Lick mats are a great tool for dog enrichment as they provide mental stimulation and can help calm dogs down. Lick mats work by spreading a soft and tasty substance, such as peanut butter or yogurt, on the mat and letting the dog lick it off. The repetitive licking action is soothing for dogs and can help alleviate anxiety and stress.
If you are new to using a Lick mat, have a look at these blog posts too 😊 How to Use a Lickimat and Prevent Chewing and Lick Mats for Dogs: An Overview
But simply spreading peanut butter on a lick mat can get boring for both you and your dog. When using peanut butter, make sure it's dog safe - No Xylitol!!
So, we’ve put together a list of creative and fun lick mat ideas to keep your dog engaged and entertained.
(Frozen) Fruits and Veggies
You can make this a fun sensory enrichment part too by testing which fruits and veggies your dog likes best! Make sure to stick to dog-safe fruits and veggies!
Spread a mix of frozen fruits and veggies on the lick mat for a refreshing and healthy treat. You can use berries, apples, carrots, peas, and more. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before spreading them on the mat.
Dog Food Mix
Mix some kibble or wet food with water, chicken broth, or yogurt, and spread it on the lick mat. You can also add some veggies or fruits to the mix for extra nutrition.
Peanut Butter (no Xylito) and Banana
Mix peanut butter and mashed banana together and spread it on the lick mat. Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs.
Tuna or Salmon Spread
Mix some canned tuna or salmon with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese and spread it on the lick mat. This is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Scrambled Eggs and Cheese
Mix some scrambled eggs with grated cheese and spread it on the lick mat. Dogs love eggs, and they are a great source of protein.
Pumpkin Puree
Spread some pumpkin puree on the lick mat for a fiber-rich treat. Pumpkin is also great for digestion and can help alleviate constipation.
These are just a few examples of the many possibilities for lick mat ideas. Get creative and try out different combinations to find what your dog loves best. Just make sure to supervise your dog while they are using the lick mat, and don’t leave them unattended for too long.
You can also find more ideas here in this post from Lickimat: Top 10 Things to Put on a Lickimat for Dogs
Incorporating lick mats into your dog’s enrichment routine can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
Plus, it’s a fun way to bond with your furry friend.
So, give these ideas a try and see how much your dog enjoys them!