- The best lick mat fillings: xylitol-free peanut butter, plain Greek yoghurt, canned pumpkin, wet food, mashed banana
- Match the food to the occasion: save higher-value treats for genuinely stressful moments, use everyday food for routine enrichment
- Always check peanut butter labels, since xylitol (birch sugar) is toxic to dogs and appears in some brands
- A lick mat with a soft, easy filling makes crate training smoother by building a positive association with the crate
- Frozen lick mats are especially useful on hot days, both as enrichment and as a way to help your dog cool down
The most popular lick mat fillings are xylitol-free peanut butter, plain Greek yoghurt, wet dog food, canned pumpkin puree, and mashed banana. All spread easily, stay in the grooves, and are safe for most dogs. For the longest sessions, freeze the mat after spreading, what would normally take 5 minutes now takes 20-30.
Everyday options
Xylitol-free peanut butter
The most popular lick mat filling for a reason, dogs love it, it spreads easily, and it sticks in the grooves well. The critical check: xylitol, also labelled "birch sugar" or "birch sweetener," is toxic to dogs. Most major Canadian brands (Kraft, President's Choice, Costco Kirkland, Natural Value) are xylitol-free, but always check the label, as "natural" peanut butter is sometimes sweetened with xylitol.
Wet dog food
The most practical option because it's food your dog was going to eat anyway. Spread their regular wet food across the mat instead of putting it in a bowl. This works for dogs on specific diets, raw food diets, or any prescription food. Turns mealtime into 15 minutes of enrichment at zero extra calorie cost.
Plain Greek yoghurt
Plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt, no artificial sweeteners, no flavouring. High in protein and probiotics. Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Freezes well for extended sessions.
Canned pumpkin puree
Plain pumpkin, not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that aren't safe for dogs. Plain pumpkin is high in fibre, excellent for digestion, and very low in calories, a good option for dogs on a calorie-controlled diet.
Cream cheese
Soft, easy to spread, and highly palatable. Use in small amounts, it's high in fat and sodium. Avoid flavoured varieties, chive cream cheese, for example, contains onion, which is toxic to dogs.
Mashed banana
Naturally sweet, easy to spread, and one of the lowest-allergen fruits available. Freezes well. Mix with peanut butter for a filling that stays in the grooves longer.
Bone broth
Low-sodium bone broth poured onto the mat and frozen creates a thin layer that dogs lick slowly through. Very low calorie. Make sure the broth has no onion, garlic, or seasoning, many commercial versions do.
Mashed sweet potato
Cooked and mashed plain sweet potato is high in fibre and vitamin A, and its dense texture holds well in deeper grooves. Let it cool fully before spreading, and avoid any versions with added butter, brown sugar, or marshmallow.
Lean ground meat
Cooked, plain ground chicken, turkey, or beef (no seasoning, onion, or garlic) mashed with a small amount of wet food or broth to help it bind. A good higher-protein option for active dogs or as a special occasion filling rather than a daily one, given the cost and prep time.
Three frozen lick mat recipes
Classic frozen peanut butter
Spread a thin layer of xylitol-free peanut butter across the mat. Press a few small treats or blueberries into the surface. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Lasts 20-30 minutes.
Banana yoghurt swirl
Mix 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yoghurt with half a mashed banana. Freeze overnight for best results. A gentler option for dogs sensitive to peanuts or high-fat foods.
Pumpkin broth freeze
Mix 2 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin with enough low-sodium bone broth to create a pourable consistency. Freeze for 3+ hours. Very low calorie.
Are frozen lick mats good for hot weather?
Yes, this is one of the most practical seasonal uses. On a hot day, a frozen lick mat gives your dog a way to cool down while staying engaged, similar to a popsicle. The cold surface combined with the licking action can help lower body temperature slightly and keeps your dog occupied somewhere shaded rather than panting restlessly. Keep an eye on very cold mats with sensitive-mouthed dogs; if your dog seems reluctant to engage, let it soften for a few minutes before offering it again.
Using a lick mat for crate training
A lick mat with a simple, easy filling works well for crate training because it builds a positive association with time in the crate. Place a filled mat inside the crate before you close the door, so your dog associates the space with something enjoyable rather than confinement alone. Start with short periods and a mid-value filling, then extend the duration as your dog becomes comfortable.
Should I worry about calories?
Yes, especially with calorie-dense fillings like peanut butter or cream cheese used daily. As a general guide, a tablespoon of peanut butter is roughly 90-100 calories, which can add up meaningfully for a small dog used daily. Account for lick mat sessions in your dog's total daily food intake, the same way you would treats given during training, either by trimming their regular meal slightly on days you use a higher-calorie filling, or by defaulting to lower-calorie options like plain pumpkin or thin bone broth for everyday use and saving richer fillings for occasional or high-stress moments.
What NOT to put on a lick mat
- Xylitol, found in some peanut butters and "sugar-free" foods. Toxic to dogs.
- Grapes and raisins, toxic even in small amounts.
- Onion and garlic, toxic in all forms, including powder.
- Macadamia nuts, cause weakness and tremors.
- Chocolate, contains theobromine, toxic to dogs.
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Related: What is a lick mat? | Are lick mats good for dogs?