The 5 Best Lick Mats For Dogs
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
For dogs, licking is a calming action. Lick mats are unique toys with patterned nubs that you fill with a spreadable reward, such as peanut butter or canned food that is acceptable for dogs, and then let your dog suck it out.
Your dog must move around all of the obstacles in order to get the reward. In addition to offering a relaxing experience, lick mats keep your dog occupied and interested when you cannot play with him.
Lick mats are good for dogs of all sizes and ages, especially those who get anxious when left alone or are stressed in other ways.
Have a look at the %product_count% best lick mats for dogs, based on BestForPets' (bestforpets.org) feedback from pet owners like you, in order to choose the most suitable alternative for your licker!
Reviews
Hyper Pet IQ Calm Slow Feeder Cat & Dog Treat Mat – Best Overall
The IQ Calm Slow Feeder Treat Mat from Hyper Pet is the greatest lick mat for dogs overall. Its rough surface is perfect for spreadable snacks and promotes tooth health by stimulating saliva production. With a distraction, dogs may spend a great deal of time licking and alleviating their nervousness.
The mat is freezer-safe, so you may put a frozen treat on it and freeze it for dogs who are teething. It is also suitable for use in the top rack of the dishwasher and the microwave for cleaning and cooking food.
While it’s meant for licking goodies, it may also be used to slow down fast-eating dogs. Many reviewers said that the mat’s texture is too tiny for them to remove all of the food.
Pros
- Freezer-safe teething gel
- Optional moderate feeding
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Texture can be too minute.
Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog Lick Mat – Premium Choice
Many textures on the Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog Lick Pad will keep your dog fascinated for extended durations. There are numerous elevated locations for wet food or treats that are difficult for your dog to escape. This may also be used for delayed feeding and portion management to prevent overeating.
The lick pad is dishwasher safe for cleanliness and cleaning. You may freeze it for teething pups or to increase the difficulty for your dog. Even though it is constructed of tough plastic, your dog may still damage it and monitoring is required.
Pros
- Multiple textures
- Dishwasher-safe
- Durable
Cons
- Needs supervision
The Best Lick Lick Pad for Puppies
For pups, the Lick Lick Pad Dog toy is an excellent option. The bone-shaped pad has a textured inside for peanut butter, wet food, yogurt, or other spreadable goodies to divert your dog.
The pad adheres to any smooth, flat surface without the need of suction cups or adhesives, so it remains in place while your dog works. When your dog is being groomed, brushed, or showered, it may be used on porcelain, tile, granite, glass, and polished metal.
The pad may be washed and disinfected in the dishwasher for hygienic purposes. It is constructed of silicone and plastic that is food-grade and devoid of lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS.
Although being advertised as suitable for big breeds, owners reported that it was too fragile for large dogs to use successfully.
Pros
- Silicone and plastics formulated for food contact
- Safe for use in a dishwasher
- Free of lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS
Cons
- Not necessarily ideal for huge breeds
- Flimsy
LickiMat Tuff Soother Dog Lick Mat
The detailed pattern of the Lickimat Tuff Soother Lick Mat is ideal for spreadable goodies. Dogs may spend considerable time attempting to extract peanut butter, moistened kibble, or other spreadable goodies from every crevice.
The Lickimat Tuff Soother is constructed of silicone-free, recyclable rubber for chew resistance and is suitable for both big and small dogs. It is available in many designs. It is also dishwasher-safe and equipped with non-slip rubber feet for stability.
While it is more durable than plastic, this mat should not be left alone with your dog. It features a solid, breakable base that poses a choking threat. Some reviewers mentioned that their dogs were able to rip it into pieces.
Pros
- Intricate pattern
- Chew-resistant
- Non-slip rubber
Cons
- May split apart
- Not ideal for chewers that are aggressive
Puppy Society Dog Lick Mat
Pup Culture Puppy Lick Mat is a complex lick mat with four distinct puzzle textures to engage your dog. It is created in the United States and has both tiny and big grooves to stimulate the mind. The mat’s unique suctioning construction allows it to remain in place as your dog licks. Also, it is dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup.
You may utilize the deeper areas of the lick mat for slow feeding if you so want. The lick mat is also advertised as bite-proof for all dog breeds, but you must keep an eye on your pet to avoid damage. It is available in the colors navy, gray, black, green, lavender, orange, and pink.
Pros
- Various puzzle textures
- US made
- Bite-proof
Cons
- Needs supervision
Buyer's Guide
There are many different sizes and variations of lick mats. Some are more suitable for tiny dogs, while others are suitable for large ones.
Certain designs are more complex and difficult, but others may be utilized for licking or slow feeding. The optimal lick mat for your dog will rely on the following factors:
Slip-resistant or Suction
If they lack a non-skid or suction surface, lick mats will wind up sliding all over your flooring. Not only does this leave you with a mess, but it may also be annoying for your dog to continue pursuing the mat.
Pattern
The advantages of a lick mat are derived from its patterns. A complex design with little depressions makes it more challenging for your dog to suck out all the spreadable goodies, resulting in additional cerebral stimulation and playfulness.
It may be too little for a bigger dog to use properly, so it’s essential to select a design that is appropriate for your dog’s size and degree of interest. It may be difficult for your dog to get all of the goodies out of complicated lick mats, therefore it’s crucial to observe your dog while using a mat to prevent it from destroying it.
Dishwasher-Safe
Many lick mats are constructed of silicone, rubber, or dishwasher-safe plastic. Even if you may clean your dog’s lick mat by hand, it is more easy and hygienic to use the dishwasher. Otherwise, these minute grooves may contain bacteria.
Non-Toxic Substances
Most lick mats are constructed of BPA-free, non-toxic materials like as plastic or silicone, but it’s crucial to conduct your research to ensure that the mat is healthy for your dog.
Even if your dog will only sometimes use the lick mat, you should weigh your alternatives and choose the material least likely to pose a health risk.
Treats
There is almost no restriction on the sorts of goodies that may be used on a lick mat. Dogs like peanut butter without xylitol, but you may also use coconut oil, canned dog food, non-fat cottage cheese, mashed bananas, or wet food toppers.
Consider your dog’s preferred treats while choosing a lick mat, since you are aware of its preferences. For instance, a mat with little holes and crannies may not accommodate dog food that is more chunky. Consider the rewards you will use to assist you choose a mat.
FAQs
1. Are licking mats beneficial to dogs?
Yes. Being a particular, long-lasting reward dispenser, they are especially useful for timid or nervous dogs prone to anxiety, but they also benefit confident dogs.
2. What may I place on the lick mat for my dog?
On the dog’s lick mat, you may spread virtually anything that will not disrupt his stomach. Popular options that cause dogs’ tails to wag include:
- Peanut or almond butter (nothing with xylitol)
- Aerosol cheddar spread
- Yogurt
- Canned dog food
- Canned feline food
- Fish paste (sardines or tuna in a blender)
- Infant food (pureed meat or sweet vegetables like carrots or sweet potato)
3. Can my dog be left alone with a lick mat?
No, as a specialist in animal behavior I do not suggest that. Most lick mats are not tooth-resistant, and after a dog has licked out all the rewards, he or she may chew. In addition to ruining the lick mat, dogs may easily ingest tiny plastic bits that might result in indigestion — at best — or a blockage necessitating surgery — at worst.
4. Is a lick mat stimulating to the mind?
Absolutely!
Conclusion
Lick mats are fantastic for reducing your dog’s anxiety and tension. The textured surface of the Hyper Pet IQ Calm Slow Feeder Treat Mat makes it excellent for spreadable snacks.
Because of its tough texture, the Hyper Pet Intelligence Banquet Dog Lick Pad is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) top pick among the best lick mats for dogs.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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