16 Healthy Foods to Put on Your Dog’s Lick Mat

By PetMade Oct 28, 2024 Medically reviewed by 31 min read
16 Healthy Foods to Put on Your Dog’s Lick Mat
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Looking for fun ideas on what to put on dog lick mat? Lick mats have become a favorite tool for dog owners everywhere, offering a simple yet enriching way to keep pups happy and engaged. Not only do they help keep your dog entertained, but they also promote calmness and support healthy digestion by slowing down mealtime. In this blog, we’ll dive into some creative, healthy options to spread on your dog’s lick mat. From tasty treats to nutritious foods, these ideas will give your furry friend something to wag about while keeping snack time both fun and beneficial!

Key Takeaways

  • Lick mats offer mental stimulation, promote calmness, and support digestion for dogs.
  • Healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and boiled chicken are perfect for lick mats.
  • Avoid harmful foods such as chocolate, grapes, and high-sugar or high-salt options.
  • Frozen lick mat combinations provide a refreshing treat during warmer months.

Benefit of Lick Mats for Dogs

Beagle puppy licking its nose with a curious expression.

The benefit of lick mats for dogs goes beyond just entertainment – they offer a variety of advantages that support your dog’s mental and physical well-being. Here’s how they can make a positive difference in your pet’s life:

Keeps Your Dog’s Mind Active and Happy

Lick mats encourage dogs to work for their food, keeping their minds sharp and focused. This mental engagement helps prevent boredom, which is often a cause of unwanted behaviors like chewing or digging. By giving them a fun, challenging task, you’re helping your dog stay mentally stimulated and content.

Helps Your Dog Feel Calm and Relaxed

Licking is a soothing activity for dogs, much like how chewing can calm them down. A lick mat can be especially helpful during stressful moments, such as thunderstorms or when guests arrive. For anxious pet owners, using a lick mat can be a comforting way to help your dog feel more relaxed.

Slows Down Eating for Better Digestion

If your dog tends to gulp down food, a lick mat can help slow things down. By spreading food across the surface, it encourages slower eating, which supports digestion and can prevent issues like choking or bloating.

Supports Healthy Teeth and Gums

Licking stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps to clean your dog’s teeth and gums. This extra saliva can aid in reducing plaque buildup, promoting better dental health without the need for brushing.

Makes Healthy Eating Fun and Engaging

Lick mats allow you to introduce a variety of dog-safe foods, making healthy eating both fun and interactive. Mixing up textures and flavors keeps mealtime exciting, encouraging mindful eating and supporting balanced nutrition.

A Fun Reward During Training

Lick mats offer a longer-lasting reward than traditional treats, making them perfect for training sessions. They can be used to reinforce positive behaviors while keeping your dog engaged and satisfied for longer periods.

What to Put on a Lick Mat for Dogs

Raw dog food in a bowl with a variety of meats and vegetables, next to dog's paws.

When considering what to put on dog lick mat, it’s important to choose healthy, dog-safe ingredients that provide both enjoyment and nutrition. Below are some dog lick mat ideas that make snack time fun and beneficial.

Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt is a protein-rich base that supports your dog’s gut health. Ensure it’s unsweetened and free from additives. Spread it evenly on the lick mat and consider mixing in dog-safe fruits or veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

  1. Plain Greek yogurt
  2. Greek yogurt with fresh berries

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is excellent for digestion due to its high fiber content, making it a great option when considering what to put on a lick mat for dogs. It’s a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You can spread pumpkin puree directly on the mat or combine it with other ingredients to enhance the taste and texture.

  1. Plain pumpkin puree
  2. Pumpkin mixed with yogurt
  3. Pumpkin and mashed sweet potatoes

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a healthy, low-fat option that’s easy for dogs to digest. Use plain cottage cheese with no added sugars or fruits. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for spreading on the lick mat, providing a tasty and nutritious treat.

  1. Plain cottage cheese
  2. Cottage cheese with diced apples

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and mashed smoothly before spreading them on the lick mat for easy licking.

  1. Plain mashed sweet potatoes
  2. Sweet potatoes mixed with plain yogurt
  3. Sweet potatoes and shredded chicken

Boiled Chicken

Shredded boiled chicken is a lean protein option that’s gentle on your dog’s digestive system. Combine it with a base like Greek yogurt or sweet potatoes to create a balanced and delicious lick mat treat.

  1. Shredded boiled chicken
  2. Chicken mixed with pumpkin puree

Canned Fish

Canned fish, such as tuna or salmon in water, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Flake the fish and mix it with other healthy ingredients to make a nutrient-dense spread that your dog will love.

  1. Flaked tuna in water
  2. Flaked salmon with plain yogurt

Baby Food

Baby food made from pureed meat or vegetables (without harmful additives) is a great alternative for dogs with dietary restrictions. It’s easy to spread on the lick mat and perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies.

  1. Pureed chicken baby food
  2. Pureed sweet potato baby food
  3. Pureed beef baby food

Blueberries and Strawberries

Adding fresh or frozen blueberries and strawberries to your dog’s lick mat provides powerful antioxidants that support overall health. These berries are rich in vitamins, low in calories, and make a sweet, tasty treat that dogs love. Incorporating them into your dog’s lick mat can enhance their diet with natural nutrients while keeping them engaged and satisfied.

  1. Fresh blueberries scattered over plain yogurt
  2. Sliced strawberries mixed with cottage cheese
  3. Frozen blueberries blended into a berry puree

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Carrots

Boiled or grated carrots are a fantastic low-calorie, fiber-rich option to add to your dog’s lick mat. Carrots support digestion and are packed with vitamins that help maintain overall health. So, if you’re wondering what to put on my dogs lick mat, carrots are a simple and healthy choice.

  • Boiled carrots
  • Grated raw carrots
  • Carrots mixed with cottage cheese

Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce serves as a sweet, fiber-filled topping that dogs love. It helps with digestion while providing a natural source of vitamins. Spread it on the lick mat alone or combine it with other healthy ingredients.

  1. Plain, unsweetened applesauce
  2. Applesauce blended with pumpkin puree
  3. Applesauce and banana mash

Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a lean, digestible protein that’s easy on a dog’s stomach. Lightly cook the turkey without seasonings or oils and shred it to use on a lick mat. Combine it with ingredients like pumpkin or mashed sweet potatoes for a balanced, healthy treat.

  1. Shredded cooked ground turkey
  2. Ground turkey mixed with steamed broccoli
  3. Ground turkey and sweet potato blend

Cucumber Slices

Thin slices of cucumber are a hydrating, low-calorie option. Cucumbers are rich in water and nutrients like potassium and magnesium, making them a refreshing addition to a lick mat.

  1. Thin cucumber slices
  2. Cucumber mixed with plain Greek yogurt
  3. Cucumber and shredded carrots

Cottage Cheese and Pineapple

Pair low-fat cottage cheese with small pieces of pineapple for a refreshing and nutrient-rich option. Cottage cheese adds protein, while pineapple provides vitamin C and digestive enzymes that promote gut health. This tropical combination is a hydrating, digestive-supporting treat.

  1. Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
  2. Cottage cheese and mango pieces
  3. Cottage cheese mixed with pineapple puree

Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a favorite for many dogs and provides a rich source of protein and healthy fats. Choose xylitol-free peanut butter, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. Spread peanut butter on the mat or mix it with mashed bananas or pumpkin for added texture and nutritional variety.

  1. Xylitol-free peanut butter
  2. Peanut butter mixed with shredded coconut
  3. Peanut butter and blueberry blend

Honey

Honey is a natural source of antioxidants and can give dogs a quick boost of energy. It has soothing properties for minor throat irritations and can be drizzled in moderation over other lick mat ingredients like yogurt or sweet potatoes. Remember to use honey sparingly since it is high in sugar.

  1. Honey mixed with mashed sweet potatoes
  2. Honey and plain Greek yogurt swirl

Flaxseed

Ground flaxseed is a powerful addition to a dog’s diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that support skin health, coat shine, and digestion. Lightly sprinkle it over the lick mat or mix it into a base like yogurt or sweet potatoes. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can aid in improving digestion.

  1. Ground flaxseed sprinkled on yogurt
  2. Flaxseed mixed with mashed sweet potatoes
  3. Flaxseed and cottage cheese blend

Frozen Lick Mat Ideas for Dogs

Person spreading yogurt on a lick mat while a dog watches attentively.

Frozen lick mats are a fantastic, cooling treat for your dog, especially during the warmer months. Freezing the ingredients adds an extra challenge that keeps your dog engaged for longer, while providing a refreshing experience. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners. Here are some frozen lick mat ideas for dogs that use healthy, dog-safe ingredients:

  • Yogurt and Blueberry Freeze – Spread plain yogurt and sprinkle blueberries. Freeze and serve for a cool, gut-friendly snack.
  • Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Delight – Combine pumpkin puree with xylitol-free peanut butter. Freeze for a tasty, high-fiber treat.
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Chicken – Layer mashed sweet potatoes with shredded boiled chicken. Freeze for a protein-packed option.
  • Applesauce and Cinnamon – Use unsweetened applesauce with a dash of cinnamon for a sweet, antioxidant-rich treat.
  • Cucumber and Watermelon Chunks – Layer thin cucumber slices with small watermelon chunks for a hydrating, vitamin-rich snack.

Creative Combinations

Layering different textures on a lick mat creates a fun, engaging experience for your dog. Start with a smooth base like mashed sweet potatoes, add shredded boiled chicken for protein, and top with grated carrots for crunch. This combination not only provides variety but also keeps your dog mentally stimulated. You can also use lick mats as a reward during training sessions. Try combining ground turkey with baby food for a nutritious, protein-rich reward that keeps your dog focused and occupied. Mixing textures and flavors ensures that your pup enjoys both the taste and the challenge!

Lick Mat No-Nos

Person holding chocolates away from a dog while signaling a 'no' gesture.

While lick mats are a great way to treat your dog, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that could harm their health. Here are a few things to watch out for when preparing lick mat treats.

Harmful Ingredients

Some common foods are toxic to dogs and should never be used on a lick mat. These include:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions and garlic
    These can cause serious health issues, so always double-check that your ingredients are dog-safe.

High-Sugar or Salt Options

Avoid processed foods high in sugar or salt, such as sweetened peanut butter or salty snacks. These can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Always choose natural, dog-friendly alternatives for a safe and healthy treat.

Conclusion

When deciding what to put on dog lick mat, choosing healthy, dog-safe ingredients is key to keeping your pup happy and engaged. From protein-rich Greek yogurt to fiber-packed pumpkin puree, there are endless options to mix and match. Lick mats are not only a fun way to treat your dog but also provide mental stimulation, promote better digestion, and support overall well-being. Keep snack time healthy, creative, and enjoyable!

Can I put peanut butter on a lick mat for my dog?

Yes, you can put peanut butter on a lick mat for your dog, but ensure it’s xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt for a healthy, safe treat.

Are lick mats good for dogs​?

Yes, lick mats are great for dogs! They provide mental stimulation, promote calmness, slow down eating for better digestion, and support dental health. Plus, they make snack time fun and can be filled with healthy, dog-safe ingredients.

Is it safe to give my dog honey on a lick mat?

Yes, honey is safe for dogs in small amounts on a lick mat. It provides antioxidants and energy, but due to its high sugar content, it should only be given occasionally and in moderation to avoid health issues.

How do flaxseeds benefit dogs on a lick mat?

Flaxseeds benefit dogs on a lick mat by providing omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and digestion. Simply sprinkle ground flaxseed over the mat or mix it with yogurt for an extra nutritious treat.

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