35 Toppings for Your Dogs Lick Mat

Mental stimulation is just as important for a dogs overall well being as physical exercise. Dogs need to exercise their brain daily to keep from being bored, which can lead to destruction. One of my favorite ways to stimulate my dogs brain is with a lick mat. The lick mat is a perfect enrichment toy to keep your dogs brain busy and let them enjoy a yummy treat as well. Today I’m sharing 35 toppings for your dogs lick mat. 

What is a Lick Mat?

A lick mat is a grooved mat, typically made of silicone or rubber, that is designed to encourage your dog to lick. The textures and grooves on a lick mat lock the food in place so that your pup has to actively work for the treat, rather than gobbling it up in one swift bite. 

Lick mats have a variety of uses from stress relief, mental stimulation, distraction, and encouraging slower eating. They’re the perfect distraction during baths or nail trims or they can be used to slow down meal time for a dog who typically eats too fast. A dog who does not get enough mental stimulation in their daily routine can become bored or even stressed, lick mats help relieve that stress and give their mind something to work on to avoid boredom.

There are multiple different types of lick mats on the market from flat mats to bowl shaped ones. Choose the mat that works best for your dog in terms of size, shape, and texture.

How to Top Your Dogs Lick Mat

Lick mats allow you to get as creative as you want when it comes to toppings. You can stick to the basics, like peanut butter, or get creative with multiple topping combinations. 

When it comes to choosing a topping, be sure to provide a variety of flavors and textures to keep your pup engaged longer. Freezing your lick mat is a great way to make your dog work even harder to get their treat.

Topping Ideas for Lick Mats

The options are endless for topping ideas for your dogs lick mat. Here are 50 of my pups favorite lick mat treats

1. Peanut Butter: be sure to use a xylitol free peanut butter or one made specifically for dogs
2. Mashed Banana
3. Applesauce
4. Cream Cheese
5. Cottage Cheese
6. Baby Food: baby food is made with limited ingredients making them great treats for dogs
7. Pureed Veggies: blend up some veggies such as green beans or carrots 
8. Pureed Fruits: most fruits are safe for dogs, blending one or multiple fruits can make a delicious spread
9. Pumpkin Puree
10. Mashed Sweet Potato
11. Bone Broth: there are plenty types of bone broth on the market that are made for dogs
12. Honey
13. Plain Greek Yogurt
14. Smashed Watermelon
15. Smashed Berries
16. Eggs: raw and cooked eggs are both great sources or protein for your dog. Add the shell for some extra calcium
17. Canned Fish: such as tuna, sardines, or anchovies
18. Ground Beef
19. Ground Turkey
20. Ground Chicken
21. Gravy
22. Goats Milk: a great probiotic 
23. Oatmeal
24. Quinoa
25. Canned Dog Food
26. Chicken or Beef Broth
27. Black Beans
28. Raw Organ Meats: most dogs can consume raw meat without issue but consider talking to your vet before introducing it to your pup
29. Mashed Peas
30. Rice
31. Coconut Water
32. Coconut Milk
33. Coconut Oil
34. Hydrated Dog Kibble: soak your dogs normal kibble in water until it’s hydrated enough to form a type of paste
35. Canned Cheese: canned cheese is not the healthiest choice for dogs, but it will be fine as an occasional treat 

Play around with these foods to create different combinations to top your dogs lick mat, the possibilities are endless!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.