Ever feel like your dog can sense the exact moment you sit down to relax because that’s their cue to start pacing, whining, or eyeing your socks like a chew toy? If this is you, too, then a DIY dog lick mat might be your new sanity-saver. Continue reading to learn how you could make your own DIY lick mat and give yourself a quiet break without the whining.

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What’s a Lick Mat, and Why Is It Magical?

A lick mat for dogs is a flat, textured surface where you smear soft, tasty foods like peanut butter, cream cheese, or plain yogurt, and let your dog go to town. It’s a simple, safe, and surprisingly genius way of giving your furry friend additional enrichment without extra running around on your end. This is because the grooves slow down their licking, turning a 5-second gulp into a minute focus session. Basically, it’s the dog version of a crossword puzzle with snacks.

Got a speed-eater on your hands? Here are some clever and fun tricks to slow your dog’s meals down.

While your dog licks away at a tasty spread, they get:

• Mental enrichment
• A delicious snack
• A chance to slow down their eating
• Relief from anxiety or crate-time meltdowns

So if this all sounds good for you, lets take a look at how you can make your own DIY dog lick mat with appliances already available in your home.

Why Are Dogs Obsessed with These?

Let’s break down why many dogs love this activity and how it benefits you as a dog owner as well:

• Licking reduce dog boredom for your dog
• It also eases dog anxiety due to keeping busy
• DIY dog lick mats are a low-effort activity for humans because you don’t have to participate in the licking.

Licking itself is a naturally calming activity for dogs because it helps release endorphins and soothe your dog’s brain. So, if your pup’s the anxious type or just needs a little mental boost, a lick mat is a winner.

What Are the Benefits of Lick Mats?

There are many reasons why pet parents and trainers alike swear by lick mats for dogs; continue reading to see a few examples:

• Slows down fast eaters
• Makes bath time or crate training easier
• Adds daily mental stimulation
• Distracts from scary things like thunderstorms or vet visits
• Helps puppies chill out (bless them)

Why Go the DIY Route?

Store-bought lick mats are great, but there is the obvious inconvenience of spending….. more money… Good news! You can totally make your own DIY dog lick mat at home (hello, silicone pot holder!). So, whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or need a quick solution during a Zoom call, I’ve got you covered. These fun, safe, and ridiculously easy ideas for DIY dog lick mats will keep you and fido busy all day.

DIY vs Store-Bought: What’s the Difference?

A store-bought lick mat usually has molded silicone grooves designed for food to spread inside. But guess what? You don’t need to buy one, instead look for the following items in your kitchen:

• Silicone pot holders
• Tupperware lids
• Textured plates
• Or make one yourself (see the next section!)

Let’s continue with ideas on how to use these appliances to create your very own DIY dog lick mat!

Love DIY projects? Check out my other post on how to make stylish DIY crate covers that blend beautifully into your home décor.

3 Easy Dog Lick Mat Ideas

Creating a homemade lick mat is super easy, affordable. They are a great way to add some dog enrichment without the extra expense. Whether you’re working on crate training, soothing dog anxiety, or simply looking for a slow feeder option, these ideas do the trick. Lick mats for your dog adds additional focus and meaning to their day.

1. Silicone Pot Holder or Trivet

The soft, textured surface of a silicone pot holder mimics the grooves of a store-bought mat. All you have to do is spread your chosen snack into the ridges and freeze it for a calming activity your dog will love.

2. Ridged Oven Pan

Surprisingly, a metal oven pan with raised ridges makes a great DIY lick mat. The textured base helps grip soft foods like canned pumpkin, yogurt, or mashed sweet potatoes, which slows your dog’s licking and adds a bit of challenge. To use it, simply spread a thin layer across the pan, press it into the grooves, and then freeze or chill it for a calming, food-safe enrichment activity.

3. Ice Cube Tray as Lick Mat

The individual wells of an ice cube tray create natural grooves that slow your dog’s licking, just like a store-bought mat. Simply spread a soft snack (like yogurt, peanut butter, or pumpkin) across the surface, letting it settle into the cubes, then freeze it for a cooling, calming challenge your pup will love.

4. Suction Baby Plate

A baby suction plate is practically made for being a lick mat for dogs. To use it, simply press it to the floor or a tiled wall, then fill each section with a different lickable food like yogurt, canned pumpkin, or broth-soaked kibble. After that, let your dog explore each pocket at their own pace.

5. Large Silicone Spatula

or a fun, hands-on option, try a large silicone spatula with a flexible, ridged head. Simply spread a small amount of peanut butter or pumpkin onto the flat surface, and then hold it steady as your dog happily licks away.

6. Microwave Turntable Plate

The glass plate from your microwave is a surprisingly effective DIY lick mat base. Its wide, smooth surface has a slight lip to help keep food in place, and many of these plates have subtle etched textures or circular ridges that add just enough challenge. Spread plain yogurt, peanut butter, or a mix of wet food across the surface, then chill or freeze it for a soothing enrichment activity.

Safety First: What to Watch Out For

Before you hand over your homemade lick mat, there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. First of all, not all materials are created equal. In addition, how and when you use the mat can make a big difference in keeping your dog safe and happy.

• Always use dog-safe, non-toxic materials
• Avoid mats with peeling edges or deep grooves that can trap bacteria
• Supervise your pup during use (especially if they like to chew)
• Don’t leave DIY mats with your dog unsupervised, as the lick mat itself might become their next tasty treat. (woops!)

Want to jump to dog lick mat recipes?[coming soon…]

Solutions to Keep DIY Lick Mats in Place

Help! My DIY Lick Mat Keeps Sliding

Unlike store-bought lick mats (which often have suction cups or grippy backing), homemade versions like pot holders or lids tend to slide across smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood floors, especially when a determined tongue is at work trying to grab the last curd of cottage cheese. Here are some strategies to keep their new home-made lick mat in one place as they are working away at it.

1. Use a Damp Towel or Washcloth Underneath

To prevent your lick mat from sliding around, try placing a slightly damp towel or folded dishcloth under your the mat to create friction and prevent slipping. This technique is quick, washable, and works surprisingly well on hard surfaces.

Bonus: This adds a layer of protection if your dog is a messy licker.

2. Non-Slip Drawer Liners or Silicone Mats

For a quick fix, try cutting a piece of non-slip kitchen drawer liner or using a silicone baking mat under your lick mat. Not only are these options cheap and washable, but they’re also one of the best ways to create a non-skid surface for your dog’s lick mat.

Tip: Look for liners labeled grip shelf liner or non-adhesive drawer liner on Amazon or at the Dollar Tree.

3. Stick It in a Suction-Cup Dog Bowl or Feeding Mat

Alternatively, you can repurpose a suction-cup slow-feeder bowl or a dog food tray with raised edges. By placing your homemade lick mat inside, you help keep it contained and, as a result, the bowl stays securely in place.

Especially helpful if you’re using a soft, bendy mat like a silicone trivet

Want to try out some easy recipes for lick mats that only take a small amount of effort to put together?

FAQ: DIY Dog Lick Mats — 10 Questions Answered

1. What is a dog lick mat?
   A lick mat (sometimes called a lick pad) is a flat, textured surface designed to hold spreadable foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or pumpkin. As your dog licks the food out of the grooves, it not only provides enrichment but also helps them self-soothe and stay mentally engaged between walks or during periods of physical activity.
2. Why are lick mats good for dogs?
   Lick mats are good for dogs because they tap into their natural licking instincts, which can help reduce anxiety and boredom. They’re also a great way to add stimulation without needing more physical activity, especially helpful for dogs recovering from injury, senior pups, or days when outdoor time is limited.
3. Can I make my own lick mat at home?
   Definitely! To make your own DIY dog lick mat at home it can be as simple as using a silicone pot holder, the back of a tupperware lid, or a suction baby plate. If you’re feeling crafty, a flexible cutting mat with glue-gun squiggles also works well. Just be sure everything you use is dog-safe and non-toxic.
4. What should I put on a lick mat?
   Stick with soft, safe, and fresh foods like plain Greek yogurt, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin purée, or soft-cooked chicken. These options are not only easy to spread but can also add nutritional benefits; some even contain helpful fatty acids that support your dog’s coat and skin health.
5. How much food should I use on a lick mat?
   Keep it simple, because a small amount goes a long way. Just one to two tablespoons is usually plenty, especially if you’re using calorie-dense foods like peanut butter or cheese. Remember, lick mats are meant for enrichment, not full meals.
6. How do I stop my homemade lick mat from sliding around?
   Place a damp towel or silicone baking mat underneath it, or use a non-slip drawer liner. You can also stick your mat inside a suction-cup bowl or use a silicone placemat base. These tricks work especially well on slippery tile or hardwood floors.
7. Can I freeze a lick mat?
   Yes! A frozen lick pad keeps your pup busy longer and is especially soothing during hot days. Just spread your mixture, freeze it for 30–60 minutes, and serve for a cool, calming treat.
8. Can I use a lick mat every day?
   Absolutely! As long as you rotate ingredients and stick to healthy portions, lick mats are safe for daily use. In fact, they’re perfect for crate training, winding down after walks, or supplementing your dog’s physical activity with something more calming.
9. How do I clean a lick mat?
   If you’re using a silicone or dishwasher-safe mat, just pop it in the top rack. For homemade or textured DIY mats, rinse with warm water and scrub with a toothbrush to get into the grooves. Soaking in a water and baking soda mix helps with deep cleaning.
10. When should I replace a DIY lick mat?
    First, check for cracks, fraying edges, or signs of chewing. If your mat is falling apart or no longer grips well, then it’s time to replace it—especially to ensure lick pad safety. Additionally, heavy chewers may benefit from switching to a tougher, chew-resistant model.

DIY Lick Mats = Big Enrichment on a Small Budget

Making your own DIY dog lick mat is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways to boost your dog’s daily routine. With just a few household items and some pup-safe snacks, you’ve got yourself a boredom-buster, slow feeder, anxiety-soother, and enrichment toy all in one.

Want more tips like this? Head over to my post on how to save money as a dog parent for practical ideas that won’t compromise your dog’s health or happiness.