A lick mat is a textured mat designed to hold a thin layer of suitable food so your dog has to work across the surface rather than simply eating from a bowl. It can be an easy way to add a little variety to everyday feeding and enrichment without needing a complicated setup.
The key is to keep it simple. Use food that already suits your dog, start with a small amount, supervise the session and clean the mat thoroughly afterwards.
How to set up a lick mat
- Choose a flat, stable surface. Put the mat somewhere it will not slide around easily while your dog is using it.
- Add a small amount of suitable food. Your dog's usual wet food or softened food can work well if it is appropriate for their diet. If you use anything different, make sure it is safe and suitable for your individual dog.
- Spread it into the textured surface. A thin, even layer is usually enough. You do not need to fill every groove.
- Let your dog investigate. For a first attempt, make the food easy to reach so they quickly understand how the mat works.
- Supervise throughout. A lick mat is for licking and feeding, not chewing. Remove it if your dog starts biting, tearing or trying to swallow pieces of the mat.
Simple ways to use one
You do not need a different recipe every time. One of the easiest approaches is simply to use part of your dog's normal meal on the mat. That keeps the activity familiar and makes it easier to account for how much they are eating.
You can also alternate between a lick mat and other food-based activities. A snuffle mat, for example, creates a searching game with dry food or treats, while a lick mat works better with food that can be spread over a textured surface.
If you are deciding which style suits your routine, our lick mat vs snuffle mat guide compares the two.
Do not overfill it
More food does not automatically make the activity better. A thin layer across the surface can provide plenty for your dog to work through. Using a smaller amount also makes the mat easier to clean and helps avoid accidentally adding lots of extra food on top of normal meals.
If your dog has dietary restrictions, allergies or a prescribed feeding plan, stick to food that is already appropriate for them rather than experimenting with internet recipes.
Can you chill a lick mat?
Some suitable foods can be chilled on the mat before use if the mat manufacturer allows it and the food itself can safely be served that way. Always check the product care instructions first. There is no need to freeze every session; a normal room-temperature setup works perfectly well for everyday use.
Cleaning and checking the mat
Wash the mat after each use according to its care instructions, paying attention to food left in the textured grooves. Let it dry fully before storing it.
Before each session, give the mat a quick check. If it is split, badly damaged or has loose pieces, stop using it. Dogs that strongly chew silicone or similar materials may be better suited to a different supervised enrichment activity.
Keep the first few sessions easy
If your dog has never used a lick mat before, there is no benefit in making the first attempt difficult. Put a small amount of food on the easier-to-reach parts of the surface and let them learn what to do. Once they understand it, you can spread the food more widely across the texture.
The aim is a straightforward activity that fits into your normal routine, not a puzzle your dog has to struggle to solve.
Looking for a lick mat?
The ShedShift™ Silicone Lick Mat is one of our everyday dog-enrichment options. You can also browse our full dog enrichment, lick mat and snuffle mat collection for other food-based activities.