What to put on a dog lick mat: single ingredient ideas
Share
The right spread keeps a dog focused on the mat for minutes at a time. Single ingredient options work best, and crumbled freeze-dried treats are the easiest to use and most rewarding for your dog.
Freeze-dried treats are the easiest
Crumble our freeze-dried beef liver or tripe into the grooves of the mat. The pieces press into the texture and hold their shape when frozen. Start with a small handful, then add more if your dog works through it quickly. SodaPup suggests spreading thin for a long session.
Plain yogurt as a base
If you want to use yogurt, keep it plain with no added sugar. Spread a thin layer across the mat, then press crumbled freeze-dried treats into it. The freeze-dried pieces stay in place while your dog licks the yogurt away. Freeze the whole thing for even longer engagement.
Peanut butter
Spread peanut butter across the grooves, then freeze. The cold makes it harder to lick off quickly. Peanut butter fills deep grooves well and holds crumbled treats in place while it thaws.
Wet food or broth-soaked kibble
Wet food clings to the mat texture and softens as your dog licks. If using kibble, soak it in broth first so it's soft enough to eat but still fills the grooves. This option works best if you serve the mat right away rather than freezing.
Building a longer session
Layer thin spreads of peanut butter or yogurt, then add crumbled freeze-dried treats between layers. Freeze for at least two hours before serving. Your dog will work through the thawed layers longer than a single spread.
In the Toys aisle
Sky eMat, light blue, cloud pattern, $16.99. Zombie eMat, black or orange, skull design, $15.99 each. Citrus Design eMat, lime green, orange or pink, with suction cups, $15.99 each. It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, silicone, The Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, silicone, The 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 use honey or other sweet spreads?
Honey doesn't freeze well and melts quickly. Stick with peanut butter, yogurt or wet food if freezing is your plan. All work better with the mat texture and stay in place longer.
How long does a filled mat last?
Unfrozen, a mat with peanut butter or yogurt and crumbled treats lasts 5 to 15 minutes depending on your dog and how thick you spread. Frozen, plan on 15 to 45 minutes. Bigger dogs and faster lickers finish sooner.
Can I reuse the mat without washing between sessions?
Rinse it quickly under running water or wipe it with a damp cloth between sessions if you're using it multiple times in a day. A full wash on the top rack of the dishwasher works best at the end of the day.
My dog won't eat plain yogurt. What else works?
Peanut butter is more engaging for most dogs. Wet food works too. Crumbled freeze-dried treats alone, pressed into the mat's grooves, give a high-value session with nothing added.
Do I need to thaw a frozen mat before serving?
No. Serve it straight from the freezer. Your dog's tongue will thaw the first layer as they lick. If it's rock-hard, run it under warm water for 30 seconds to loosen the top layer.
Use our freeze-dried beef liver to build mats that linger longer. Browse all mats and treats on our Explore page.
