Licking is a soothing behavior 1 for dogs. Lick mats are special toys with patterned nubs that you fill with a spreadable treat, such as dog-safe peanut butter or tinned food, and let your dog lick it out. It takes work since your dog needs to maneuver around all of the obstacles to get the treat out.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Along with providing a calming experience, lick mats keep your dog distracted and stimulated when you’re too busy to play. Lick mats are appropriate for all dog ages and sizes, especially if they’re prone to separation anxiety or anxiety in other stressful situations.
Take a look at the seven best lick mats for dogs, based on reviews from pet owners like you, to pick the best option for your licker!
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Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hyper Pet IQ Calm Treat Mat
Freezer friendly
Slow feeding
Microwave-safe
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Best Value
Star Wars Dog Treat Lick Mat
Star Wars theme
BPA-free
Dishwasher-safe
Check Price
Premium Choice
Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog Lick Mat
Multiple textures
Dishwasher-safe
Durable
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Lick Lick Pad Dog
Food-grade silicone
Lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS free
Dishwasher safe
Check Price
Frisco Silicone Mat with Suction Cups
BPA-free silicone
Dishwasher-safe
Check Price
The 7 Best Lick Mats for Dogs
Hyper Pet’s IQ Calm Slow Feeder Treat Mat is the best overall lick mat for dogs. Its textured surface is suitable for spreadable treats and stimulates saliva production for dental health. Dogs can get a ton of time licking and relieving anxiety with a distraction.
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 11”L x 11”W x 0.4”H
Feature: Portion control
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The mat is freezer friendly, so you can spread a treat and freeze it for teething puppies. It’s also top-rack dishwasher-safe and microwave safe for cleaning or heating up food. Though it’s intended for licking treats, it could be used for feeding time to slow down dogs that rush food. Several reviewers said the mat’s texture is too small for them to get all the food out, however.
Pros
Freezer friendly for teething
Optional slow feeding
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
Cons
Texture may be too small
Star Wars The Mandalorian Grogu Silicone Dog Treat Lick Mat is the best lick mat for dogs for the money. It’s a fun and inexpensive toy that features the popular character Grogu, from Disney’s The Mandalorian. The design is shaped like the character with a ridged texture to hold spreadable treats like peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food.
Freezer friendly for teething
Optional slow feeding
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
- Freezer friendly for teething
- Optional slow feeding
- Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
Texture may be too small
- Texture may be too small
The practical lick mat is top-rack dishwasher safe and BPA free. It has a non-skid design to keep it in place while your dog licks. If you want to complete the set, you can get a matching food mat. Several reviewers had issues with it sliding around too much or being too easy to destroy, however.
Pros
Star Wars theme
BPA-free
Dishwasher-safe
Cons
Moves around a lot
Easy to destroy
Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog Lick Mat is the premium choice for its multiple textures to keep your dog interested for long periods. There are several raised areas for wet food or spreadable treats that are challenging for your dog to get out. You can also use this for slow feeding and portion control to help stop guzzling food.
Star Wars theme
BPA-free
Dishwasher-safe
- Star Wars theme
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher-safe
Moves around a lot
Easy to destroy
- Moves around a lot
- Easy to destroy
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 7.8”L x 7.8”W x 0.5”H
Feature: Multiple textures
The lick mat is top-rack dishwasher safe for cleaning and sanitation. You can put it in the freezer for teething puppies or to make it more challenging for your dog. Though it’s made with durable plastic, it can still be destroyed by your dog and requires supervision.
Pros
Multiple textures
Dishwasher-safe
Durable
Cons
Requires supervision
The Lick Lick Pad Dog toy is a good choice for puppies. The bone-shaped mat is designed with a textured interior for peanut butter, wet food, yogurt, or other spreadable treats to create a distracting challenge for your pup. The pad sticks to any flat or shiny surface without suction cups or adhesives, so it stays put while your dog does the work. It can be used on porcelain, tile, granite, glass, or polished metal while your pup gets groomed, brushed, or bathed.
Multiple textures
Dishwasher-safe
Durable
- Multiple textures
- Dishwasher-safe
- Durable
Requires supervision
- Requires supervision
Material: Silicone, plastic
Dimensions: 9.5”L x 4.5”W x 0.25”H
Feature: Portion control
For hygiene, the pad can be cleaned and disinfected in the dishwasher. It’s made of food-grade silicone and plastic that’s free of lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS. Though it’s listed as appropriate for large breeds, owners said that it was too flimsy for large dogs to use effectively.
Pros
Food-grade silicone and plastic
Dishwasher safe
Lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS free
Cons
May not be suitable for large breeds
Flimsy
- Frisco Silicone Dog Lick Mat with Suction Cups
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Material: Silicone, melamine
Dimensions: 8.07”L x 8.07”W x 0.35”H
Feature: Dishwasher-safe
The Frisco Silicone Dog Lick Mat with Suction Cups is a fun way to give your dog spreadable treats. The BPA-free silicone is soft, flexible, and safe for your pup to enjoy hours of licking up peanut butter or wet food. After your dog is done, you can put the mat in the dishwasher’s top rack for cleaning.
Food-grade silicone and plastic
Dishwasher safe
Lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS free
- Food-grade silicone and plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Lead, DBP, BPA, and BPS free
May not be suitable for large breeds
Flimsy
- May not be suitable for large breeds
- Flimsy
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Material: Silicone, melamine
Dimensions: 8.07”L x 8.07”W x 0.35”H
Feature: Dishwasher-safe
Like other lick mats, this toy should only be used under supervision. Though it’s durable, chewing it into small parts could cause a blockage or present a choking hazard. The texture isn’t complex, so it may not be challenging for more aggressive lickers.
Pros
BPA-free silicone
Dishwasher-safe
Cons
Simple texture
Not suitable for aggressive lickers
- LickiMat Tuff Soother Lick Mat for Dogs
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Material: Rubber
Dimensions: 7.87”L x 7.87”W x 0.47”H
Feature: Chew-resistant
Lickimat Tuff Soother Lick Mat features an intricate design for spreadable treats. Dogs can spend a long time trying to get peanut butter, soaked kibble, or other spreadable treats out of every nook and cranny. Suitable for both large and small dogs, Lickimat Tuff Soother is made of silicone-free, recyclable rubber for chew resistance. It comes in several different patterns. It’s also dishwasher-safe and features non-slip rubber feet to keep it in place.
BPA-free silicone
Dishwasher-safe
- BPA-free silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
Simple texture
Not suitable for aggressive lickers
- Simple texture
- Not suitable for aggressive lickers
Material: Rubber
Dimensions: 7.87”L x 7.87”W x 0.47”H
Feature: Chew-resistant
Though it’s more durable than plastic, this mat shouldn’t be given to your dog without supervision. It has a hard base that can break apart and present a choking hazard. Several reviewers noted that their dogs were able to chew pieces off of it.
Pros
Intricate pattern
Chew-resistant
Non-slip rubber
Cons
May break apart
Not suitable for aggressive chewers
- Pup Culture Dog Lick Mat
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Material: Silicone
Dimensions: 9”L x 4.76”W x 0.5”H
Feature: Multiple puzzles
Pup Culture Dog Lick Mat is an elaborate lick mat with four different puzzle textures to hold your dog’s attention. It’s made in the US and offers small and large grooves for mental stimulation. The unique suctioning design helps the mat stay put while your dog licks. It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Intricate pattern
Chew-resistant
Non-slip rubber
- Intricate pattern
- Chew-resistant
- Non-slip rubber
May break apart
Not suitable for aggressive chewers
- May break apart
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Material: Silicone
Dimensions: 9”L x 4.76”W x 0.5”H
Feature: Multiple puzzles
If you want, you can use the deeper sections of the lick mat for slow feeding. The lick mat is also touted as bite-proof for all dog types, but it’s important to watch your dog to prevent injury. It comes in navy, gray, black, green, lavender, orange, and pink.
Pros
Multiple puzzle textures
US made
Bite-proof
Cons
Requires supervision
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in Lick Mats
Lick mats come in a lot of different sizes and varieties. Some are better for small dogs, while others are good for big dogs. Some patterns are more intricate and challenging, while others can be used for licking or slow feeding.
Multiple puzzle textures
US made
Bite-proof
- Multiple puzzle textures
- US made
- Bite-proof
The best lick mat depends on your dog, but here are some things to consider:
Non-Skid or Suction: Lick mats will end up sliding all over your floors if they don’t have a non-skid or suction surface. This not only leaves you with a mess, but it can be frustrating for your dog to keep chasing the mat around.
Pattern: The patterns of a lick mat are where the benefits come in. A complicated pattern with small depressions is more difficult for your dog to lick out all the spreadable treats, leading to more mental stimulation and playtime. The downside to this is that the mat may be too small for a larger dog to use effectively, so it’s best to choose a pattern that’s ideal for your dog’s size and level of interest. Another downside of intricate lick mats is that it may be too hard for your dog to get all of the treats out, which is why it’s important to supervise your dog with a mat to keep it from chewing up the mat.
Dishwasher-Safe: Many lick mats are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic that’s top-rack dishwasher safe. Even though you could hand-wash your lick mat, it’s more convenient and sanitary to use a dishwasher to clean the mat when your dog is done with it. Otherwise, all those small grooves could harbor germs.
Non-Toxic Materials: Most lick mats are made of BPA-free, non-toxic materials like plastic or silicone, but it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure it’s safe for your dog. Even though your dog will only be using the lick mat occasionally, consider your options and choose the material least likely to cause a health problem.
Treats: There’s virtually no limit to the types of treats you can use for your lick mat. Peanut butter without xylitol is a challenging treat that dogs love, but you could also use coconut oil, canned dog food, non-fat cottage cheese, mashed bananas, or wet food toppers. You know what your dog likes, so consider its favorite treats when you’re picking out a lick mat. For example, a mat with small nooks and crannies may not hold a chunkier dog food as well. Think about the treats you’ll be using to help you select a mat.
Non-Skid or Suction: Lick mats will end up sliding all over your floors if they don’t have a non-skid or suction surface. This not only leaves you with a mess, but it can be frustrating for your dog to keep chasing the mat around.
Pattern: The patterns of a lick mat are where the benefits come in. A complicated pattern with small depressions is more difficult for your dog to lick out all the spreadable treats, leading to more mental stimulation and playtime. The downside to this is that the mat may be too small for a larger dog to use effectively, so it’s best to choose a pattern that’s ideal for your dog’s size and level of interest. Another downside of intricate lick mats is that it may be too hard for your dog to get all of the treats out, which is why it’s important to supervise your dog with a mat to keep it from chewing up the mat.
Dishwasher-Safe: Many lick mats are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic that’s top-rack dishwasher safe. Even though you could hand-wash your lick mat, it’s more convenient and sanitary to use a dishwasher to clean the mat when your dog is done with it. Otherwise, all those small grooves could harbor germs.
Non-Toxic Materials: Most lick mats are made of BPA-free, non-toxic materials like plastic or silicone, but it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure it’s safe for your dog. Even though your dog will only be using the lick mat occasionally, consider your options and choose the material least likely to cause a health problem.
Treats: There’s virtually no limit to the types of treats you can use for your lick mat. Peanut butter without xylitol is a challenging treat that dogs love, but you could also use coconut oil, canned dog food, non-fat cottage cheese, mashed bananas, or wet food toppers. You know what your dog likes, so consider its favorite treats when you’re picking out a lick mat. For example, a mat with small nooks and crannies may not hold a chunkier dog food as well. Think about the treats you’ll be using to help you select a mat.
- Non-Skid or Suction: Lick mats will end up sliding all over your floors if they don’t have a non-skid or suction surface. This not only leaves you with a mess, but it can be frustrating for your dog to keep chasing the mat around.
- Pattern: The patterns of a lick mat are where the benefits come in. A complicated pattern with small depressions is more difficult for your dog to lick out all the spreadable treats, leading to more mental stimulation and playtime. The downside to this is that the mat may be too small for a larger dog to use effectively, so it’s best to choose a pattern that’s ideal for your dog’s size and level of interest. Another downside of intricate lick mats is that it may be too hard for your dog to get all of the treats out, which is why it’s important to supervise your dog with a mat to keep it from chewing up the mat.
Dishwasher-Safe: Many lick mats are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic that’s top-rack dishwasher safe. Even though you could hand-wash your lick mat, it’s more convenient and sanitary to use a dishwasher to clean the mat when your dog is done with it. Otherwise, all those small grooves could harbor germs.
Non-Toxic Materials: Most lick mats are made of BPA-free, non-toxic materials like plastic or silicone, but it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure it’s safe for your dog. Even though your dog will only be using the lick mat occasionally, consider your options and choose the material least likely to cause a health problem.
Treats: There’s virtually no limit to the types of treats you can use for your lick mat. Peanut butter without xylitol is a challenging treat that dogs love, but you could also use coconut oil, canned dog food, non-fat cottage cheese, mashed bananas, or wet food toppers. You know what your dog likes, so consider its favorite treats when you’re picking out a lick mat. For example, a mat with small nooks and crannies may not hold a chunkier dog food as well. Think about the treats you’ll be using to help you select a mat.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Many lick mats are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic that’s top-rack dishwasher safe. Even though you could hand-wash your lick mat, it’s more convenient and sanitary to use a dishwasher to clean the mat when your dog is done with it. Otherwise, all those small grooves could harbor germs.
- Non-Toxic Materials: Most lick mats are made of BPA-free, non-toxic materials like plastic or silicone, but it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure it’s safe for your dog. Even though your dog will only be using the lick mat occasionally, consider your options and choose the material least likely to cause a health problem.
- Treats: There’s virtually no limit to the types of treats you can use for your lick mat. Peanut butter without xylitol is a challenging treat that dogs love, but you could also use coconut oil, canned dog food, non-fat cottage cheese, mashed bananas, or wet food toppers. You know what your dog likes, so consider its favorite treats when you’re picking out a lick mat. For example, a mat with small nooks and crannies may not hold a chunkier dog food as well. Think about the treats you’ll be using to help you select a mat.
Conclusion
Lick mats are excellent for relieving anxiety and stress in your pup. Our favorite is Hyper Pet’s IQ Calm Slow Feeder Treat Mat for its textured surface that’s ideal for spreadable treats. For value, choose the Star Wars The Mandalorian Grogu Silicone Dog Treat Lick Mat affordable novelty lick mat. Our premium pick is Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog Lick Mat for its challenging textures.
Sources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/bpa-free-and-nontoxic-dog-toys-what-do-labels-mean
Sources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/bpa-free-and-nontoxic-dog-toys-what-do-labels-mean
Featured Image Credit: Huong Nguyen, Pixabay
