Easy lick mat recipes for dogs, what to put on a lick mat
Three simple lick mat recipes using ingredients you already have at home, yogurt, pumpkin and banana. The easiest calming enrichment you can make in under five minutes.
Lick mats have become one of our favourite daily rituals. They're perfect for rainy days, hot afternoons when a long walk isn't possible, or simply slowing snack time down a little. The slow, repetitive licking is genuinely calming for dogs, it releases feel-good hormones and helps a busy, excited pup find her settle.
New to lick mats and not sure which type to get? Read our complete guide to the best lick mats for dogs, we cover every type, how to use them, and nine easy recipes.
Why lick mats?
The 3 combinations
All three use simple, dog-safe ingredients you likely already have at home. Always use plain, unsweetened versions and make sure any peanut butter is xylitol-free.
Yogurt + blueberries
Cool, creamy & antioxidant-rich. Lana's personal favourite.
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- Fresh blueberries
- Sprinkle of dog treats or kibble
Pumpkin + crunch
Gentle on tummies, great for digestion & deeply satisfying.
- Pumpkin puree (plain)
- Crushed dog treats or kibble
Banana + sprinkle
Naturally sweet, creamy & endlessly customisable.
- Mashed banana
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Kibble or flaxseed for topping
Our favourite lick mats
Three lick mats we reach for most, each with a different style and texture.
Large Lick Mat for Dogs & Cats
A generous 2-pack with four different textures per mat. Food-grade silicone, dishwasher & freezer safe, great value and a firm favourite.
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Slow Feeder Bowl Lick Mat
A beautiful galaxy-design bowl that wobbles for an extra challenge. Doubles as a slow feeder, easy to clean and genuinely lovely to look at.
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LickiMat Indoor Keeper Dog Feeding Station
A sturdy no-skid frame that holds your lick mat in place and extends capacity to 6 cups. Brilliant for pups who like to flip their mat.
View on AmazonFour easy steps
Ready in under five minutes, no cooking, no equipment needed.
Spread yogurt, pumpkin or banana over the mat surface
Press in blueberries, kibble, treats or a drizzle of peanut butter
Give fresh or freeze 30–60 min for a longer-lasting treat
Watch the calm settle in within minutes
Good to know
What can I put on a lick mat for my dog?
Safe lick mat fillings include plain unsweetened yogurt, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, xylitol-free peanut butter, bone broth and soft fruit like blueberries. Always avoid xylitol, grapes, onion, garlic and chocolate. these are toxic to dogs.
Are lick mats good for dogs?
Yes, lick mats are one of the most effective calming enrichment tools available. The slow repetitive licking releases endorphins and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, naturally settling anxious or overexcited dogs.
Can I freeze a lick mat?
Absolutely, and it's highly recommended. Freezing extends the enrichment time significantly and makes it a refreshing treat on warm days. Fill with yogurt, pumpkin or banana, then freeze for 30–60 minutes. The pumpkin combination is our favourite for freezing.
How often can I give my dog a lick mat?
Lick mats can be used daily as part of your enrichment routine. Lana gets one most afternoons, usually after a walk as a wind-down ritual. Keep portions reasonable and count any food spread toward their daily intake.
♡ A little tip from Lana
Rotate the combinations across the week to keep things interesting. Switching up the flavours means she's always excited to see the mat come out. Freeze the pumpkin version overnight for the best summer snack.
If you try these with your pup, I'd love to see them enjoying it. Tag @lana.thegoldenretriever on Instagram. Lana always enjoys seeing fellow enrichment fans. ♡
