My dogs are a little picky and a lot anxious, which means I'm constantly trying out lick mat recipes to keep them constructively engaged and create positive associations when I have to leave them home alone. This is a log of recipes I've tried with a little context about how well it was received.
Watermelon + Greek Yogurt
- 1 cup seedless watermelon
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- blend together, it will be watery
- freeze for 30+ minutes–less time gives you a slushy or soft serve texture
I called this one Apres Walk Lassi because it's heavy on the watermelon with just enough yogurt to lure them in. A great hydrating treat after a hot walk. It was a hit with Rolly (Arlo could be bothered to come downstairs and try it). It's also the prettiest recipe I've ever come up with–especially on the Sage Lick Mat.
Peanut Butter + Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure there's no xylitol)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- blend together
This recipe was an attempt to get my dogs to enjoy peanut butter, which they aren't big fans of. But it's something I almost always have on hand, as is yogurt, so I decided to give it a shot. It worked–Rolly liked it! So this one may be an option for folks who think their dogs don't like peanut butter.
Blueberry, Mango, Peanut Butter + Greek Yogurt
Blueberry stripes:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
- 1 handful of blueberries
- blend to preferred consistency
Mango stripes:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 peanut butter
- 1 handful of mango
- blend to preferred consistency
I created this one when I was going out to watch the Knicks win the championship and new I'd be home later than usual (guilt!). This was their little piece of the action. I added the peanut butter to try and make the blueberry and mango more palatable to them. It didn't work. I should have stuck with what I know they like, but I was in the "Go New York Go New York Go" spirit.