Lick mat basics: what it is and how it works
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A lick mat is a piece of silicone or rubber, usually flat and sized from 4 to 8 inches square, with a textured surface full of grooves, ridges, and small pockets. You load it with our freeze-dried treats, yogurt, or soft food, and your dog licks to extract the food. The simple activity occupies a dog for 15 to 30 minutes and gives her brain and mouth something meaningful to do.
How the texture works
The grooves and patterns on a lick mat slow down a fast eater and make each bite of food a small challenge. A dog has to use her tongue to work the food out of the grooves, which is natural licking behavior that keeps her focused. The repetitive licking also creates a state of deep engagement and focus.
What to load on a lick mat
Yogurt is the standard first choice. Peanut butter works, though it's sticky. Wet food or kibble softened in broth is an option. For lasting interest, crumble freeze-dried treats into the grooves and add a splash of water to bind them. Our freeze-dried beef liver, beef tripe, and sardines work beautifully and stay in place longer than wetter spreads.
Mat sizes and shapes
Small mats, about 4 by 4 inches, suit toy breeds, cats, and puppies. Standard mats, about 8 by 8 inches, work for most adult dogs. Large mats go beyond 8 inches and suit very large dogs or dogs who work aggressively at their food. Shape varies by brand. SodaPup's mats are square. The Modern Dog Company shapes theirs with decorative prints. Pink Papyrus makes small, round mats for cats and small dogs.
Texture patterns
Different patterns serve different purposes. Shallow grooves suit puppies and gentle lickers. Deep ridges challenge strong chewers and fast eaters. Nylon eCoin mats hold their shape even if chewed. TPE silicone mats grip wet spreads and freeze well. Pick a mat based on your dog's licking style, not her breed. A sensitive licker might frustrate on a deep mat; an aggressive chewer might demolish a shallow one.
In the Toys aisle
SodaPup offers the Sky eMat in light blue or yellow, 16.99 dollars, a standard square mat. The Zombie eMat, 15.99 dollars, is slightly smaller. The Citrus eMat with suction cups, 15.99 dollars, anchors to tile or tub walls. The Modern Dog Company's It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, are decorated mats in the same price range. The Ball is Life Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, completes their line.
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. Load your mat with our freeze-dried treats.
Questions
Is a lick mat the same as a slow feeder?
No. A slow feeder is a bowl with raised ridges that divide kibble into portions. A lick mat is flat and holds wet food, yogurt, or treats. Both slow a dog down, but they work differently.
Can my dog swallow the lick mat?
No. These mats are too large and durable to be swallowed. Supervise use as you would any toy, but choking risk is very low for properly used mats.
How long does a dog spend on a lick mat?
Most dogs work a lick mat for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how full it is and how motivated they are. Some lose interest after 10 minutes. Others keep going until every trace of food is gone.
Can I use a lick mat outdoors?
Yes. Use it in a yard or on a patio. Watch out for dirt and grass that stick to the mat. Rinse it afterward and it's good as new.
What age can puppies start using lick mats?
8 to 10 weeks old is fine. Start with a small mat and light loads to teach the behavior. Puppies learn quickly that the mat is a good place to be.
Find the right mat for your dog's size and style at explore.
