8 Best Lick Mats for Dogs of 2023
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Are you looking for an innovative way to keep your beloved dog engaged, healthy, and happy? Imagine a simple tool that not only entertains your dog but also aids their grooming, eases anxiety, and provides essential mental stimulation. Lick mats are revolutionizing how we care for our canine companions, offering a unique solution to common dog owner challenges.
Envision your furry friend joyfully occupied, calmly facing grooming sessions, and experiencing less anxiety during vet visits. With various designs and uses, lick mats are tailored to suit dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Whether making bath time a breeze or providing a stimulating activity, these mats are a must-have for every dog owner.
Dive into my comprehensive guide to uncover everything you need to know and how to choose the best lick mats for dogs. Learn how to choose the perfect mat for your pet, understand its benefits, and get insights from a professional dog trainer with 12 years of industry experience. Transform your dog’s daily routine with this simple yet effective tool – your furry friend will thank you!
- Best Overall: Petration Licking Mat
- Best Budget: Pemocyny’s Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats
- Best for Puppies and Small Breeds: MateeyLife Licking Mat
- Best for Anxious Dogs: Cohibon Lick Mat
- Best Lick Bowl: Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl
- Best for Bath Time: Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat
- Best for Durability: Neat-LIK Licking Pad
- Best for Crate Training: SUMHEN Licking Mat
Best Overall Lick Mat
Petration Licking Mat for Dogs and Cats
Quick Overview
The Petration Licking Mat for Dogs and Cats is a multifunctional silicone feeding mat designed to enhance the feeding experience of pets. It’s crafted from non-toxic, food-grade silicone, ensuring safety and durability. This green-colored mat features a unique 6-quadrant design, catering to different types of food, including solid and liquid treats like dog food, yogurt, and peanut butter. Its slow-feeding design is aimed at improving digestion and reducing anxiety in pets.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The Petration Licking Mat presents an innovative solution for pet owners seeking to improve their pets’ eating habits while relieving mental stimulation and anxiety. Its safety-focused construction and thoughtful design cater well to various feeding needs. While it may not be ideal for larger or more aggressive pets, its versatility, ease of cleaning, and customer assurance policies make it a valuable addition to any pet care routine. The added benefit of improving oral hygiene is a bonus. This product seems well-suited for pet owners who prioritize the health and well-being of their pets, offering a practical yet enjoyable feeding experience.
Best Budget Lick Mat
Pemocyny’s Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats
Quick Overview
Pemocyny’s Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats is a dual-purpose product designed to make feeding and grooming times more enjoyable and stress-free for pets. This set includes two slow-feeder licking mats made from high-quality, food-grade silicone. These mats are BPA-free, showcasing strong flexibility and durability. The design aims to promote slower eating habits, improve digestion and dental health, and reduce anxiety. It’s advantageous during grooming sessions like bathing or nail clipping, thanks to its 48 suction cups that securely attach to flat surfaces.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
Pemocyny’s Lick Mat is an excellent tool for pet owners looking for an effective way to manage their pets’ feeding habits, reduce anxiety during grooming, and promote oral health. The versatility, quality of materials, and thoughtfulness in design make it an excellent investment for enhancing pets’ overall well-being. The suction cups add a level of convenience, especially during grooming sessions. While the need for supervision and potential risks for aggressive chewers should be considered, the overall benefits and ease of maintenance of these mats make them a practical and beneficial choice for pet owners seeking to improve their pets’ health and happiness.
Best for Puppies and Small Breeds
MateeyLife Licking Mat
Quick Overview
The MateeyLife Licking Mat is a versatile tool designed to enhance dogs’ and cats’ feeding and grooming experience. Rated at 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 4,200 ratings, this mat stands out for its unique ability to slow down eating, improve digestion, and reduce anxiety and destructive behavior. It features different textures to prolong mealtime and promote dental health. The mat is made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, making it safe, freezer-friendly, and dishwasher-safe. It comes with 77 powerful suction cups for firm adherence to smooth surfaces and a practical 4-quadrant design for portion control.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The MateeyLife Licking Mat is a well-thought-out product that addresses multiple aspects of pet care, from feeding to anxiety management. Its high-quality construction and safety features make it a reliable choice for pet owners. The innovative design, coupled with its ability to promote healthy eating habits and reduce anxiety, positions it as an essential tool for pet parents. While the need for supervision and potential issues with suction on certain surfaces are notable, the overall functionality and benefits it offers, especially for pets prone to fast eating or anxiety, make it a valuable addition to any pet care routine. This product balances practicality and pet well-being, making it a worthwhile investment for conscientious pet owners.
Best Lick Mat for The Anxious Dog
Cohibon Lick Mat
Quick Overview
The Cohibon Lick Mat is a versatile and innovative feeding solution for dogs and cats. Measuring 8.2”x8.2″, this product features a unique 2-in-1 design that accommodates wet and dry food, with separate areas for different textures like peanut butter, yogurt, raw, and dry food. It aims to reduce rapid eating, thereby minimizing the risk of choking and relieving anxiety and boredom. The mat is made from 100% BPA-free, food-grade silicone and boasts 80 powerful suction cups for a firm grip on smooth surfaces. This non-toxic, dishwasher-safe product comes with a satisfaction guarantee, offering a 60-day money-back and a 180-day replacement policy.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The Cohibon Lick Mat is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a multifunctional feeding and enrichment tool. Its innovative design effectively addresses common issues like rapid eating, anxiety, and boredom in pets. The mat’s ability to accommodate various food types adds to its appeal, making it a versatile addition to any pet care routine. While the need for supervision and potential size limitations should be considered, the overall benefits of safety and ease of maintenance make this product a valuable investment for pet owners. The strong commitment to customer satisfaction further enhances its attractiveness, ensuring that pet owners can confidently make this purchase.
Best Lick Bowl
Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl
Quick Overview
The Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl is an interactive slow feeder and licking mat designed to provide enrichment and anxiety relief for dogs. Made from 100% BPA-free, food-grade silicone, it is safe for dogs of all sizes. This innovative bowl offers stable and wobbly modes and four different textures to cater to various activity needs. It can be used with multiple soft foods or as a slow-feed bowl for wet or raw dog food. The bowl serves as a fun distraction for nervous dogs and promotes oral health by cleaning the tongue and gums during use. It is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, emphasizing its convenience for pet owners.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl is an excellent product for pet owners looking to combine feeding with mental stimulation and oral health benefits. Its dual modes provide unique engagement opportunities, catering to various canine temperaments and activity levels. The focus on dental health and anxiety relief aligns with the needs of many pet owners who seek to improve their dogs’ overall well-being. While its use is limited to soft foods, and the wobble mode might not be ideal for all dogs, the overall design and ease of cleaning make it a valuable addition to any pet care arsenal. This product suits those who value innovative solutions to enhance their dog’s mental and physical health.
Best for Bath Time
Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat
Quick Overview
The Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat is designed to enhance the grooming and feeding experience of dogs and cats and is especially suited for larger breeds. This blue mat is perfect for spreading treats like peanut butter and yogurt, providing a long-lasting distraction and mental stimulation. It’s an excellent tool for easing anxiety during baths, grooming, or vet visits. The mat’s portable and convenient design, complete with suction cups, allows it to be easily attached to walls or floors, making it ideal for use in various settings. It relieves boredom and promotes a happier and more balanced pet.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat is a valuable tool for pet owners looking to ease their pet’s anxiety and boredom, particularly during grooming sessions or vet visits. Its design catering to larger breeds makes it unique, offering a more extended distraction and mental stimulation. While it is most effective with spreadable treats, which might not be ideal for all pets, its portability and ease of use make it a versatile addition to any pet care routine. This mat is an excellent choice for those seeking to provide their pets with a calming and enjoyable experience, improving the overall quality of life for both pets and their owners.
Best Dog Lick Mat for Durability
Neat-LIK licking pad
Quick Overview
Neater Pets’ Neat-LIK licking pad and a mess-proof tray offer an innovative pet feeding and stimulation solution. This product is rated at 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 1,050 ratings, highlighting its popularity among pet owners. The Neat-LIK pad encourages healthier, slower eating habits in dogs and cats, aiding digestion and dental health. It also provides stress and anxiety relief, as well as reducing boredom and destructive behavior. The unique tray design prevents messes by containing the food and discourages pets from moving or chewing the pad. The Neat-LIK is top-rack dishwasher safe and made from recyclable, food-safe, and non-toxic TPE material.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The Neater Pets – Neat-LIK with Mess-Proof Tray is a thoughtful product that addresses common issues pet owners face, such as messy feeding and pet anxiety. Its design promotes slow eating, mental stimulation, and dental health, making it a beneficial tool for pet well-being. While the tray adds size and may limit portability, the benefits of a clean, contained feeding area outweigh this drawback for many users. This product is especially suitable for pet owners looking for a clean and engaging way to feed their pets, offering practicality and health benefits.
Best Lick Mat for Crate Training
SUMHEN Licking Mat
Quick Overview
The SUMHEN Licking Mat is designed to enhance the feeding experience of dogs and cats. It’s a 7.1″ large-size slow feeder made of food-grade silicone, ensuring safety, hygiene, and durability. The mat features anti-slip pads for stability and a raised design for better interaction with food. This versatile product can be installed in a cage or placed on the floor, making it suitable for various settings. It aims to slow down eating speed, alleviate anxiety, and provide enjoyment during mealtime. The mat is easy to clean and comes conveniently with a brush and feeding kit.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Meraki Dogs’ Final Thoughts
The SUMHEN Licking Mat is a practical and beneficial addition to a pet’s daily routine, especially for pets prone to eating quickly or experiencing anxiety. Its large size and food-grade material make it a safe and enjoyable feeding and treat time option. While it is primarily suited for spreadable foods and its effectiveness in crates may vary, the overall design and ease of cleaning make it a valuable tool for pet owners. This product is particularly suitable for those looking to give their dog something to focus on while spending time in the crate.
The Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs
As a pet professional, I’ve seen firsthand how lick mats can significantly benefit our canine companions. These simple yet effective tools offer a range of advantages for dogs, irrespective of their age or size.
Enrichment for Every Dog
Lick mats are a fantastic enrichment tool, whether staying indoors due to weather or supplementing mental exercise after a major surgery.. These lick mats can help keep your dog occupied and content by stimulating their mind and engaging their senses. This primarily benefits energetic puppies or older dogs needing gentle mental stimulation.
Aid in Grooming and Handling
During grooming, bathing, or general handling, lick mats are invaluable. They provide a positive distraction, making these often stressful experiences more tolerable for your furry friend. This focus on the mat helps create a calmer environment, simplifying the process for the dog and the handler.
Comfort in Stressful Situations
Visits to the vet or groomer can be anxiety-inducing for many dogs. A lick mat can be a soothing presence, helping to reduce stress and create a more positive association with these necessary visits by having something yummy for your dog to lick.
Reducing Anxiety
In various uncomfortable situations, lick mats can act as a calming tool. Whether it’s during thunderstorms, fireworks, separation anxiety, or other anxiety-triggering events, these lick mats are a great way to provide a much-needed distraction and sense of comfort.
What to Look for in Lick Mats
When choosing a lick mat for your dog, it’s crucial to consider several key factors to ensure it meets your dog’s needs and remains safe for them to use. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Size Appropriate for Your Dog
The size of the lick mat should be appropriate for your dog’s breed and age. Smaller breeds and puppies typically require smaller mats. This ensures they can comfortably reach and enjoy the entire surface without strain or discomfort.
Durability for Eager Chewers
The mat’s durability is a significant factor for dogs that are more aggressive or enthusiastic when they dig in. A more robust, tear-resistant material is necessary to prevent them from ripping chunks off, which could pose a choking hazard or lead to ingesting inedible material.
Depth for Engagement and Difficulty
The depth of the patterns on the lick mat determines how challenging it is for your dog to get all the food out. Deeper patterns mean your dog will spend more time and effort, which is ideal if you want to keep them busier for extended periods. A lick mat with more depth or even a lick bowl can provide this increased challenge.
On the other hand, if your dog enjoys the enrichment but isn’t highly food-motivated or tends to give up when it becomes too difficult to retrieve food, opting for a mat with less depth is advisable. This allows them to enjoy the enrichment without becoming frustrated or losing interest too quickly.
Simple Lick Mat Recipes Dogs Love
Here are a couple of basic recipes that you can use for lick mats. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and enjoyable for your dog.
Peanut Butter and Banana Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter (make sure it’s safe for dogs)
- 1 ripe banana
Instructions:
- Mash the banana until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Mix the mashed banana with the peanut butter until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the lick mat.
- Optionally, you can freeze the mat for a few hours to provide a longer-lasting treat.
Yogurt and Berry Blast
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (make sure it’s safe for dogs and doesn’t contain xylitol)
- A handful of safe berries (like blueberries or chopped strawberries)
Instructions:
- Wash and prepare the berries. If using strawberries, chop them into smaller pieces.
- Mix the berries with the yogurt.
- Spread the berry and yogurt mixture over the lick mat.
- For an added challenge, freeze the mat for a couple of hours before giving it to your dog.
Pro Tips:
- Always ensure the ingredients are safe for dogs and do not contain any harmful substances like xylitol.
- Gradually introduce new foods to your dog’s diet and watch for any allergic reactions.
- Supervise your dog while they enjoy their lick mat treat to ensure they don’t ingest any pieces of the mat.
These simple recipes can provide a delightful treat for your dog, keeping them entertained and helping their oral health. Remember to clean the lick mat thoroughly after each use.
Foods Your Pup Can Enjoy on Their Lick Pad
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Meraki Dogs?
As a seasoned professional dog trainer with 12 years of experience, I’ve worked with a broad spectrum of dogs, from basic training to behavior modification. My recommendations on lick mats are grounded in extensive hands-on experience and align with insights from other pet professionals. I have utilized various lick mats tailored to the unique needs of different dogs, ensuring these suggestions are well-informed and trustworthy.
