Dog Lick Mats: Do They Actually Work?

Lick mats have become one of the more popular pet products in the last few years — and for good reason. But there's also a lot of noise around them, so here's the straightforward version.

What they're actually for

A lick mat slows your dog down. That's it. Whether it's mealtime, a treat, or a smear of peanut butter, the textured surface forces them to work for it — which takes longer, requires focus, and has a genuine calming effect. It's the same reason repetitive physical activity reduces anxiety in dogs. The licking motion releases endorphins.

They're useful for: anxious dogs, dogs who eat too fast, keeping a dog occupied during grooming or baths, and giving them something to do when you need five minutes of quiet.

What to look for

Material matters. Silicone is the standard — it's non-toxic, dishwasher safe, and doesn't hold bacteria the way rubber can. Look for a surface with varied texture depths so food gets into the grooves and actually slows them down. A flat mat with shallow ridges won't do much.

Suction cups on the bottom are worth having — especially for dogs who pick up the mat and walk off with it.

What to put on it

Peanut butter (xylitol-free), plain yogurt, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, wet food, or kibble mixed with a bit of broth. You can also freeze it for a longer-lasting activity on hot days.

What we carry

Our Dog Lick Mat is food-grade silicone with a deep-groove texture and suction cup base. It comes in a few colours and cleans up in the dishwasher or under the tap in about 30 seconds.

So do they actually work?

Yes — if you use them consistently and pick the right one. They're not magic, but for an anxious or fast-eating dog, they're one of the most useful $10 things you can buy. If you're weighing this against a snuffle mat or a rolling ball, we compared all three in Snuffle Mat vs Lick Mat vs Rolling Ball.