A lick mat turns a spoonful of food into a long, calm activity. Licking keeps dogs busy and settled, and a frozen mat is one of the easiest ways to give your dog something cool to do on a hot Australian afternoon. Here is what to put on it, how to freeze it and what to avoid.
How a lick mat works
The ridges and grooves hold soft food, so your dog has to lick it out bit by bit instead of gulping it down. A thin layer can last 10 to 20 minutes, and longer once it's frozen. Our freezable lick mat is food-grade silicone, about 24.5 × 15 cm, and goes in the freezer and the dishwasher.
Easy fillings your dog probably already eats
- Wet dog food: the simplest option. Spread part of a meal on the mat instead of in the bowl.
- Soaked kibble: soak your dog's usual kibble in warm water until soft, mash it and press it into the grooves.
- Plain pumpkin: cooked and mashed, with nothing added.
- Mashed banana: a small amount as a treat.
- Plain yoghurt: unsweetened and without flavourings. Start with a little, as some dogs don't tolerate dairy well.
- Peanut butter: only a thin layer, and only a brand with no xylitol (also listed as birch sugar or sweetener 967). Check the label every time.
Frozen lick mats for hot days
- Spread a thin layer of filling over the mat and press it into the grooves.
- Lay the mat flat in the freezer for one to two hours.
- Hand it over in a shady spot and stay nearby while your dog licks.
A frozen mat is a nice extra on a hot day, but it doesn't replace shade, fresh water and walks in the cooler parts of the day. Our guide on how to keep your dog cool in summer covers the basics.
Foods to keep off the mat
Never use foods that are toxic to dogs, including:
- anything containing xylitol (some peanut butters, sugar-free yoghurts and baked goods)
- chocolate
- grapes, raisins and sultanas
- onion, garlic and chives
- macadamia nuts
If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet straight away.
Using a lick mat with a cat
Cats can use a lick mat too. Stick to their usual wet food or a cat-safe treat paste, and keep the layer thin.
Good habits
- Count the filling as part of your pet's daily food so treats don't add up.
- Supervise, and pick the mat up once it's licked clean, especially if your dog likes to chew. A lick mat is not a chew toy.
- Rinse it after each use or put it in the dishwasher.
More ways to keep your dog busy
Mix things up with a snuffle mat for sniffing games or a treat-dispensing ball. Browse the full toys, lick mats and enrichment range.