Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team.
Whether you have a dog who feels a sense of doom every time you call them to the bath or a bored pet who needs some extra stimulation, a dog lick mat can be just what you need. These lick pads are typically made from flexible food-grade silicone or rubber and can be spread with soft foods your dog loves, like peanut butter, yogurt, baby food, or their wet food. Just position the pad on the floor or suctioned to a wall where they can focus on licking their favorite treats from the mat.
Many lick mats can also be placed in the freezer to give your dog more of a challenge while eating. If you expect bath time may be longer than they’d like or they need a good distraction while you hop on a conference call, this is an excellent option. Best of all, lick mats are dishwasher safe so cleanup is a cinch.
Most are nontoxic food-grade material and can be placed in the freezer for longer enjoyment
Sizes are available for small and medium dogs. Some have four quadrants for portioning out different foods
Treat mats are an excellent option for dogs who tend to eat too fast and then suffer from subsequent stomach troubles. It also keeps bored dogs busy with sections that can be covered with a variety of soft foods, including wet dog food, peanut butter, baby food, and pumpkin puree.
Studies show that repeated licking increases a dog’s endorphins and can help soothe them. The genius behind lick mats consist of tiny bristles that provide dogs with just the right amount of soothing distraction during stressful times like thunderstorms. The lick mat even supports dental health by scraping bacteria from the tongue with each lick.