MealLick mats for dogs
- Sourced specs
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Straight answer: A lick mat stretches out a treat or a spoonful of soft food and keeps a dog busy. It does not slow a whole meal of kibble. Only three dog mats have published specs we can use, and they cover spreads, wet food and small meals.
A lick mat is a good way to make a treat or a spoonful of wet food last longer and to keep a dog occupied. This page is the product roundup: three dog mats with published specs, and how to use and clean them. If you are deciding between a mat and a slow feeder bowl, our lick mat vs slow feeder comparison answers that.
We did not test these mats. Specs come from the makers' pages, and the AKC supplies the safety guidance.
Compare all 3 picks side by side
| Model | Best for | Material | Size(s) | Dishwasher | Non-slip | Food | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LickiMat Slomo | Mat that doubles as a small-dog feeder | mixed | 20 x 20 cm | Yes | — | dry, wet, raw | Check price |
| LickiMat Classic Buddy | Plain textured mat for spreads | rubber | 20 x 20 cm | No | — | wet, raw | Check price |
| Messy Mutts Lick Bowl Mat 10in | Large mat with a center well for liquids | silicone | 10 in (1 cup) | Yes | — | — | Check price |
What the AKC backs up
The AKC lists several uses for lick mats: easing anxiety during fireworks or storms, occupying a mouthy puppy, helping with dental care in a limited way (it does not replace brushing), and pairing a crate with treats. It adds that some mats double as slow feeders, and that freezing low-sodium broth on one makes a cold treat.
We are an editorial team, not vets. We found no source for how much a lick mat lowers stress or slows eating, so we make no promise about either. If your dog's anxiety disrupts daily life, talk to your vet.
What to put on a lick mat
Soft, sticky or smooth foods work best: plain wet food, plain yogurt, or mashed pumpkin or banana if your vet is fine with them. Keep portions small and count them as part of the daily ration, so the mat does not quietly add calories. Avoid anything with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and check spread labels for it. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or special diet, ask your vet what is safe to smear.
How to introduce a mat
Start with a thin layer of something your dog loves, on a flat floor, and sit nearby. Some dogs take to it right away and others sniff and walk off. Hold the mat steady if it slides, or put it on a rubber pad. Once your dog licks calmly, try denser foods or longer sessions.
How to choose a lick mat
- Food type. For wet or sloppy food, the Messy Mutts well or the Slomo suit best. The Classic Buddy suits spreads. Our slow feeders for wet food page covers bowls for the same job.
- Size. A large dog may push a small mat across the floor, and the 10 in Messy Mutts mat needs more room.
- Care. Dishwasher safe is easier than hand wash only. Either way, wash soon after use, because ridges trap dried food.
- Freezing. All three makers say freezer safe, which opens up cold treats.
- Chewing. If your dog bites and shreds, a mat is a risk.
Safety: supervise and check for damage
The AKC says to watch your dog on a lick mat and step in if it tries to swallow pieces. Check the mat for worn spots, punctures or jagged ridges and replace one that is damaged. Take it away when the session ends. If a piece goes missing and you think your dog swallowed it, call your vet.
Who does not need a lick mat
Skip a mat if your dog is a determined chewer, or if the goal is to stretch a full kibble meal. For that, see the best slow feeder dog bowls or our puzzle feeders.
Our picks
-
Mat that doubles as a small-dog feeder
LickiMat Slomo
- mixed
- for dogs
- dishwasher safe
- dry / wet / raw food
LickiMat says the Slomo is 20 x 20 x 1.7 cm (8 x 8 x 0.7 in), made of non-toxic TPR and polypropylene with no BPA, PVC, phthalates or silicone. It is dishwasher safe, freezer safe and microwave friendly. The maker calls it a full feeder for small and medium dogs and a slow treat dispenser for large dogs, for dry, wet, soaked or raw food. Skip it if your dog chews rubber.
Specs from: lickimat.us (checked 2026-10-16)
-
Plain textured mat for spreads
LickiMat Classic Buddy
- rubber
- for dogs
- wet / raw food
A 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in) TPR mat that LickiMat says suits wet food, raw food, soaked kibble and spreads for dogs of all sizes. It is freezer safe and microwave friendly but hand wash only, so rinse it before spreads dry in the texture. Choose it over the Slomo if you want the simpler surface and do not mind washing by hand.
Worth knowing: Hand wash only, per the maker
Specs from: lickimat.us (checked 2026-10-16)
-
Large mat with a center well for liquids
Messy Mutts Lick Bowl Mat 10 in
- silicone
- for dogs
- dishwasher safe
Messy Mutts says this 10 x 10 in food-grade silicone mat is BPA and PVC free, with a grooved surface and a center bowl that holds up to 1 cup (250 mL) of liquids. It is freezer and microwave safe, and dishwasher safe or hand wash. The maker does not give its thickness. It takes the most counter space of the three and one cup is a topper, not a dinner.
Worth knowing: The maker's page does not give the mat's thickness
Specs from: messymutts.ca (checked 2026-10-16)
Common questions
FAQ
Is a lick mat good for dogs?
It can be. The AKC says lick mats can soothe anxious dogs, keep a mouthy puppy busy and help with crate training, and notes they do not replace tooth brushing. It also says to supervise your dog and replace a damaged mat. Results vary by dog.
Can I freeze a lick mat?
The AKC describes freezing low-sodium broth on a mat as a cold treat. LickiMat says both its mats are freezer safe, and Messy Mutts says the same of its mat. Follow each maker's care notes.
How do I clean a lick mat?
The AKC says most mats can be wiped with warm soapy water and some silicone ones are dishwasher safe, and to check the label before boiling. The Slomo is dishwasher safe, the Messy Mutts mat is dishwasher safe or hand wash, and the Classic Buddy is hand wash only. Wash soon after use.
Can my dog chew a lick mat?
A lick mat is not a chew toy. The AKC says to step in if your dog tries to swallow pieces or tear the mat, and to replace worn or punctured mats. If your dog chews rubber or silicone, use a mat only while you watch, or skip it.
Are there lick mats for cats?
Some makers sell cat-sized mats, but this page covers dog mats. For cats, start with our cat page on slow feeders for wet food.