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Short answer: if you want a lick mat for a dog or a cat, the Slow Licking Mat is the better pick. It is soft silicone, dishwasher safe, comes in four colors and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Lick N' Flip is also top-rack dishwasher safe, but it is plastic and is listed for dogs.
The Outward Hound Lick N’ Flip is one of the best-known lick mats, so many people compare it with a plain silicone mat before buying. Our Slow Licking Mat is a single soft silicone surface for spreading food. The Lick N’ Flip is a plastic tray with flip-up layers. Both slow a gulping pet and calm a restless one, so the choice comes down to material, pets covered and how much complexity you want.
Lick N' Flip vs Slow Licking Mat at a glance
| Feature | Pets Sparkle Slow Licking Mat | Outward Hound Lick N' Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Material | ✓Soft, flexible silicone | –Polypropylene plastic, free from BPA, PVC and phthalates |
| Dishwasher | ✓Dishwasher safe | ✓Top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Size | ✓20 x 20 cm (about 8 x 8 in) | –8.86 x 7.68 x 2.09 in, holds up to 1 cup |
| Design | –One flat textured surface with nothing to take apart | –Two flip-up textured layers |
| Pets | ✓Dogs and cats | –Listed for dogs |
| Colors | ✓Purple, grey, blue or orange | –Varies by listing |
| Guarantee | ✓30-day money-back guarantee | –None stated on the pages we reviewed |
Checkmark means yes, cross means no, dash means the product page does not say. Rival details are taken from the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Where the Slow Licking Mat comes out ahead
- It is soft silicone, not plastic, so it flexes and sits flat on the floor.
- It works for cats as well as dogs, while the Lick N’ Flip retailer listing is aimed at dogs.
- It is one flat surface. There are no flip-up layers to separate and clean around.
- It comes in four colors and is dishwasher safe.
- Your purchase is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Where the Lick N' Flip fits
The Lick N’ Flip adds two flip-up layers and holds up to a cup of food, so it doubles as a small puzzle toy and a lick mat. If you want that extra layered challenge for a dog, it is a fair choice. If you simply want a soft mat to spread food on, for a dog or a cat, a plain silicone mat does the job with less to clean.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Slow Licking Mat if
- You want a soft silicone mat that lies flat
- You have a cat, or both a dog and a cat
- You want the simplest mat to spread and wash, with a 30-day guarantee
Choose the Lick N' Flip if
- You want a lick mat that is also a small layered puzzle
- You prefer a rigid plastic tray that holds up to a cup of food
Is it worth switching?
If a single, soft mat for your dog or cat is what you want, yes. The Slow Licking Mat is easy to load, easy to wash and backed by our guarantee. Not sure how to use one? Our guide on how to use a lick mat covers toppings and routines, and the best lick mat for dogs guide explains what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Outward Hound Lick N' Flip better than the Slow Licking Mat?
For most owners we think the Slow Licking Mat is the better pick: it is soft silicone, dishwasher safe, works for dogs and cats and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Lick N’ Flip suits owners who want flip-up layers in a rigid tray.
Is the Lick N' Flip dishwasher safe?
Retailer information says it is top-rack dishwasher safe. Our Slow Licking Mat is dishwasher safe too.
Can I use the Slow Licking Mat for a cat?
Yes. It is made for dogs and cats.
What is the Lick N' Flip made of?
The retailer listing says polypropylene plastic that is free from BPA, PVC and phthalates.
Sources (links checked October 2026)
Outward Hound and Nina Ottosson are trademarks of their respective owners. Pets Sparkle is not affiliated with or endorsed by Outward Hound. Competitor details come from the public pages listed above and can change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Mahmoud Mohamed Samir is an SEO/GEO Specialist who turns veterinary research into clear, practical feeding guides, built so pet parents get straight answers whether they search on Google or ask an AI assistant.
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