If you’re looking to keep your pooch both mentally stimulated and relaxed, you’ll need one of the best lick mats for dogs. They are designed to be part engaging dog toy and part slow feeder, providing your dog with both entertainment and calming benefits while also getting to chow down on something tasty. Made with a textured surface, dog lick mats are designed to have food spread on them, such as yoghurt or dog-safe peanut butter, to create a fun and rewarding challenge for your pooch. Although delicious for your pooch, they offer much more than just a tasty treat…
Much like dog puzzle toys require your pup to use their brain to solve the problem to get the reward, lick mats turn treat and mealtimes into mental activity. Your dog simply uses their tongue to lick whatever food you’ve spread onto the mat to get it out of the grooves and into their mouth. Sounds simple, but it’s oh-so-engaging for your pooch, and there are lots of benefits.
Best lick mats for dogs at a glance:
One of the key benefits of lick mats for dogs is that they promote good oral hygiene, as the lick action helps to clean the tongue and encourage saliva production, aiding with removing any food particles and bacteria in their mouth, so it should help with making that infamous doggy breath more bearable. They can also make fast easters take it easy, doubling as a slow-feeder to prevent them from gulping down food and treats too quickly. Lick mats can also help dogs with anxiety to feel less nervous as the repetitive licking action will help to release endorphins from their brain, making them feel calmer. Lick mats also engage a dog’s natural snigging instincts, similar to dog snuffle mats. They provide mental stimulation that will have destructive dogs feeling less bored and as a result, should hopefully leave your furniture and shoes alone if they have a tendency to chew them.
If you’re after a new way to provide your dog with some enrichment to keep them entertained while also calm and focused, a lick mat will be a great choice. They have many mental and physical benefits, as we’ve explored in our FAQs section below. So, without further ado, here’s our guide to the best lick mats for dogs to help you choose the right one for your canine companion.
Best lick mats for dogs
Best overall
LickiMat/AmazonWhen most dog owners think of a lick mat, their mind immediately goes to a LickiMat, and while the LickiMat Buddy may be one of the originals, we still think it's the best. Designed by vets, it was originally supposed to be used to help anxious pups feel less nervous but has now evolved into being a training aid and enrichment toy to keep your pooch mentally stimulated. The textured surfaces on this Lickimat help promote healthier teeth and gums as it scrapes food particles and odour-causing bacteria off your pup's tongue as they lick.
Some reviewers were surprised at how small this mat is and found that their larger breeds licked off the food they'd added in a few minutes. However, it's worth noting that the LickiMat Classic Buddy is designed for small to medium breeds, so larger breeds would want a different style. For owners of smaller breeds, this LickiMat has been great for providing enrichment for their pooch, with many saying it has kept their dog entertained for ages.
Pros
- Owners of smaller dogs say this Lickimat has kept their pooch entertained for ages
- Promotes good dental health as licking the texture surfaces helps to scrape food particles and bacterial off your dog's tongue
Cons
- Some reviewers were surprised at how small it is, but this Lickimat is designed for small to medium breeds
Best dog lick mat pack
Coomazy/AmazonThis two-pack of Coomazy Licky Mats for Dogs has (almost) everything you need to create and maintain a super enriching lick mat for your pooch. It comes with a spatula to help you spread your topping of choice on, like dog-safe pâté and peanut butter or yoghurt. A cleaning brush is included, so you can get into every nook and cranny after your dog has finished using it to ensure you get any remaining morsels of food out. As this is a duo of lick mats, you can always have another one prepped and ready to go in the freezer, or you can clean one while your pup is entertaining themselves with another.
Customer reviews repeatedly mention the ease of cleaning. Pet owners also rate this highly for having suction cups on the bottom, which stick to smooth floors or walls to stop it sliding about while your doggo is having a good lick. It's worth noting that they're not completely chew-proof, though. Some mischievous pups have managed to chew the corners off, so make sure you're supervising them when they're using them.
Pros
- Two in a pack for your convenience
- Comes with a cleaning brush to help you get every last morsel of food off
Cons
- Not completely chew proof as some mischievous dogs have managed to chew the corners off
Best lick mat for large dogs
LickiMat/AmazonMany lick mats are small in size, so it wouldn't take very long for a large dog to lick off every last remnant of food - in comes the LickiMat X Large Soother. It's 90 per cent bigger compared to the standard LickiMat size so it's almost twice as big. As all the licking helps to calm down your pup, this LickiMat will be particularly handy for those dogs who are scared of thunderstorms and fireworks, as it'll provide a great distraction. The bigger size means the calming effect the licking has on your pooch can last longer.
With over 12,100 reviews on Amazon alone, the LickiMat Soother is a popular choice with other pet owners who rate it highly for the entertainment value and calming effect it has on their pooch. One area where reviews feel this LickiMat could improve is its ease of cleaning, as some feel it can be a challenge to get it out of all the textured grooves.
Pros
- 90 per cent bigger compared to a standard LickiMat size, so it's great for large dogs
- Its bigger size means it will provide a distraction for longer, which is great for using during fireworks night or thunderstorms
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's sometimes a challenge to clean as it's hard to get all the last bits of food out of all the grooves
Best slow feeder lick mat for dogs
LickiMat/AmazonIf you've got a dog that wolfs down their food in a minute or two, you should give the LickiMat Slomo a try. It's designed to slow dogs down so they can't just gulp it all down and have to take their time to eat. It will help improve digestion and reduce bloat too. You can serve their wet and dry food together, or you can separate them into different sections, either way without making a mess, as it's got deep rubber pockets to put them in and raised nubs to give your pup a variety of surfaces to lick.
Customers appreciate the robustness and durability of this LickiMat, as well as how easy it is to clean, as it can be popped into the dishwasher after every use. Some reviewers didn't like that it was made from hard plastic, but it's the hard plastic that makes it as strong and tough as it is.
Pros
- Durable and robust, say reviewers
- Designed to slow down dogs who have a tendency to gulp their food
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't like that this LickiMat is made using hard plastic
Best eco-friendly lick mat for dogs
www.petspurest.com
Next up is the Pets Purest Lick Mat, which is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, so it's a more eco-friendly option than some others on our list. The textured surface is designed to look like dogs and cats, which is a fun touch we love, and it'll keep your pooch entertained for ages trying to lick doggy-safe peanut butter or soft cheese out of it.
While there are no customer reviews of this product just yet, we're sure this lick mat will stimulate your dog's brain and keep them mentally active. Pets Purest say this mat is great for puppies and for engaging them, as well as senior dogs whose teeth may not be what they used to be. With this in mind, we'd say adult dogs should use this mat cautiously as it may break easily under the pressure of their lick or bite.
Pros
- Made with 100 per cent recycled materials, so it's a great eco-friendly choice
- Cute dog/cat print for the textured parts inside
Cons
- May not be best suited to adult dogs, but great for pups and seniors
Best for texture
OHMO/AmazonYou can keep your pooch engaged for longer with the OHMO Licky Mats for Dogs. It has different textured patterns for your pup to explore with their mouth and tongue, giving them some variety. This, in turn, will engage your dog's senses and encourage longer licking sessions. The textured surfaces will also help gently remove food particles from your hound's tongue, promoting healthier teeth and gums over time. Better still, it comes in a two-pack, so that's twice the licking fun to be had.
The activity level this duo of licky mats provides is something that is praised in the reviews, with many customers saying it's worked well to keep their pooch occupied for a good chunk of time. They mention that suction cups are super strong, which is handy when you want them to stay put when your pup is licking away but not so handy when you're preparing them. For that reason, one reviewer suggests putting a tea towel underneath while you're putting the food on them to stop them getting stuck to your surfaces.
Pros
- A variety of textures for your pup's mouth and tongue to explore to keep them busy
- The textured surfaces will help to gently remove food particles from your hound's tongue for better teeth and gum health over time
Cons
- As the suction cups are so strong, they may get stuck to your countertop while you're preparing the lick mat for your pooch
Best for bathtime
Wild for Dogswww.johnlewis.com
We know that not all dogs are fans of baths and it can be quite a stressful time for some being in the water, that's where the Wild for Dogs Bathtime Buddy Lickmat comes in handy. It's designed to keep your dog relaxed by offering them something tasty to lick to try and give them a more positive association with being in the tub. Made from silicone, it has suction pads underneath that you can stick to the side of your bath or the tile on the wall if your pup is a bit taller.
Reviews online say this lick mat provides a great distraction, so you can get on with getting your pup squeaky clean without worrying they'll try and bolt from the bath. We think this lick mat looks a bit on the smaller side so to ensure it lasts throughout the duration of your pup's bath, you're going to need to be speedy. That being said, comments in the reviews mention that the suction cups work really well at keeping the lick mat secure and reviewers appreciate that it's really easy to clean as it's dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Strong suction to keep it in place on bathtubs and tiled surfaces
- Easy to clean as it's dishwasher safe
Cons
- Looks a little on the small side, so you may need to be speedy with washing your dog to ensure they don't run out of distraction
How we chose the best lick mats for dogs
All of these dog lick mats have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered robustness, stimulation value and size in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching licky mats for dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
We put all the most frequently asked questions about lick mats to Ciara Pollen, Behaviour and Training Advisor at Woodgreen Pets Charity.
Best lick mats for dogs FAQs
Do vets recommend lick mats?
"Vets often recommend lick mats to help calm dogs and provide mental stimulation, especially in stressful situations," says Ciara. "They’re also useful when a dog has restricted exercise, such as when they’re recovering from a procedure."
"Licking can also help improve dogs’ appetites as it’s a gentle and non-stressful way to eat, especially if they have had or need a dental procedure."
Are dog lick mats a good idea?
"Yes! They provide mental stimulation, help with calming and can be a great tool for feeding dogs who eat too quickly."
Ciara explains, "The licking motion releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping dogs to naturally soothe themselves."
What is best to put on a dog lick mat?
"The simplest option is to soak your dog’s dry food in water for a few hours and spread this onto the mat," says Ciara. "That way, you know they’re getting all the nutrients they need."
"Other options include yoghurt, mashed banana and wet dog food. For a special treat every so often, try doggy-free, xylitol-free peanut butter, squeezy cheese or dog-safe pâté. You can also freeze the mat with these toppings for a longer-lasting challenge."
Can I give my dog a lick mat every day?
According to Ciara, you can give your dog a lick mat every day as long as you fill it with healthy food in moderation. "It’s best to vary the toppings to keep things fun and interesting for your dog and to rotate the types of enrichment you offer so the challenges always stay fresh."
Can I leave my dog alone with a lick mat?
"It depends on the dog," advises Ciara. "Always supervise your dog when you give them a new activity toy or topping to see how they react to it, as some dogs may chew the mat and destroy it."
"If they’re using it safely and appropriately, you can leave them with it for short periods."
This article contains expert advice from Ciara Pollen, a Behaviour and Training Advisor at Woodgreen Pets Charity. Ciara has a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Bristol, where she completed a research project on play behaviour in dogs. She’s also a certified APDT UK Dog Trainer and an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.