What can you put on a dog lick mat? Start with your dog's usual wet food. Other options include small amounts of plain cooked pumpkin or carrot purée, unsweetened yoghurt if your dog tolerates dairy, and peanut butter with no xylitol. Use familiar ingredients, keep extra treats small and supervise every session.
Once your dog understands the mat, you can try different pet-friendly textures. This guide covers easy topping ideas, how to introduce a LickiMat and how to choose between three useful options.
What can you put on a dog lick mat?
LickiMat’s own topping guide includes plain yoghurt, xylitol-free peanut butter and puréed vegetables such as pumpkin or carrot. Use ingredients your dog already tolerates and keep extras small. These are topping ideas, not a complete diet.
| Topping | How to prepare it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Your dog’s usual wet food | Spread a little across the surface with the back of a spoon. | Take it from their usual daily serving. |
| Plain pumpkin or carrot purée | Cook without seasoning, cool and mash until smooth. | Use plain vegetables rather than pie filling or a seasoned mix. |
| Plain yoghurt | Use a light coating rather than filling every pocket. | Choose unsweetened yoghurt, only if your dog tolerates dairy. |
| Peanut butter | Apply a small smear or mix a little through familiar wet food. | Read the ingredient list every time: never use a product containing xylitol. |
There is no single serving size that suits every dog. Size, daily food intake and dietary needs all matter. If your dog has food allergies, a sensitive stomach or a prescribed diet, check suitable ingredients with your vet before changing their food.
Three simple combinations to try
- The familiar-food starter: use their regular wet food alone. Keep the coating easy to reach so the first session feels rewarding.
- The two-texture serving: spread familiar wet food in one section and a little plain vegetable purée in another. Introduce one new ingredient at a time.
- The occasional yoghurt swirl: add a small swirl of plain yoghurt to familiar food if dairy agrees with your dog.
You do not need a complicated recipe or a full mat. A light coating lets you see how your dog responds before making the next serving more challenging.
Should you freeze a lick mat?
LickiMat recommends building confidence with an easy serving first. Freezing can be a later step on a freezer-safe model. Let your dog’s response guide the difficulty: if they become frustrated or start biting the mat, stop and return to an easier serving. Follow the storage instructions for the food you use.
Compare these three LickiMat options
| Model | Main difference | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| LickiMat Tuff Soother Green | 20 × 20 cm; fine texture for smooth, soft food. | Dishwasher safe. |
| LickiMat Mini Tuff Playdate Orange | 15 × 15 cm; compact patterned mat for dogs and cats. | Dishwasher safe; follow the supplied label. |
| LickiMat Indoor Keeper Bundle Pink | One pink holder plus three Original mats; colours and designs assorted. | Holder: dishwasher safe. Included Original mats: hand wash. |
The standard-size Keeper is described by LickiMat as fitting Classic and Tuff mats. Do not assume the smaller Mini will fit the standard holder. See each listing for its specific contents and care directions.
Foods to avoid
Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, alcohol and foods containing xylitol off your dog’s mat. Check spreads and prepared foods for hidden ingredients. If your dog eats something potentially toxic, contact your vet promptly.
Supervision and cleaning
Stay with your dog during use. A lick mat is a feeding accessory, not a chew toy. Remove it once the activity is finished, inspect it for damage and clean the grooves thoroughly. Follow the care directions for your particular model; do not assume every mat can go in the dishwasher.
A simple routine is enough: familiar food, an easy first serving and a clean mat ready for next time.
Dog lick mat questions
How much food should I put on a lick mat?
Start with a thin, easy-to-reach serving rather than a full mat. There is no single portion for every dog; include the food in their daily intake and follow any dietary advice from your vet.
Can I leave my dog alone with a LickiMat?
Stay with your dog during use. A lick mat is a feeding accessory, not a chew toy. Remove it after feeding or if your dog starts biting it.
Is a lick mat the same as a slow feeder bowl?
A lick mat spreads food across a textured surface. A slow feeder bowl holds food between raised sections. Choose according to the food you serve, portion size and your pet's behaviour.
Can I use the Mini Playdate for a cat?
Yes. LickiMat recommends the Mini Tuff Playdate for dogs and cats. For cats, start with familiar cat food and keep the activity supervised.
Find more dog feeding accessories and dog enrichment essentials, or browse cat bowls and feeders.
References
Product and introduction guidance: LickiMat’s official Australian website, LickiMat topping ideas and introducing your dog to LickiMat. Ingredient safety: ASPCA foods to avoid.