This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra. See our affiliate disclosure for details.
Licking is a naturally calming behavior for dogs. A lick mat is a textured rubber or silicone pad you spread with soft food, and your dog has to lick it off slowly. It is a simple way to add enrichment, slow down fast eaters, and keep dogs happily busy during baths, nail trims, thunderstorms or when you need a few quiet minutes. The best lick mats for dogs are durable, easy to clean and have textures that make the food last.
Our Quick Picks
- Best OverallLickiMat Classic BuddyCheck Price on Amazon
- Best ValueHyper Pet IQ Treat MatCheck Price on Amazon
- Best for Pushy DogsLickiMat WobbleCheck Price on Amazon
Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.
Lick Mats Compared
| Lick mat | Type | Best for | Dishwasher safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| LickiMat Classic Buddy | Flat mat | Everyday enrichment | Yes |
| LickiMat Wobble | Weighted bowl | Dogs who flip mats | Yes |
| Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat | Flat mat | Budget buyers | Yes (check label) |
| Aquapaw Suction Lick Mat | Suction mat | Bath time and grooming | Yes |
1. LickiMat Classic Buddy — Best Overall
The original lick mat design, with a textured pattern that holds spreads, yogurt or wet food. It is flexible, easy to freeze and simple to clean.
- Proven textured pattern
- Freezer and dishwasher safe
- Several sizes
Worth knowing: Not a chew toy. Supervise and pick it up when your dog finishes.
2. LickiMat Wobble — Best for Pushy Dogs
A weighted, bowl-shaped lick toy that wobbles but does not flip over easily, great for dogs who push flat mats around the floor.
- Weighted base stays upright
- Textured inside
- Easy to fill and freeze
Worth knowing: Still supervise strong chewers.
3. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat — Best Value
An affordable lick mat with several textured zones that keep dogs working for their food. A good way to try lick mats without spending much.
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple textures
- Suits dogs and cats
Worth knowing: Thinner than premium mats, so not for dogs who chew them.
4. Aquapaw Suction Lick Mat — Best for Bath Time
A large lick mat with suction cups that stick to the tub wall or tiles, keeping your dog focused during baths, grooming and nail trims.
- Strong suction cups
- XL size
- Great distraction for grooming
Worth knowing: Suction works best on smooth, clean surfaces.
How We Chose the Best Lick Mats for Dogs
- Texture: patterns that make food last longer.
- Durability: materials that hold up to regular use.
- Stability: weighted or suction designs for pushy dogs.
- Cleaning: dishwasher-safe materials.
- Versatility: uses for feeding, grooming and calming.
Safe Lick Mat Fillings
| Filling | Tips |
|---|---|
| Plain yogurt | Unsweetened, no xylitol |
| Wet dog food | Count it as part of the daily meal |
| Mashed banana or pumpkin | Plain pumpkin puree, not pie filling |
| Xylitol-free peanut butter | Use a thin layer, it is high in calories |
| Soaked kibble | Great for slowing down meals |
| Bone broth (no onion or garlic) | Freeze into the grooves |
Always check labels for xylitol, onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Account for lick mat treats in your dog’s daily calories.
Ways to Use a Lick Mat
- During baths and grooming.
- For nail trims and ear cleaning.
- In the crate or playpen for calm time.
- During storms or fireworks.
- As a slow feeder for gulpers.
- When you leave the house, if your dog is supervised by camera or is relaxed alone.
Cleaning Tips
Rinse right after use, then wash with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. A small brush helps clean the grooves. Let it dry fully before storing, and replace mats that are torn or chewed.
Our Verdict
The LickiMat Classic Buddy is the best all-round lick mat. Choose the LickiMat Wobble if your dog pushes flat mats around, the Hyper Pet mat for a budget option, and the Aquapaw mat for bath time and grooming.
Lick Mat Recipes to Try
- Frozen yogurt swirl: spread plain yogurt thinly, add a few blueberries, and freeze for two hours.
- Pumpkin and kibble: mix plain pumpkin puree with a handful of soaked kibble and press it into the grooves.
- Wet food meal: spread part of your dog’s wet food across the mat to slow down dinner.
- Banana smash: mash a small piece of ripe banana with a little yogurt.
- Broth ice: pour a little onion-free, garlic-free broth into a frozen mat and freeze again for a lick-and-crunch challenge.
Start with easy, soft fillings so your dog understands the game, then freeze fillings to make them last longer. Keep portions small, especially with rich foods like peanut butter.
Lick Mat vs Snuffle Mat vs Puzzle Toy
| Enrichment | Main behavior | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lick mat | Licking | Calming, grooming, slow eating |
| Snuffle mat | Sniffing and foraging | Mental work, slowing kibble |
| Puzzle toy | Problem solving | Busy, clever dogs |
Rotating all three gives your dog a variety of challenges through the week. Our guides to snuffle mats and puzzle toys cover the best options.
Choosing the Right Size
Small dogs do well with a standard lick mat, while large breeds and dogs with big tongues may finish a small mat in seconds and are better with a large or extra-large size. If your dog tends to pick up and carry the mat, a weighted bowl-style lick toy or a suction mat stuck to the floor or wall keeps it in place. For puppies, choose a sturdy mat and always supervise, since young dogs are more likely to chew the edges. Replace any mat that starts to tear, as small pieces could be swallowed.
Related Guides
- 5 Best Dog Puzzle Toys in 2026, From Beginner to Genius Level
- 4 Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs (and How to Use Them)
- How to Bathe a Dog at Home: A Stress-Free Step-by-Step Guide
- 4 Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls in 2026 for Dogs That Eat Too Fast
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lick mats good for dogs?
Yes. Licking is calming for many dogs, and lick mats add enrichment and slow down eating.
Can dogs chew lick mats?
They are not chew toys. Supervise your dog and remove the mat when they finish, especially strong chewers.
What can I put on a lick mat?
Plain yogurt, wet food, pumpkin puree, mashed banana or xylitol-free peanut butter in small amounts.
Should I freeze a lick mat?
Freezing makes the treat last longer and is great for hot days or long baths.
Are lick mats good for anxious dogs?
They can help some dogs relax during stressful moments. For ongoing anxiety, talk to your vet or a trainer.