20+ Best Homemade Dog Lick Mat Recipe Ideas | Best Dog Lick Mats in Canada
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The Best Homemade Dog Lick Mat Recipes!
Dog Lick Mats are the new 'Craze in Canada!' If you haven't heard about dog lick mats yet, get ready to be blown away! Dog owners are using these enrichment mats every day to keep their pets busy.
What is a Dog Lick Mat?
A dog lick mat is a flat mat ranging from 1cm to 2cm in thickness, featuring grooved patterns across the surface, specifically designed for your dog to enjoy licking. By spreading your dog's favorite wet recipe onto the mat and into the grooves, it creates a stimulating, engaging, and challenging licking activity.
What Can I Put On My Dogs Lick Mat?
There are many recipe spreads you can put on your dog's new licking mat. Below is an in-depth list of 20 basic household foods and recipes you can put on your dog lick mat
- Natural peanut butter (dog favorite)
- Mashed banana
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Plain yogurt
- Crushed treat or kibble mixed with water or broth
- Fish (Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna)
- Minced or pureed broccoli
- Carrots
- Sweet potato puree
- Honey
- Pumpkin Puree
- Blueberries
- Sweet corn
- Pureed apple
- Minced chicken
- Egg
- Wet canned pet food
- Favorite dog treats
- Consult your vet for more suitable foods to use
Don't forget to have fun mixing and mashing different ingredients together! Spread a tablespoon of any of these ingredients into the grooves and corners, and keep your dog entertained for hours! You can also freeze your new dog licking mat to extend lick time and add an extra challenge for your dog.
Be aware that some of the above ingredients are high in sugar (honey, banana, etc..) and should be used in moderation. Refer to your dogs feeding guide according to the diet they are currently on and ensure you are not overfeeding and are maintaining a nutritious diet.
Dog Lick Mat Key Benefits
Dog lick mats have many benefits for both you and your dog! The following is an in-depth look at the benefits of dog lick mats.
- Calm your dog through licking and reduce dog anxiety. (Licking releases endorphins and serotonin, which regulate anxiety and help your dog feel calm and relaxed)
- Entertain your pet and keep them busy.
- Mentally stimulate your dog and feed their natural instinct to hunt for their food.
- Help your dog fight boredom.
- Reduce problem behaviors such as destructive chewing and separation anxiety.
- Slow down feeding time.
- Use as a training aid and a rewarding treat during crate time.
- Hide medication in the wet puree spread inside the lick mat.
Some dog lick mats may even come with suction cups on the back, allowing them to be easily attached to any hard surface. You can secure these mats to the bath tub with your dogs favorite recipe to help make bath time much easier!
Get Creative With Your Dog Lick Mat Recipes
There are many dog owners who love to spoil their pooch with unique and beautiful dinner designs on their dog lick mats. Here is an image of a SodaPup lick mat colored in with different recipes.
Still wondering what to put on the lick mat for your dog?
Below are some more popular easy recipe ideas to put on your new dog lick mat.
| Peanut Butter & Blueberry Dog Lick Mat Recipe |  |
| Plain Yogurt Strawberries Dog Lick Mat Recipe |  |
| Dog Kibble & Banana Dog Lick Mat Recipe |  |
| Pumpkin Puree & Honey Dog Lick Mat Recipe |  |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Lick Mats
How to clean your dogs licking mat
When you look at a dog lick mat, do you think, "What a mess!"? Don't worry, lick mats are super easy to clean! Here is a list of 2 options for how to clean your dog lick mat so it is ready to use for the next feeding.
- Clean your lick mat in the dishwasher on the top rack.
- Wash and rinse with warm water and a mild soap.
Will a dog lick mat make my dog fat or overweight?
When used properly, a dog lick mat will not cause your dog to become overweight. Make sure you read the recommended daily dosage on the back of your dog's bag of food so you are aware of what your dog consumes. When you provide training rewards and dog lick mats to your dog, it's important to reduce their food intake accordingly.
Will a dog lick mat make my dog sick?
Your new dog lick mat can be used as often as you like, as long as you use dog-safe ingredients and recipes. You can use it on a daily basis and keep your dog mentally stimulated and working their brains.
Do vets recommend dog lick mats?
Absolutely, most vets not only suggest using a dog lick mat, but will also have them on hand and use them as tools to help keep your dog distracted during examinations. Licking mats also provide a convenient way to introduce important medicines or antibiotics to your dog.
Can I leave my dog alone with a lick mat?
Although a lick mat is an amazing enrichment tool, it is not recommended to leave your dog alone with one. Lick mats are made of thin rubber or silicone and are not designed to be chewed. Chunks or pieces of the lick mat could be chewed off and swallowed which could create a potential choking hazard.
Are dog lick mats good for busy daycares?
Absolutely, many doggy daycares will carry plenty of lick mats and prepare them in advance for the busy days. It makes for a great afternoon snack and does not involve a lot of effort to prepare.
Where Can I Buy My Dog A New Lick Mat in Canada?
You can get a wide variety of incredible lick mats right here at DuraPaw! Browse the DuraPaw collection of Dog Lick Mats here.
Similarly, if you are in the US, you can go direct to SodaPup where they design and manufacture these amazing lick mats!
The Best Dog Lick Mat Designs Available!
SodaPup designs the best and most exciting dog lick mats on the market. Here is some of the designs that we love!
Jigsaw Puzzle Emat Enrichment Lick Mat
Sodapup's Jigsaw lick mat has such a creative and unique design. It also comes in 3 colors, blue, green and pink, which makes it great for households that have 2 or even 3 dogs!
Whale Design Emat Enrichment Dog Lick Mat with Suction Cups
This very unique and creative design is a favorite of ours. With 12 suction cups on the back side, this lick mat can stick to almost any hard surface!
Tree Design 'Peace' Emat Enrichment Dog Lick Mat
Feast your eyes on the cutest repeating tree pattern lick mat! With deeper and tighter grooves this lick mat presents a tougher challenge to put to test even the most fierce lickers!
Summary: Best Dog Lick Mat Recipe Ideas
Dog lick mats can be one of the easiest enrichment activities to prepare. With only a few moments of effort, and some dog safe household ingredients, you can have a satisfying and stimulating snack ready for your pup. Whether your goal is to prepare a gourmet recipe, or simply spread some sticky peanut butter, lick mats are a go to enrichment tool that all pet owners should consider.
We hope this has helped to provide some insight and fresh ideas for what to put on your dog's lick mat. It is important to always use healthy dog safe ingredient toppings and recipes at all times.
