Best Lick Mats for Dogs in 2024: Top 8 Reviewed
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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.
That’s where lick mats come in.
Lick mats are revolutionizing how we care for our canine companions, offering a unique solution to common dog owner challenges.
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.
Dive into my comprehensive guide to uncover everything you need to know and how to choose the best lick mats for dogs.
Let’s jump in!
At a Glance
 | Best Overall: Petration Review | $16 Buy It |
 | Budget: Pemocyny Review | $5 Buy It |
 | Puppies/Small Dogs: MateeyLife Review | $8 Buy It |
 | Anxious Dogs: Cohibon Review | $6 Buy It |
 | Lick Bowl: Mighty Paw Review | $18 Buy It |
 | Bath Time: Aquapaw Review | $12 Buy It |
 | Durability: Neat-LIK Review | $19 Buy It |
 | Crate Training: Sumhen Review | $16 Buy It |
Best Lick Mats for Dogs
Check out this comprehensive review of the best lick mats I recommend to pet parents.
Best Overall Lick Mat: Petration Licking Mat for Dogs & Cats
The Petration Licking Mat for Dogs and Cats is a multifunctional silicone feeding mat designed to enhance pets’ feeding experience. This 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
- Size Limitations: It may not be suitable for larger breeds or pets with specific dietary needs.
- Durability with Aggressive Chewers: While bite-resistant, it might not withstand extreme chewing.
- Suction Cup Effectiveness: The effectiveness of suction cups may vary depending on the surface.
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 is well-suited for pet owners who prioritize their pets’ health and well-being, offering a practical yet enjoyable feeding experience.
Best Budget Lick Mat: Pemocyny’s Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats
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.
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
- Supervision Required: It is not a chew toy and requires supervision during use.
- Limited Size Options: This may only be suitable for some pet sizes, especially for significantly larger breeds.
- Chewing Risk: May not withstand aggressive chewing behavior in some pets.
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.
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
The MateeyLife Licking Mat is a versatile tool designed to enhance dogs’ and cats’ feeding and grooming experience. This mat 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 has powerful suction cups for firm adherence to smooth surfaces and a practical 4-quadrant design for portion control.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
- Suction Cup Reliability: May not adhere well on dusty or debris-laden surfaces.
- Limited Size Options: This may not cater to all breeds or sizes.
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.
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
The Cohibon Lick Mat is a versatile and innovative feeding solution for dogs and cats, featuring 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. 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
- Size Limitations: It may not be suitable for larger pets or those with specific dietary needs.
- Supervision Required: Not a chew toy; pets should be supervised during use.
- Suction Cup Effectiveness: The effectiveness of the suction cups may vary depending on the cleanliness and type of surface.
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
The Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl is an interactive slow feeder and licking mat designed to provide enrichment and anxiety relief for dogs. 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.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited to Soft Foods: Primarily designed for soft foods, which might not suit all dietary preferences.
- Potential Overstimulation: The wobble mode may overstimulate some dogs or be unsuitable for older or less active pets.
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
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.
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
- Limited to Spreadable Treats: Best used with spreadable treats, which may not suit all pets.
- Suction Cup Reliability: The effectiveness of suction cups may vary depending on the surface.
- Cleaning Difficulty: The sticky nature of spreadable treats may require more effort to clean.
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
Neater Pets’ Neat-LIK licking pad and mess-proof tray offer an innovative pet feeding and stimulation solution. This pad encourages healthier, slower eating habits in dogs and cats, aiding digestion and dental health. It also provides stress and anxiety relief and reduces boredom and destructive behavior. The unique tray design prevents messes by containing the food and discourages pets from moving or chewing the pad.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
- Size and Portability: The tray may add bulk, reducing portability compared to standalone lick mats.
- Limited to Spreadable Treats: Optimized for spreadable treats that might not suit all dietary needs.
- Tray Stability: Depending on the pet’s behavior, the tray might shift during use.
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
The SUMHEN Licking Mat is designed to enhance the feeding experience of dogs and cats. It’s a large slow feeder made of food-grade silicone, ensuring safety, hygiene, and durability. This versatile product can be installed in a cage or placed on the floor, making it suitable for various settings. The mat is easy to clean and comes conveniently with a brush and feeding kit.
Key Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited to Spreadable Foods: Optimized for sticky foods, which may not suit all diets.
- Cage Compatibility: While versatile, it may not fit all cage designs or sizes.
- Stability on Floors: Anti-slip pads may not provide enough grip on certain surfaces.
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.Â
- Enrichment: Stimulates the mind and engages the senses, from indoor entertainment to supplementing working through separation anxiety.
- For Dogs of all Ages: Lick mats cover the bases from energetic puppies to older dogs needing gentle mental stimulation.
- Handling Aid: Great tool for grooming, bathing, and general handling, lick mats provide a positive distraction in stressful situations.
- Vet Visits: A lick mat can be soothing, helping to reduce stress and create a positive association with these visits by having something yummy for your dog to lick.
- Reducing Anxiety: 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, consider these 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.
Spreadable Foods on the Lick Pad
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
Discovering the best lick mats for dogs can turn simple treats into engaging, long-lasting activities that not only soothe but also stimulate your furry friend. Whether you’re focusing on slowing down their eating pace, seeking a distraction, or just wanting to provide a fun and rewarding challenge, the right lick mat can be a game-changer in your dog care toolkit. Remember, the key is finding a mat that suits your dog’s size, chewing habits, and your cleaning preferences, ensuring both enjoyment and durability.
As you explore the world of lick mats and the many ways they can enrich your dog’s life, consider the joy and satisfaction they bring, not just as tools for distraction but as avenues for enhancing your dog’s mental health and well-being.
Craving more insights into innovative dog care products and tips for a happier, healthier pet? Join my community of devoted dog lovers. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recommendations, expert advice, and everything you need to elevate your dog’s quality of life.
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