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.
Cantaloupe + Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup cantaloupe
- 1/3 cup yogurt
- blend and adjust to preferred consistency (in the summer I err on the fruit side of things for hydration)
I had this one frozen and ready, so when we came in after a hot walk and Rolly plopped down on the wood floor in front of the fan, I thought for sure he'd dive right in. Instead, he took one lick, whaled eyed me and walked away. I'd given up but not yet cleaned up about 10 minutes later when I notice I was hearing some petite little laps. Success! He wolfed down more than half before heading off to nap.
