Freezing a lick mat: which spreads work best
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Freezing a lick mat with crumbled freeze-dried treats doubles the engagement time. Cold makes spreads harder to lick off, and frozen mats work well on hot days. All SodaPup and Modern Dog mats handle freezing without damage.
What spreads freeze best
Peanut butter freezes solid and takes longer to lick. Yogurt freezes well too, though it thaws slightly faster than peanut butter. Both hold crumbled freeze-dried treats in place while frozen. Wet food and broth don't freeze as effectively; they stay soft and mushy.
Prep and freeze
Spread peanut butter or yogurt thinly across the mat, then press crumbled freeze-dried treats into the spread. Layer spreads if you want to extend the session. Place the mat in a plastic freezer bag to avoid freezer burn and keep odor contained. Freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.
Serving a frozen mat
Take the mat straight from the freezer and give it to your dog. Your dog's tongue will thaw the first layer as they lick. If the mat is rock-hard, run it under warm water for 30 seconds to soften the top edge, then serve. Most dogs start licking without delay.
Road trip strategy
Freeze mats before a long drive, then pack them in a cooler with ice packs. They'll thaw slowly during travel and give your dog a long-lasting activity without much mess. Pack a towel to catch any drips.
Mats that freeze well
The Sky eMat and Zombie eMat are made from TPE, which handles freezing without cracking. The Citrus Design eMat has suction cups that stick to frozen surfaces fine. Modern Dog silicone mats, like the It's a Birthday Pawty and Disco Cowgirl, go in the microwave and also freeze without issue.
How long a frozen mat lasts
A frozen mat with peanut butter and freeze-dried crumbs lasts 15 to 45 minutes depending on your dog's licking speed and how thick you spread. Bigger dogs finish faster than small ones.
In the Toys aisle
Sky eMat, light blue, cloud pattern, $16.99. Zombie eMat, black or orange, $15.99 each. Citrus Design eMat, lime green, orange or pink, $15.99 each. It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Ball is Life Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00.
How it ships
SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by The Modern Dog Company in Nashville, Tennessee, usually within five business days, with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
Can I freeze a mat with wet food?
Wet food doesn't freeze solid. It will thaw quickly and may not hold the crumbles well. Peanut butter or yogurt works much better.
Can I give a very frozen mat to my dog?
Extremely hard mats can be difficult for dogs to lick. Run it under warm water for 30 seconds before serving to soften the top layer slightly. Your dog will do the rest with their tongue.
How long can I keep a frozen mat in the freezer?
Indefinitely. Pack it in a bag to avoid freezer burn. The mat and spread stay fresh frozen. Thaw at room temperature or serve straight from the freezer.
Can I freeze mats with suction cups on?
Yes. The cups stay functional after freezing. Make sure the surface you're sticking to is dry.
What if my dog doesn't like peanut butter?
Try yogurt, or crumble freeze-dried treats into a thin layer of coconut oil. Both freeze well and hold treats in place. Start with small amounts to see what your dog prefers.
Use crumbled freeze-dried treats to load frozen mats. Find treats and mats together on our Explore page.
