Are Lick Mats Actually Good for Dogs?
Yes – when used properly, lick mats can be very good for dogs. They provide mental enrichment, help calm and distract anxious pups, and slow down fast eaters. Dogs enjoy working to lick tasty treats from the mat’s grooves, which keeps them busy and engaged. However, there are important cautions: always supervise use, choose a durable, safe material, and keep portions reasonable. Lick mats are a useful tool (not a miracle cure) for boredom or anxiety, and with the right precautions they can be a fun, beneficial addition to your dog-care routine.
What is a Lick Mat and How Does It Work?
A lick mat is a flat pet-safe mat with a textured surface of ridges, grooves, or nubs. You spread soft dog-friendly foods (like peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin puree, etc.) onto the mat. The dog then licks the treats out of the crevices. Unlike a plain bowl, the textured pattern “traps” the food and makes it hard to eat quickly, encouraging the dog to spend time licking. Most lick mats are made of flexible rubber or silicone and often include suction cups or non-slip backing to hold them in place on the floor or even on a wall. The goal is to get dogs focused on the soothing, repetitive act of licking, rather than gobbling food or engaging in unwanted behaviors out of boredom or anxiety.
Lick mats come in various shapes and designs, but all work on the same principle: licking for enrichment. The licking action is naturally enjoyable for dogs and can have a calming effect. By making a dog work a bit for their treat, lick mats also serve as a simple puzzle or slow feeder. A dog might take several minutes to lick a mat clean, as opposed to seconds to eat a treat off the floor. This makes lick mats a popular addition to many dog owners’ toolkit for mental stimulation and stress relief.
Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs
Lick mats offer multiple benefits for dogs’ mental and emotional well-being and even their physical health. Here are some of the key advantages:
Mental Enrichment & Boredom Busting: Lick mats are considered an easy form of canine enrichment. By having to lick food out of all the tiny grooves and patterns, dogs get a gentle mental workout. It’s an engaging task that can keep them occupied and prevent boredom-related behaviors (like chewing furniture or excessive barking). Any novel or challenging activity is mentally stimulating for a dog, and “any item that is curious or interesting to a dog is a form of mental stimulation” – lick mats make dogs think about how to get every last bit of food from the crevices This can tire them out mentally in a positive way.
Calming & Anxiety Relief (Through Distraction): Many dog owners and trainers use lick mats to help reduce anxiety or stress. The act of repetitive licking can be soothing for some dogs. It’s often said that licking releases endorphins or dopamine in a dog’s brain, promoting relaxation. For example, a mat smeared with a favorite treat can distract an anxious dog during loud events like fireworks or thunderstorms. Lick mats are commonly touted as anxiety-relief tools, and some claim “the extended licking action…releases a calming hormone.” In reality, the calming effect is more likely due to distraction and enjoyment than any magical hormone. Veterinary behaviorists note that while licking itself isn’t a proven cure for anxiety, a lick mat “packs a lot of distraction power” in stressful situations. In other words, a dog busy licking peanut butter may be too occupied to panic. This makes lick mats very useful for temporarily keeping a dog calm and happy during anxiety-inducing events.
Slower Eating & Improved Digestion: If your dog inhales their food or treats at lightning speed, a lick mat can slow down feeding. By spreading wet food or soft treats across the mat, you force the dog to take their time to lick it up. This prevents gulping and can reduce digestive issues. Many pet parents use lick mats as a slow feeder alternative to a bowl. Slower eating can help prevent “scarf and barf” behavior (vomiting from eating too fast) and even lower the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), a dangerous condition linked to dogs gobbling food with too much air. In fact, some lick mats are marketed for fast eaters; by making dogs work for the food, they naturally pace themselves and have better digestion and feeling of fullness.
Creates Positive Associations (Training Aid): Lick mats can be a helpful training tool. Because they serve up a dog’s favorite foods in a fun way, they create positive feelings. Trainers often recommend using a lick mat to form good associations with crates, baths, or other experiences. For example, smearing something tasty on a mat in the back of a crate can help a dog love going into the crate, aiding in crate training. Similarly, a lick mat stuck to the wall of the bathtub can make bath time or grooming a much happier experience, because the dog is focused on licking treats instead of the bath itself. Over time, this can desensitize dogs to scary or unpleasant situations by pairing them with yummy rewards. Professional trainers and vets suggest using lick mats during vet exams, nail trims, car rides, and other stressful events for exactly this reason. It turns a negative situation into a more positive, tolerable one.
“Zen” Time and Self-Soothing: For energetic dogs, giving them a lick mat after vigorous exercise or play can help them transition to a calmer state. Licking is a quiet, focused activity that can bring down a dog’s arousal level. Experts note that a lick mat is a good fit for high-energy dogs who need a calmer activity to bring their excitement down after a walk or play session. It’s a nice way for a dog to unwind – almost like a canine version of a relaxing hobby. Also, if you have a mouthy puppy who is always looking for something to chew or lick, a lick mat can redirect that urge into a safe, constructive outlet (and give you a few minutes of peace!).
Dental Health (Minor Benefit): There’s some debate about this, but a lick mat may provide a small benefit to oral health. The idea is that the licking and scraping against the textured surface can help stimulate saliva and remove some residue from the tongue and teeth. Increased saliva flow can rinse the mouth and perhaps freshen breath a bit. However, experts caution not to overstate this benefit. A lick mat “shouldn’t be the only thing keeping your dog’s teeth clean,” as one veterinarian puts it. It’s not a substitute for tooth brushing or dental chews, and it likely only scrapes the front of the teeth at best. In fact, if you’re loading the mat with sticky treats like peanut butter, it could leave sugars on the teeth that worsen dental health. So, consider any dental benefit a bonus, but don’t rely on lick mats to prevent dental disease.
A dog contentedly licking a food-filled lick mat. The textured surface makes yummy treats last longer, providing calming enrichment and a mental workout for the pup.
Best Situations to Use a Lick Mat
Lick mats are versatile and can be used in many scenarios. Here are some of the situations where lick mats shine:
During Stressful Events: As mentioned, lick mats are excellent for distracting dogs during anxiety-inducing events. Many owners use them during thunder, fireworks, or construction noise to help a nervous dog stay calm. Likewise, at the vet’s office or during grooming, a lick mat smeared with something delicious can keep a dog focused on licking instead of the scary procedure. If your dog gets nervous when you have visitors at home, giving them a lick mat in a safe spot can occupy them and reduce anxiety. Essentially, anytime your dog is exposed to a stressor (loud noise, unfamiliar place, a bath, etc.), a lick mat can serve as a positive distraction to make the experience easier.
Crate Training and Alone Time: To build a positive association with the crate, offer a special treat on a lick mat only when the dog goes into the crate. This rewards them for entering and staying in the crate calmly. Some people also use lick mats to help with separation anxiety, giving the mat right as they leave the house so the dog has something to enjoy while alone. Important caution: Many experts (including veterinarians) advise against leaving a dog unsupervised with a lick mat for a long period. If your dog is likely to chew it (instead of just licking), it could be dangerous if you’re not there (more on that below). But for short durations or once your dog is trained not to chew it, a frozen lick mat can be a helpful tool to keep them busy when you step out. Always test it while you’re home first.
Mealtime for Fast Eaters: If your dog eats their meals too quickly, consider using a lick mat for wet food or mixed meals. Spreading canned dog food, dog-safe peanut butter, or yogurt across the mat turns dinner into a slower, more engaging project. Fast “gobblers” who normally finish a bowl in 30 seconds might take 5-10 minutes on a lick mat, which is healthier for digestion. This can be especially useful for breeds prone to bloat (like large deep-chested dogs), where slowing down eating is potentially life-saving. Even for small dogs, it makes mealtime more enriching than just eating from a plain bowl.
Occupying High-Energy or Bored Dogs: On days when walks or playtime have been limited, a lick mat can provide extra enrichment indoors. It’s a great tool to have in your arsenal for rainy days or whenever your dog seems restless. A session with a lick mat can tire out a dog mentally, as they focus and problem-solve how to get every smear of treat. For an overactive puppy or an energetic dog, giving a lick mat can take the edge off their energy and help them settle down calmly afterwards. It’s also a friendly way to give an older dog or a recovering dog some enrichment when physical exercise is limited – they can enjoy licking without overexertion.
Training and Behavior Management: Lick mats can be strategically used in training. If you’re practicing calm behaviors or mat training, you can reward your dog by letting them lick a treat mat for staying relaxed. During trigger desensitization (for example, getting used to the sound of the doorbell), having a lick mat handy can reinforce calm behavior in the presence of triggers. They are one tool in a broader behavior plan – they won’t solve serious behavior issues alone, but they can complement training by keeping a dog’s mouth and mind busy in a positive way.
Potential Downsides and Cautions
While lick mats have many benefits, it’s important to use them safely and appropriately. Here are some downsides or cautions to keep in mind:
Supervision Is Key – Chewing Hazard: Never leave a dog (especially a dog new to lick mats) alone with a lick mat for long periods. These mats are not designed to be chew toys. If a dog becomes frustrated or simply decides to chew, they can rip off pieces of the mat and swallow them, leading to choking or intestinal blockage. Unfortunately, veterinarians have reported cases of dogs and even cats needing surgery after ingesting pieces of a lick mat. One vet recounts a dog that “chewed it up and swallowed it” in a matter of moments, and a cat who had a square of silicone mat blocking his intestines on an x-ray. This can be life-threatening without prompt surgery. Always supervise your dog with a lick mat until you are confident they only lick it and won’t try to chew or eat it. If you need to leave your dog unsupervised, consider a safer long-lasting food toy (like a sturdy Kong) instead.
Not for Aggressive Chewers or Teething Puppies: If your dog is a “super chewer” who destroys rubber toys regularly, a standard lick mat may not be the best choice. Even the tougher mats can potentially be torn by a determined dog. Puppies going through their teething phase are also more likely to start gnawing on a mat. For these kinds of dogs, you might either skip lick mats or use extra-durable versions (some companies make “tough” lick mats or holder trays to make chewing more difficult). But even then, no material is truly chew-proof – even heavy-duty rubber toys have been destroyed by some dogs. So, if your dog loves to shred things, you may need to stick to enrichment toys that are meant to be chewed or find alternative ways to occupy them. Lick mats work best for dogs who will lick diligently rather than gnaw. If your dog repeatedly tries to bite chunks out of the mat, take it away immediately for their safety.
Frustration in Some Dogs: Not every dog finds a lick mat fun. Dogs that are impatient or easily frustrated with puzzles might get annoyed and start biting at the mat if they can’t get the food out quickly. If you notice your dog pawing, whining, or trying to rip the mat, they might prefer a simpler feeder. You can try an easier lick mat design (some have simpler patterns) or just use a slow-feed bowl instead. The goal is for the dog to enjoy the process; if it’s causing frustration, it may not be the right tool for that dog. Also, dogs that aren’t very food-motivated might simply lose interest in a lick mat, especially if the spread isn’t extremely enticing. In that case, this tool might not hold much value for them.
Moderation and Calories: Remember that whatever you spread on a lick mat is part of your dog’s diet. It’s easy to overdo high-calorie spreads like peanut butter or cheese. A lick mat should not become an excuse to give endless treats. If used daily or frequently, choose healthy, low-calorie options for the mat (e.g. plain unsweetened yogurt, pureed pumpkin, mashed banana, etc.). A veterinary expert advises pet owners to “keep track of the extra calories” from lick mat treats and use lower-fat options when possible. Peanut butter, for instance, is very rich – it’s best saved for an occasional high-value reward, not every single day. Always avoid any toxic foods (no xylitol sweetener, which can be found in some peanut butters, and no harmful foods like chocolate). As with any treat, moderation is key to prevent weight gain or stomach upset.
Mess and Cleanup: Lick mats can be a bit messy, especially if your dog picks it up or flips it over. Choose a mat with suction cups or a non-slip base if possible, to keep it in place on the floor or wall. It’s wise to use them on easy-to-clean surfaces. After your dog is done, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the mat. The grooves can harbor saliva and food residue, which could grow bacteria or mold if not washed. Many lick mats are dishwasher-safe (check the product details), which makes cleaning easy. If hand-washing, use warm soapy water and maybe a brush to get into the crevices. This is especially critical if you used raw food on the mat – you don’t want raw meat juices lingering and contaminating anything. Proper hygiene will keep the lick mat safe for repeated use. Also inspect the mat regularly; if you see any tears or chunks missing, replace it to avoid your dog ingesting rubber bits.
Not a Cure-All for Serious Issues: While lick mats are great for management and temporary distraction, remember that they don’t magically fix underlying behavioral or medical problems. For example, a lick mat can help a dog cope with thunderstorm anxiety in the moment, but it doesn’t cure a severe phobia – you may still need a comprehensive behavior modification plan or medication as prescribed by a vet. Similarly, an extremely anxious dog might be too distressed to even focus on a lick mat (if your pup won’t touch high-value treats when stressed, that indicates their anxiety is overwhelming, and other interventions are needed). Think of lick mats as one helpful tool in your toolkit. They can be “one good tool in a complete behavioral treatment plan”, but not the only solution. Always seek professional help for serious anxiety or behavioral issues, and use the lick mat as an adjunct for enrichment and comfort.
Lick Mat Materials: Silicone, Rubber, Plastic – What’s the Difference?
Lick mats are made from a few common materials, and it’s worth understanding the pros and cons of each. The material affects the mat’s durability, safety, ease of cleaning, and suitability for your particular dog.
Silicone Lick Mats
Silicone is one of the most popular materials for lick mats. Silicone is a soft, rubber-like material that is food-grade and non-toxic in high-quality pet products. Many silicone lick mats are quite flexible – you can bend them, which is handy for popping out frozen treats or for cleaning. The advantages of silicone mats include:
Safety: Silicone is generally considered a safe material for food contact (it’s used in baking mats and baby products). It doesn’t contain BPA or phthalates, and good brands use human food-grade silicone. Dogs can lick it without harmful chemicals leaching. However, silicone is not meant to be eaten, and it’s not as tough as hard rubber or plastic. If a dog chews a silicone mat, pieces can tear off fairly easily (especially the thinner, softer silicone mats). Vets have noted that the “softer silicone products” are the ones pets can bite pieces out of. So, while silicone itself is non-toxic, ingesting a chunk of it is dangerous because it can cause an obstruction.
Durability: For purely licking, silicone holds up very well. It’s waterproof, doesn’t crack or chip, and can be reused countless times if not damaged. But in terms of tear-resistance, standard silicone mats are on the softer side. They will **withstand “vigorous licking” but not vigorous chewing. Some manufacturers have addressed this by making thicker, tougher silicone mats or adding an anti-chew frame. If your dog is gentle, a silicone mat should last a long time. If your dog has any history of chewing rubbery items, you might see tooth marks or rips in a silicone mat over time. Always inspect it for damage.
Cleaning: Silicone lick mats are often advertised as dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus. You can usually just toss it in the dishwasher (top rack is safest) and it comes out clean. The flexibility of silicone also lets you bend and scrub it easily by hand. One caution: some silicone mats might warp in very high heat (if your dishwasher has a heated dry cycle or if you boil them). Check the product instructions – some makers advise against dishwasher heat because the mat can deform if not laid flat. In general, silicone doesn’t harbor bacteria if cleaned, and it dries quickly. This makes it low-maintenance.
Suitability: Silicone mats are great for most dogs, especially small to medium dogs or those that are moderate lickers. They often have good grip on the floor (silicone naturally is a bit non-slip, and many have suction cups). If you need a mat that sticks to a vertical surface (for bath time, etc.), silicone ones with suction cups are ideal. Just be mindful with big powerful dogs or avid chewers – they might need supervision to ensure they don’t treat the soft mat like a chew toy.
Rubber (Thermoplastic Rubber or Natural Rubber) Lick Mats
Many lick mats are made of rubber or a rubber-like blend. This might be labeled as TPR (thermoplastic rubber) or TPE, or simply “natural rubber.” These materials are a bit stiffer and harder than silicone, while still having some flex. Key points about rubber lick mats:
Safety: Good-quality rubber mats are usually made of non-toxic, food-grade rubber. For example, some brands use natural rubber (from rubber trees) which is free of harmful additives, or TPR which is a synthetic rubber used in many dog toys. As with silicone, ensure it’s a product specifically made for pet use (to avoid any odd chemicals). Rubber typically has no taste or smell if it’s high quality, so dogs accept it. If swallowed, rubber pieces can also cause obstructions, so it’s not digestible either – the goal is to prevent any chewing off bits.
Durability: Rubber tends to be more durable against chewing compared to standard silicone. It’s tougher for a dog to rip a chunk off a hard rubber mat. Some “extreme” lick mats for heavy chewers are made of stronger rubber or even have a hard plastic core. Still, no rubber is indestructible – determined chewers can sometimes tear even firm rubber (as any dog who has destroyed a Kong toy proves!). On the bright side, many rubber mats are designed with thicker walls and even reinforced “Tuff” versions to resist damage. If your dog is a bit rough, you might lean toward a rubber mat marketed as durable. Check reviews and look for mentions of sturdiness. Overall, rubber mats strike a balance: not too hard on the tongue, but hardy enough for regular use.
Cleaning: Depending on the exact material, rubber mats may or may not be dishwasher-safe. Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) can often handle dishwashers (some products explicitly say dishwasher-friendly), but natural rubber might degrade in high heat. It’s wise to hand-wash rubber mats unless the manufacturer specifically says dishwasher is okay. Fortunately, the flat design still makes them relatively easy to clean with a brush and soapy water. Rubber doesn’t dry as quickly as silicone, so make sure it’s fully dry before storing to prevent any odor. Also, note that some rubber mats have more intricate patterns that might need a little scrubbing to get completely clean.
Suitability: Rubber lick mats are a good choice for larger dogs or those who need a slightly tougher toy. They often have a bit more weight, so they lay flat and stay put. If your dog will be pushing the mat around, a heavier rubber one with maybe built-in anti-slip might work well. Rubber mats can also sometimes double as chew toys in a pinch, but again – they are not meant for sustained chewing. Use rubber if you want durability but still some flex. For wall-mounted use, rubber mats that are rigid might not stick as well unless they have suction cups. Some products incorporate both: a firm rubber mat with suction cups on the back.
Hard Plastic or Other Materials
Less common but worth mentioning, there are some lick mats or treat-dispensing mats made of hard plastic, nylon, or even metal:
Plastic/Nylon: A few heavy-duty lick mats use very hard plastic or nylon materials. These look more like a tray or a puzzle toy. The advantage is they are extremely tough – a dog is unlikely to shred a solid plastic mat easily. If you have a dog that tries to bite soft mats, a rigid plastic one might remove the temptation (because they can’t get their teeth into it as easily). Always ensure the plastic is food-safe (BPA-free, etc.). Some brands of “long-lasting” chew toys have introduced nylon lick mats which are basically indestructible, but a dog would only be able to lick (or they might not like the mouth-feel of biting it, which is good). The downside is that plastic can have sharp edges if broken and might wear down a dog’s teeth if they aggressively chew on it. Generally, if the goal is purely licking, a hard surface can work. Cleaning is usually simple (most plastics can go in the dishwasher). Just be cautious: a hard plastic lick mat should be flat or have good suction, or the dog might flip it and make a mess. Also, noisy if pushed around the floor!
Stainless Steel: There are even some lick mats that are essentially stainless steel plates with a textured surface. These are very durable and obviously chew-proof (a dog isn’t going to bite off metal). They are easy to sanitize and won’t absorb odors. However, metal mats are relatively new and might be expensive or harder to find. They also might not have as complex patterns since metal isn’t as easily molded into intricate grooves as silicone/rubber. A steel lick plate could be a solution for dogs that destroyed everything else – but again, the dog must be willing to lick and not be put off by the feel of metal on their tongue.
Combination Designs: Some products combine materials – for example, a plastic tray that holds a silicone insert (to prevent a dog from getting the edges of the mat), or a silicone mat with a hard border frame. These hybrid designs aim to improve durability while keeping the licking surface gentle. If your dog has chewed the corners of a mat before, a frame could block access to those edges.
In summary, for most dogs a food-grade silicone or rubber lick mat is the go-to choice. They are safe, relatively durable for licking, and easy to clean. If your dog is an outlier (extra destructive or very large and strong), you may need to explore tougher options or supervise even more closely. The key is to match the material to your dog’s habits: go softer for dogs who are gentle lickers and harder for dogs who might test the mat with their teeth. Always inspect the mat for wear and tear no matter the material.
Final Thoughts
Lick mats can be a wonderful addition to your dog care routine – providing enrichment, slowing down meals, and helping your pup stay calm and happy during challenges. Both everyday dog owners and professionals like trainers and veterinarians have found value in these mats as a simple, low-cost tool to improve a dog’s quality of life. As one vet noted, lick mats have become a “standard tool” for addressing canine anxiety and boredom in recent years, and many experts recommend them for situations ranging from grooming distractions to crate training aids.
That said, it’s clear that proper use and safety precautions are essential. When used responsibly (always supervise, choose the right mat for your dog, and keep it clean), a lick mat is indeed “a great help” for dogs. Think of it as a fun hobby for your dog – licking engages their mind, rewards their taste buds, and can even relax them. Just be mindful not to use it as a crutch for serious issues or to leave it with a pet unsupervised. If you introduce the lick mat thoughtfully, you’ll likely find it becomes one of your dog’s favorite activities.
Hi, I am the author of this article. For the past 10 years or so, we have been dedicated to meeting the custom silicone product needs of our customers from over 50 countries and regions around the world.
If you have any questions, please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
