Looking for simple, dog mom approved lick mat recipes for dogs? You’re in the right place.
Lick mats are a quick way to calm your pup, slow down mealtime, and add a little enrichment to their day. And the best part? You can use ingredients already in your kitchen.
Below are easy recipes grouped by purpose — from frozen treats to calming blends. If you need a DIY lick mat too, I’ve got ideas for that here.
Let’s get started. Your dog’s tongue is ready.
18 Lick Mat Recipes For Dogs You Will Love
Everyday Favorites
These lick mat recipes are easy to prep, gentle on the tummy, and full of familiar flavors dogs love. Perfect for daily use or when you just need a quick enrichment idea that doesn’t involve a full grocery run.
? Peanut Butter & Banana Swirl
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- How to make it:
Mix the two ingredients together, then spread the mash across your lick mat. Use a fork or spoon to press it into the grooves. Serve fresh or freeze for later.
✔️ Bonus tip: Add a sprinkle of chia seeds for an omega-3 boost.
? Canned Pumpkin & Kibble Crumble
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- A small handful of your dog’s kibble
- How to make it:
Spread the pumpkin across the mat, then sprinkle crushed kibble over the top. Gently press it in so it sticks.
✔️ Bonus tip: Great for dogs who aren’t big fans of wet textures — the crunch helps!
? Cottage Cheese & Blueberries
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon low-fat cottage cheese
- 3–5 fresh or frozen blueberries
- How to make it:
Dot cottage cheese across the mat, then press a blueberry into each section. Freeze for extra licking time.
✔️ Bonus tip: This combo adds protein and antioxidants in one go.
Frozen Treat Combos
Pop these in the freezer for 1–3 hours and you’ve got an enrichment treat that keeps your dog busy, cool, and happy.
? Yogurt & Applesauce Chill
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
- How to make it:
Mix the two together, then spread onto the lick mat. Freeze until firm.
✔️ Bonus tip: Use a swirl pattern for visual appeal and slower licking.
? Watermelon & Coconut Oil Smoothie
- Ingredients:
- A few chunks of seedless watermelon (pureed)
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- How to make it:
Blend watermelon into a puree, stir in coconut oil, and pour onto the lick mat. Freeze flat.
✔️ Bonus tip: Use silicone baby plates with dividers to portion and layer flavors.
? Bone Broth & Chicken Bits
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium, dog-safe bone broth
- Shredded cooked chicken (1–2 tablespoons)
- How to make it:
Pour a thin layer of broth over the lick mat, press chicken pieces into it, and freeze.
✔️ Bonus tip: Bone broth contains amino acids and collagen that support joint health.
Calming + Bedtime Blends
Use these lick mat combos when your pup needs a little help unwinding — after a busy day, before bedtime, or during thunderstorms and grooming sessions.
✨ Using lick mats during crate time? Make your dog’s chill zone even cozier with these DIY crate table cover ideas that blend right into your home decor.
? Chamomile Yogurt & Pumpkin Mash
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin
- ½ chamomile tea bag (just the dried herb, no additives)
- How to make it:
Mix yogurt and pumpkin together. Sprinkle in a small pinch of chamomile. Spread onto the mat and freeze or serve fresh.
✔️ Bonus tip: Chamomile can promote calmness, but always use in small amounts and consult your vet if unsure.
? Turkey & Sweet Potato Mash
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cooked, plain ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon mashed sweet potato
- How to make it:
Mash together and press into your lick mat while still slightly warm. Let cool before serving or freeze for later.
✔️ Bonus tip: Turkey contains tryptophan, which may naturally support relaxation.
? Kefir & Lavender Dust
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened kefir
- A tiny pinch of dried lavender (culinary-grade)
- How to make it:
Spread kefir onto the mat and dust with just a touch of dried lavender. Serve chilled or lightly frozen.
✔️ Bonus tip: Kefir adds probiotics and gut support — great before bed for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Functional Superfood Mixes
Not only do these lick mat combos include ingredients rich in fatty acids, protein, probiotics, and fresh food nutrients, but they’re also a great way to sneak in functional benefits while still keeping things fun for your dog.
? Sardine & Oat Mash
- Ingredients:
- ½ canned sardine in water (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon plain cooked oats
- How to make it:
Mash sardines and oats together. Spread thinly across the mat and freeze.
✔️ Bonus tip: Sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog’s skin, coat, and joints.
? Peanut Butter, Flaxseed & Yogurt Swirl
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- ¼ teaspoon ground flaxseed
- How to make it:
Mix everything together and spread over the mat. Freeze for 1 hour.
✔️ Bonus tip: Flaxseed adds fiber and healthy fats for digestion and coat health.
? Fresh Food Mix with Omega-3 Oil Drizzle
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh veggies (e.g., steamed carrots, spinach, or zucchini)
- 1 tablespoon mashed sweet potato or plain pumpkin
- A few drops of dog-safe fish oil or flaxseed oil
- How to make it:
Combine the base veggies and mash, then drizzle oil on top. Press into mat and freeze.
✔️ Bonus tip: This one’s a great topper for dogs already eating a fresh food diet, and the oil supports joint and brain health.
Tailored Recipes for Special Diets
These dog mom-approved ideas are simple, gentle, and still fun. Whether your pup has a sensitive tummy or turns their nose up at everything, these mixes keep enrichment stress-free and tasty.
? For Picky Eaters
Even if your dog usually scoffs at new things, these lick mat recipes are packed with flavor and texture to tempt even the most stubborn pups.
- Shredded chicken with melted cheese drizzle
- Tuna & mashed peas
- Wet dog food layered with kibble crunch
✔️ Tip: Warm up the ingredients slightly to enhance the smell — a big win for picky eaters.
? For Sensitive Stomachs
These combos use bland, soothing ingredients that are gentle on digestion while still offering enrichment.
- Plain mashed sweet potato + finely shredded turkey
- Cooked white rice + bone broth
- Pumpkin + plain boiled chicken mash
✔️ Tip: Always skip dairy and anything fatty if your dog is prone to GI issues. These combos also work great post-upset or after vet visits.
⚠️ Ingredients to Avoid on Lick Mats
Even though lick mats are great for enrichment, not every human food is safe to smear on them. Here are some common ingredients to keep far away from your dog’s next treat time:
- ❌ Xylitol – Found in sugar-free peanut butter, gum, and yogurt, are highly toxic to dogs.
- ❌ Grapes & Raisins – Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
- ❌ Garlic & Onion – Dangerous in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered).
- ❌ Chocolate & Cocoa Powder – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
- ❌ High-fat dairy – Can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis, especially in sensitive dogs.
- ❌ Artificial sweeteners or additives – Avoid colored yogurts, whipped toppings, or flavored spreads not made for dogs.
✔️ When in doubt, stick to plain, whole, dog-safe ingredients. Fresh food and simplicity are your best friends when building healthy lick mat recipes for dogs.
How Much Should You Put on a Lick Mat?
Lick mats are a treat, not a meal — and that means portion control matters. Even healthy ingredients can add up quickly, especially for smaller dogs or pups who already get lots of extras.
? Want more ways to slow your dog’s eating? Check out these DIY slow feed dog bowl ideas for creative, no-tools-needed inspiration.
Here’s a simple guide to keep things balanced:
Suggested Portions by Dog Size:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 to 2 tablespoons total
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2 to 3 tablespoons total
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3 to 4 tablespoons total
Helpful Tips:
- Use a small spoon or spatula to smooth thin layers rather than large blobs
- Save rich recipes (like sardines or cheese) for once-a-week treats
- Lick mats can replace a portion of your dog’s regular kibble if needed — just adjust their next meal slightly
✔️ Optional printable: Consider offering a free portion cheat sheet as a printable or Pinterest pin!
❓ H2: FAQs About Lick Mat Recipes
1. Can I give my dog a lick mat every day?
Yes! As long as you rotate ingredients and keep portions small, lick mats are safe for daily use. They’re especially great for winding down after physical activity or as a calm enrichment tool.
2. What foods should I never use on a lick mat?
Avoid anything with xylitol, grapes, raisins, chocolate, garlic, onions, or heavy dairy. When in doubt, stick to simple, fresh food ingredients like pumpkin, plain yogurt, or banana.
3. Can I freeze every recipe?
Most of them, yes! Freezing adds a little extra challenge and helps keep messy foods contained. Just avoid freezing anything that could upset your dog’s stomach when cold (like too much fat or spice).
4. How long should I let my dog lick the mat?
It depends on the recipe and portion size, but most sessions last between 5 to 15 minutes. If your dog finishes super fast, try freezing it or spreading the mix thinner.
5. Are lick mats good for puppies?
Yes! Just make sure you’re using puppy-safe ingredients and supervise early sessions to avoid chewing. They’re a great way to encourage calm focus and slow feeding.
6. Can I mix raw and cooked foods on the same mat?
You can, but keep it simple. If your dog is already on a raw diet, stick to familiar proteins and always clean the mat thoroughly afterward.
7. What’s the best base to start with?
Plain Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, and banana are all beginner favorites. They’re safe, tasty, and easy to spread.
8. How do I clean my lick mat after use?
Soak it in warm, soapy water or toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe). For homemade DIY mats, rinse thoroughly and sanitize as needed.
9. What if my dog just tries to chew the whole mat?
Start with a thin layer and supervise until your dog understands the goal is to lick, not chomp. If your pup is a heavy chewer, try a sturdier mat or chilled recipes that require more tongue effort.
10. Where can I find DIY ideas if I don’t have a lick mat yet?
Right here! Check out my blog post on DIY dog lick mat hacks using things you already have at home [insert internal link].
Conclusion: Try One Today!
Lick mats aren’t just trendy — they’re a practical, affordable way to give your dog a calming, tasty moment that supports enrichment and emotional well-being. Whether your pup needs help slowing down at mealtime, unwinding after play, or just enjoys a good snack puzzle, these lick mat recipes for dogs are easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Try a few combos, see what your dog loves, and don’t be afraid to get creative with safe ingredients from your own kitchen. And if you’re still working on the perfect mat setup, check out my favorite DIY lick mat ideas [insert internal link] to get started.
Have a go-to recipe your dog can’t get enough of? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
- Recap why lick mat recipes are easy, affordable, and super rewarding
- Invite readers to try a recipe and tag your blog or social account
- Link back to:
- [DIY Lick Mat Blog Post]
- [Safe/Unsafe Dog Food List or Printable]
- [Lick Mat Product/Tools Roundup (optional)]
- [DIY Lick Mat Blog Post]
