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The best lick mat for dogs is made from food-grade silicone, has a textured surface and is dishwasher safe. Our pick is the Slow Licking Mat: 20 x 20 cm, four colors, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our verdict
The best lick mat for dogs is one that is made of food-grade silicone, deep enough to hold spreads, large enough for a full session and easy to clean. Our pick is the Slow Licking Mat: a 20 x 20 cm silicone mat that is dishwasher safe and comes in four colors.
What to look for in a lick mat
- Food-grade silicone. It is soft, flexible and does not hold odors like cheap plastic.
- A textured surface. Grooves and bumps force slower, longer licking.
- The right size. A 20 cm mat suits most small and medium dogs and cats. Very large dogs may finish it quickly.
- Dishwasher safe. Peanut butter and yogurt make a mess, so easy cleaning matters.
- Flat, stable base. A flat mat can be stuck to a wall or placed on the floor.
Slow Licking Mat at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 20 x 20 cm (7.87 x 7.87 in) |
| Material | Silicone |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Works with | Wet food, purees, yogurt, peanut butter, frozen toppers |
| Colors | Purple, Grey, Blue, Orange |
| Suitable for | Dogs and cats |
When a lick mat is worth it
- Grooming, bath time and nail trims: a mat distracts your dog.
- Storms and fireworks: licking is calming for many dogs. See how lick mats calm anxious dogs.
- Fast eaters: serve part of the meal on the mat.
- Home alone: a frozen mat can buy you a quiet 20 minutes.
Pros and limits
- Pro: a low-cost way to slow eating and add calm enrichment.
- Pro: dishwasher safe and easy to load.
- Limit: it only works with soft, spreadable foods. Dry kibble needs a maze or puzzle feeder.
- Limit: supervise. A dog that chews the silicone should not use it unsupervised.
What to put on it
Plain pumpkin, unsweetened yogurt, mashed banana and xylitol-free peanut butter are common choices. See best lick mat toppings and recipes and our guide to lick mats for dogs for ideas. Never use anything with xylitol.
Is it worth buying?
If you have an anxious dog or a gulper, yes. It is one of the cheapest tools in our range and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Lick Mat Buyer Checklist and Topping Ideas
The key numbers and a printable checklist from this guide, sent to your inbox. A 15% discount code is included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lick mat for dogs?
A food-grade silicone mat with a textured surface that is dishwasher safe. The Slow Licking Mat meets all three.
Are lick mats good for dogs?
Many dogs find licking calming, and it slows eating. Use with supervision.
Is a silicone lick mat safe?
Food-grade silicone is a common choice for pet feeders. Check for cracks and replace worn mats.
How big should a lick mat be?
20 cm works well for small and medium dogs and cats. Larger dogs may prefer a bigger surface or multiple mats.
Can I put it in the dishwasher?
The Slow Licking Mat is dishwasher safe. Use the top rack.
Sources (links checked October 2026)
- Enriching Your Pets Environment with Their Food VCA Animal Hospitals
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA
General information, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about the needs of your own pet.
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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