7 Lick Mat Recipes That Will Keep Your Dog Busy for Hours

Does your dog stare at you while you’re trying to work? Or maybe they get anxious the moment you grab your keys to leave?

If you have a bored or anxious pup, you don’t always need a long walk to calm them down. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of peanut butter and the right tool.

Enter the Lick Mat.

This simple rubber mat is taking the dog world by storm, and for good reason. Licking is a self-soothing behavior for dogs that releases endorphins (happy hormones) into their brains. It calms them down, lowers their heart rate, and keeps them distracted.

But smearing plain peanut butter gets boring after a while. If you want to keep your dog interested—and keep them busy for 30 minutes or more—you need to get creative.

Here are 7 viral lick mat recipes that will cure your dog’s boredom and save your sanity.

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The Secret “Freezer Trick” (Read This First!)

Before we get to the recipes, here is the #1 Pro Tip that will change your life: Freeze it.

If you serve these recipes fresh, your dog will lick them clean in 3 minutes. If you freeze the mat for 2-3 hours before giving it to them, it turns into a long-lasting puzzle that can keep them occupied for 30 to 45 minutes.

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1. The “Peanut Butter Dream” (Classic)

Best for: Beginners and picky eaters.

You can’t go wrong with the classic, but let’s upgrade it to make it healthier.

• Base: Dog safe Peanut Butter (Make sure you avoid Xylitol and other human foods that are toxic to dogs).
• Topping: Slices of fresh banana.
• Instructions: Spread the PB into the grooves of the mat. Press the banana slices flat on top so they stick. Freeze.

2. The “Tummy Tamer”

Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or loose stool.

• Base: 100% Plain Canned Pumpkin (Not pie filling).
• Topping: A spoonful of plain Greek Yogurt.
• Instructions: Mix the pumpkin and yogurt together for a nice orange swirl. Spread it thick. The pumpkin is packed with fiber which is great for digestion.

3. The “Beefy Broth” Popsicle

Best for: Hot summer days or hydration.

• Base: Bone Broth (Make sure it has no onions or added salt).
• Topping: A handful of your dog’s regular kibble.
• Instructions: Put the mat on a baking sheet (so you don’t make a mess). Sprinkle the kibble onto the mat. Pour the bone broth over it. Freeze carefully until solid.

4. The “Fruity Splash”

Best for: A low-calorie snack.

• Base: Unsweetened Applesauce.
• Topping: Blueberries and crushed strawberries.
• Instructions: Spread the applesauce as the “glue.” Squish the berries into the mat patterns. This is packed with antioxidants and very low in fat.

5. The “Breakfast Scramble”

Best for: Weekend brunch.

• Base: Low-fat Cottage Cheese.
• Topping: A small amount of scrambled egg (cooked plain, no oil/salt).
• Instructions: Cottage cheese is high in protein and spreads easily. Press the scrambled egg bits into the tight corners of the mat to make your dog work for it.

6. The “Veggie Crunch”

Best for: Overweight dogs who need a diet-friendly treat.

• Base: Pureed cooked carrots or sweet potato.
• Topping: Green beans (fresh or frozen).
• Instructions: Steam some carrots and mash them up. Spread them on the mat and stick crunchy green beans into the mash like candles on a cake.

7. The “Calm Down”

Best for: Thunderstorms and separation anxiety.

• Base: Wet dog food (Pâté style).
• Topping: CBD Oil (Check with your vet) or crumbled calming treats.
• Instructions: Spread their favorite wet food. Add drops of the calming oil on top before freezing. The act of licking combined with the calming aid is a powerful anti-anxiety tool.

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🐶 Can’t Decide? Spin the Wheel!

Don’t know which one to make today? Let our random recipe generator decide for you!

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The Tool You Need

You can technically use a plate, but a proper Lick Mat works much better because the grooves trap the food and stimulate your dog’s tongue.

Cleaning Tips

The only downside to lick mats? They can be a pain to clean if the peanut butter dries up.

• Soak it: Immediately after your dog is done, soak the mat in warm soapy water for 10 minutes.
• Use a brush: A scrubbing brush gets into the corners better than a sponge.
• Dishwasher: Most high-quality silicone mats (like the one linked above) are dishwasher safe!

FAQs

Common Questions About Lick Mats

Q: Can I put peanut butter on a lick mat every day? A: Yes, as long as it is in moderation. Peanut butter is high in fat, so stick to 1 tablespoon or less per day. Always ensure your peanut butter does not contain Xylitol (birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs.

Q: How do I clean a lick mat properly? A: The easiest way is to soak the mat in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes immediately after use. This softens the dried food. Then, use a scrubbing brush to clean the corners. Most high-quality silicone mats are also dishwasher safe (top rack).

Q: What if my dog chews the mat instead of licking? A: Lick mats are not chew toys. If your dog is a heavy chewer, supervise them closely. Once the food is gone, remove the mat immediately so they don’t start gnawing on the rubber.

Q: Can puppies use lick mats? A: Absolutely! Lick mats are excellent for puppies. They help with crate training, keep them distracted during grooming, and burn off mental energy which helps them sleep better.