Your dog’s mealtime shouldn’t feel like a race against gravity. Whether they’re stress-licking through bath time or inhaling dinner like it’s a competitive sport, the right lick mat can turn chaos into calm. We’ve rounded up the best lick mats that soothe anxiety, slow the chow-down, and make enrichment as easy as peanut butter on silicone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The lick mats and snack-smearing accessories linked here may earn me a small commission — not enough to fund a canine wellness retreat, but enough to keep the peanut butter flowing.
Can licking reduce anxiety? For dogs, yes — and it’s not just anecdotal. The repetitive motion of licking activates the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing endorphins and lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Translation? That weird little silicone mat might be the cheapest therapy session your dog ever gets.
Contents
- 1 Why Lick Mats Work (Science + Chaos)
- 2 What to Look For in a Lick Mat
- 3 The Best Lick Mats (Tested by My Dog, Who Is a Food Critic)
- 4 DIY Lick Mat Ideas (For the Crafty and Slightly Unhinged)
- 5 What to Put on a Lick Mat (Besides Your Hopes and Dreams)
- 6 Final Thoughts: Lick Mats Are Therapy (But Cheaper)
Why Lick Mats Work (Science + Chaos)
Lick mats are textured surfaces designed to hold soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin purée, or whatever your dog would sell your soul for. But why do they work so well?
- Licking releases endorphins — the same chemicals that make humans feel calm after rhythmic movement
- It slows down eating, which improves digestion and reduces bloating
- It distracts during grooming, vet visits, thunderstorms, or existential crises
- It provides mental stimulation without requiring a walk in the rain
Is it enrichment? Is it bribery? Is it both? Yes. And if you’re wondering which ones are worth your money, the best lick mats combine durability, texture, and just enough chaos to keep your pup entertained.
What to Look For in a Lick Mat
Material: Silicone is best — non-toxic, dishwasher-safe, and flexible enough to survive being chewed by a creature who thinks drywall is a snack.
Texture: More grooves = longer licking time. Less grooves = snack inhalation.
Suction Cups: Crucial for sticking to tubs, floors, or walls. Otherwise, your dog will carry it off like a trophy.
Size & Shape: Match to your dog’s snout. Giant mats for giant dogs. Tiny mats for tiny chaos goblins.
When you’re shopping, remember: the best lick mats aren’t just about looks. They’re about how long they can distract your pup while you drink coffee in peace.
The Best Lick Mats (Tested by My Dog, Who Is a Food Critic)
Each of these contenders earned a spot because they survived real-world testing (translation: my dog’s teeth, paws, and occasional tantrums). If you’re serious about indoor enrichment, these are among the best lick mats you can buy without regretting it later.
1. LickiMat Soother
Texture: Soft, rounded bumps
Best For: Calming anxious dogs, slow feeding
Why I Love It: It’s like a spa treatment for your dog’s tongue. Also, it survived being chewed during a thunderstorm.
(Try: LickiMat Soother — gentle texture, dishwasher-safe, trance-inducing)
2. LickiMat Buddy
Texture: Cross-hatch pattern
Best For: Chunkier spreads like pumpkin or wet food
Bonus: Comes in multiple sizes and colors, so you can pretend your dog has a curated kitchen aesthetic.
(Try: LickiMat Buddy — textured for hearty spreads, surprisingly chic)
3. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat
Texture: Deep grooves
Best For: Long licking sessions
Suction Cups: Yes, and they actually work. I stuck it to my fridge once just to see if I could. I could.
(Try: Hyper Pet IQ Mat — durable, grippy, and fridge-approved)
4. Aquapaw Slow Treater
Texture: Flower-shaped ridges
Best For: Bathtime distractions
Suction Cups: Strong enough to survive a wet, panicked Labrador
(Try: Aquapaw Slow Treater — bath-friendly and Labrador-proof)
5. Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad
Texture: Dual zones — one for treats, one for kibble paste
Best For: Multi-texture licking (yes, that’s a thing)
Bonus: Dishwasher-safe and comes with a spatula, which feels fancy
(Try: Mighty Paw Lick Pad — two zones, one spatula, endless satisfaction)
DIY Lick Mat Ideas (For the Crafty and Slightly Unhinged)
- Silicone Pot Holder: Textured, cheap, and surprisingly effective. Just don’t confuse it with your actual pot holder.
- Frozen Yogurt Puzzle: Spread yogurt, freeze, serve. Your dog will think you invented ice cream.
- Peanut Butter Picasso: Smear PB in weird patterns. Watch your dog become an art critic.
DIY options are fun, but they rarely last as long as the best lick mats designed specifically for chewing, licking, and general canine chaos.
What to Put on a Lick Mat (Besides Your Hopes and Dreams)
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin purée
- Mashed banana
- Wet dog food
- Crushed treats mixed with broth
Tip: Freeze it for longer distraction. Or to punish your dog for waking you up at 4 a.m. with a squeaky toy.
Final Thoughts: Lick Mats Are Therapy (But Cheaper)
Lick mats aren’t just trendy pet accessories. They’re tools for enrichment, anxiety relief, and peace of mind — for both you and your dog. They turn chaos into calm. They turn snack time into a ritual. They turn bath time into something that doesn’t end with you soaked and emotionally broken.
So go forth. Buy the mat. Smear the peanut butter. Watch your dog enter a trance state while you finally answer that email or eat a sandwich without being judged.
You deserve this. And so does your dog. And if you’re still on the fence, just remember: the best lick mats aren’t luxuries — they’re survival tools for modern pet parents.
Related Articles:
- The 6 Best Dog Enrichment Toys to Relieve Boredom and Boost Playtime
- 5 Disastrous Pet Enrichment Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them Fast)
- 7 Irresistible Indoor Pet Enrichment Ideas for Rainy Days: Fun Without the Mess
- The 5 Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs: Turn Dinner Into a Treasure Hunt
References:
- 6 Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs: Canine Health and Wellness – Dogster
Backs up the science behind lick mats, including endorphin release, anxiety reduction, and digestive support through slow feeding and rhythmic licking. - Lick Mats for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know – American Kennel Club
Confirms that lick mats promote dental health, soothe anxious pups, and create positive associations during stressful events like grooming or crate training. - Does Your Dog Need a Lick Mat? Experts Review the Benefits – Rover
Highlights the versatility of lick mats for enrichment, anxiety relief, and slow feeding, with expert insights and product comparisons including Aquapaw and Hyper Pet IQ.