticky treats and wet food.
Top Features
- Detachable, paw-shaped lick pad
- 4 anti-skid rings for stability
- Dishwasher-safe in the top rack
- BPA-free and PVC-free plastic
Bottom Line
This 2-in-1 slow feeder bowl and lick mat from Pet Dream House is a great choice for busy pet parents. It features a special dish that separates your pup’s food into four compartments, slowing down their eating speed and reducing the risk of bloat. The detachable, paw-shaped lick pad can be loaded with treats or wet food, then thrown in the dishwasher when it’s time to clean up.
The bowl is made from BPA-free and PVC-free plastic, and it’s top rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Plus, the four anti-skid rings help keep it in place while your pup enjoys their meal. Overall, this cleverly designed bowl is a great way to slow down your dog’s eating and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog lick mats a good idea?
Yes! Lick pads are a great way to keep your dog entertained and slow down their eating. Licking also helps produce saliva, which can aid in digestion. In addition, licking releases endorphins that help calm and soothe anxious dogs. This is especially helpful during stressful activities like baths, nail trimmings, and car rides.
What can I put on my dog’s lick mat?
Licks mats are great for spreadable treats. Many pet parents use peanut butter, yogurt, sugar-free pumpkin puree, or wet food. You can even freeze wet food or treats for a longer-lasting licking experience. Just make sure anything you put on the lick mat is safe for your dog to consume.
Can I leave my dog alone with a lick mat?
It’s best to supervise your dog while they’re using a lick mat. This will help prevent them from chewing the mat and swallowing large pieces. When your dog has finished licking, make sure to remove the mat and put it out of reach. This will extend the life of the mat and prevent your dog from getting bored and destroying it.
How often should a dog use a lick mat?
Lick mats can be used as often as you like. Some pet parents use them daily, while others only use them during stressful activities or when they want to slow down their dog’s eating. Make sure your dog forms positive associations with the lick mat by loading it with delicious treats or wet food.
Can you put dry food on a lick mat?
While lick mats work best with wet dog food or spreadable treats, you can put dry dog food on them as well. Try mixing kibble with canned dog food or a tasty treat like peanut butter to create a more enticing licking experience for your dog.
Summary
That’s it for my list of the best lick mats for dogs. I hope you’ve found the perfect mat for your furry family member. Remember, lick mats are a great way to keep your dog entertained and slow down their eating. They also provide plenty of mental and physical health benefits, including reducing stress, aiding in digestion, and promoting good oral health. So, why not give one a try? Your dog will love you for it!
