It may sound involved, but enrichment is actually pretty simple—and essential for keeping your pets happy and healthy. You probably already have the physical stuff (daily walks and playtime) built into your routine, but mental activities are just as important—especially if your dog or cat suffers from anxiety, boredom or overstimulation. The lick mat is an easy enrichment tool that trainers, veterinarians and pet parents increasingly recommend.
So why are lick mats gaining in popularity? They’re convenient to use with both dogs and cats. Plus, they can reduce stress, promote calm behavior and add mental stimulation to your pet’s daily routine.
Read on for an overview of what a lick mat is, how it works, and how to safely use one for enrichment—whether you’re team dog or team cat.
What Is a Lick Mat?
A lick mat is a flat, textured mat, often made of silicone or sometimes rubber, with raised patterns or grooves designed to hold soft, spreadable foods. Your pet licks the food out of the grooves, which naturally slows down their consumption and keeps them focused on the task. Because licking is an natural behavior for both dogs and cats, this activity is rewarding and calming.
Lick Mats are commonly used for:
- Mental enrichment (think of them as puzzles for pets)
- Anxiety reduction
- Slowing fast eaters
- Offering a distraction during grooming or vet visits
- Making alone time a positive experience, in a crate or otherwise
Why Licking Is Enriching for Dogs and Cats
It’s not just the four-legged alternative to a fork—licking actually plays an important role in our pets’ emotional regulation. Repetitive licking can trigger the release endorphins, helping your pet relax. (Ever had an anxious pet that habitually licked their feet? Bingo. That’s self-soothing behavior, an instinctive way for your stressed pet to calm themself.)
For both dogs and cats, lick mats:
- Encourage mental focus and relaxation
- Provide mental stimulation that drains energy without physical exertion
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Offer a healthy outlet for nervous or excess energy
That’s why lick mats are particularly useful for reactive or anxious dogs, indoor cats, senior pets, animals recovering from injury or illness and multi-pet households.
Benefits of Using a Lick Mat
This one simple tool has lots of uses.
Metal Stimulation
A lick mats gets your pet’s brain working by turning a snack into a problem-solving activity that requires time and concentration.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
The lick mat is your “break glass in case of emergency” option, a tool to use whenever you know your pet will be in a stressful situation. Here are some of universal triggers but every pet is unique (my dog shrugs at fireworks, but finds doors and windows being opened truly terrifying):
- Nail trims
- Baths
- Thunderstorms
- Fireworks
- Vet visits
- Being separated from you
Slower, Healthier Eating
If your pet puts Dyson to shame when it comes to inhaling their food, a lick mat will naturally slow down their eating. That means reduced gulping of air and better digestion.
Encouraging Calm Behavior
If your pet is overly excitement or full of nervous energy, a lick mat is a calming way to engage them—ideal for pets that need a little help settling down before bedtime or when you’re on a conference call.
How to Use a Lick Mat for Dogs
It is ultimately straightforward, but choosing the right foods and setup makes all the difference.
Choose the Right Lick Mat
Look for:
- Non-toxic, food-grade materials
- Designed for stability (Instead suction cups, which become less effective over time, our has a glossy back that grips the glaze of the Dish to keep it in place.)
- Deeper grooves for advanced users or enthusiastic eaters, a shallower texture might be helpful with beginners or timid eaters
Select Dog-Safe Foods
Check out our post “Tip: Foods That Most Cats and Dogs Can Eat” for a deeper dive, but here are some popular options:
- Peanut butter (xylitol free!)
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt (xylitol free!)
- Pumpkin purée
- Mashed banana
- Wet dog food for dogs
- Low-sodium bone broth
Be sure to check ingredient labels and avoid foods high in salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners (xylitol). When in doubt check with your vet. And keep in mind that it’s always best to introduce new foods slowly.
Prepare the Lick Mat
Use a spoon or spatula to spread food into the grooves. A thin, even layer lasts longer and prevents overfeeding. This is the jigsaw equivalent of a 1,000-piece puzzle.
Supervise and Clean
Always keep an eye on your pet, especially during first-time use. Make sure your pet isn’t chewing on or damaging the mat. After each use, wash the mat thoroughly with warm soapy water—ours is made to go safely in the dishwasher.
How to Use a Lick Mat for Cats
Cats also from lick mats, but they often prefer more strongly scented foods than dogs.
Choose the Best Foods
Check out our post “Tip: Foods That Most Cats and Dogs Can Eat” for a deeper dive, but these are good options:
- Wet cat food
- Pâté-style meals
- Lickable cat treats (Churo is magic)
- Plain meat baby food (no onion and garlic!)
Be sure to check ingredient labels and avoid foods high in salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners (xylitol). When in doubt check with your vet. And keep in mind that it’s always best to introduce new foods slowly.
Tips for Successful Cat Use
- Use smaller portions
- Choose foods with stronger scents
- Place the mat on a stable, quiet surface
- Let your cat engage at their own pace
Lick mats can be especially helpful for indoor cats, anxious cats or to reduce tension in households with multiple cats.
Freezing Lick Mats for Extended Enrichment
Once prepared with food, freezing your lick mat can significantly extend the duration of the enrichment activity for your pet—great for high-energy dogs. Freezing the lick mat is particularly beneficial during summer, when it also offers cooling relief. (Basically, it becomes a pet popsicle.) For senior pets or those with dental sensitivities, avoid letting the foods freeze too hard or allow them to thaw and soften some before serving.
How to Freeze a Lick Mat Safely
- Spread food thinly across the mat
- Freeze for 2–4 hours
- Offer the mat on a non-slip surface or in fixed place like the Dish
Safety Tips When Using a Lick Mat
While lick mats are generally very safe, please take these precautions to protect your pet:
- Supervise use, especially in the beginning
- Do not allow chewing or tearing
- Inspect mats for wear and damage and replace if you find any
- Avoid high-fat or toxic ingredients
- Adjust portion sizes to prevent overfeeding
How Often Should You Use a Lick Mat?
Most dogs and cats can enjoy lick mats several times per week. You can use lick mats as needed for stress or enrichment, but if a lick mat is part of your pet’s daily routine, make sure the portions are small and factored into their regular diet.
Rotating lick mats with other enrichment activities helps keep engagement high and prevents boredom.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re helping an anxious pet relax, encouraging your pet to eat more slowly or adding variety to their enrichment routine, a lick mat is a simple investment with big rewards.
