Can puppies use lick mats? (age guide + safe recipes)

Can puppies use lick mats? (age guide + safe recipes)

If you have a puppy and a lick mat, or you are wondering whether to get one, the short answer is yes. Puppies can use lick mats from around eight weeks old. The slightly longer answer is that age, supervision, and filling choice all matter.

Why lick mats are particularly good for puppies

Puppyhood is full of big feelings. New environments, new sounds, new people, new rules. A lick mat gives a young dog something predictable and rewarding to focus on during moments of overstimulation or uncertainty. The act of licking is naturally calming and encourages slow, focused behaviour at a time when puppies tend toward chaotic bursts of energy.

Age guide: what changes as your puppy grows

8 to 12 weeks

• Lick mats are suitable with close supervision.
• Stick to very soft, single-ingredient foods: plain yoghurt, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or soft wet puppy food.
• Do not freeze the mat yet. Cold food can be overwhelming for very young puppies.
• Keep sessions short: 5 to 10 minutes maximum.
• Always supervise. Young puppies are more likely to mouth or chew the mat.

12 weeks to 6 months

• Begin introducing lightly chilled (fridge-cold) fillings.
• Expand the range of fillings gradually. Introduce one new food at a time.
• Session length can extend to 10 to 15 minutes.
• Continue supervising every session.

6 months and beyond

• Fully frozen mats are fine for most puppies at this age.
• Sessions can be 15 to 20 minutes or longer frozen.
• A wider range of adult-safe fillings becomes appropriate.

Safe fillings for young puppies (8 to 12 weeks)

• Plain Greek yoghurt (full-fat, no sweeteners)
• Mashed ripe banana
• Plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• Wet puppy food (their regular brand, thinned with water if needed)
• Mashed sweet potato (cooked plain, no seasoning)

3 puppy-safe lick mat recipes

Recipe 1: Banana and yoghurt swirl

1 tablespoon plain Greek yoghurt + half a small ripe banana, mashed. Mix and spread evenly. Serve fresh.

Recipe 2: Pumpkin and puppy food

1 tablespoon plain pumpkin puree + 1 tablespoon wet puppy food. Mix and spread into grooves.

Recipe 3: Sweet potato and yoghurt

1 tablespoon cooked, mashed sweet potato + 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt. Combine and press into all texture zones.

Safety notes for puppy lick mat sessions

• Supervise every session, especially with young puppies who may attempt to chew the mat.
• Remove the mat if your puppy starts chewing it rather than licking it.
• Toxic foods to avoid: xylitol, chocolate, grapes or raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, avocado, alcohol, caffeine.
• LickBloom supports calm puppy routines. Not a substitute for vet or behavioural care.

Using a lick mat during crate training

A lick mat is one of the most effective tools in early crate training. Placing a freshly filled mat inside the crate gives your puppy something positive to focus on rather than the confinement itself. Read more in our puppy enrichment ideas guide.

Give your puppy the best start

The LickBloom Calm Ritual Lick Mat is made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone, safe for puppies, easy to clean, and comes with a Recipe and Routine Guide. Free shipping Australia-wide. 30-day Love-It-or-It's-Free guarantee.

Frequently asked questions