Lick mat recipes for puppies: safe, easy, vet-informed
Written by LickBloomLick mat recipes for puppies: safe, easy, vet-informed
Puppies can absolutely use lick mats. In fact, introducing a lick mat early is one of the best habits you can build with a new dog. It teaches them that calm settling is rewarding, builds positive associations with their crate or resting spot, and gives that busy puppy brain something genuinely satisfying to focus on.
But puppies do need slightly different recipes to adult dogs. Their digestive systems are still developing, some foods that are fine for adults are too rich for pups, and freezing works a little differently in the early weeks.
Can puppies use lick mats?
Yes. Most puppies can start using a lick mat from around 8 weeks of age. See our detailed post on whether puppies can use lick mats for more information.
The key differences for puppies: shorter sessions (5-10 minutes to start), simpler blander ingredients, fresh or only lightly chilled spreads for very young pups, and always supervised.
What puppies can eat on a lick mat
Good base ingredients: plain unsweetened yoghurt (check for xylitol); plain canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling); mashed ripe banana; wet puppy food; plain cooked chicken finely shredded; cottage cheese (low-fat, plain); plain cooked sweet potato mashed; low-sodium no-additive chicken broth; plain cooked carrot pureed.
What to avoid for puppies
Never feed puppies: xylitol; chocolate; grapes or raisins; onion or garlic; macadamia nuts; avocado; raw egg white; high-fat foods; spicy or heavily seasoned foods; dairy in large amounts. Also avoid peanut butter for puppies under 12 weeks as it is rich and calorie-dense.
15 puppy-safe lick mat recipes
1. Plain yoghurt: 2 tbsp plain unsweetened yoghurt. Spread directly onto mat.
2. Mashed banana: Half a ripe banana, mashed with a fork and spread onto mat.
3. Plain pumpkin: 3 tbsp plain canned pumpkin puree. Spread directly. Excellent for digestive health.
4. Yoghurt and banana: 1 tbsp plain yoghurt plus half a mashed banana. Mix together and spread.
5. Wet puppy food spread: 2-3 tbsp of your puppy's regular wet food spread directly onto mat.
6. Pumpkin and yoghurt: 2 tbsp pumpkin puree plus 1 tbsp plain yoghurt. Mix and spread.
7. Plain cooked chicken puree: 2 tbsp plain cooked chicken finely shredded and mashed with a little warm water. Blend to a smooth paste and spread.
8. Sweet potato mash: 3 tbsp plain cooked sweet potato mashed. Thin with a little warm water if needed.
9. Cottage cheese and banana: 2 tbsp plain low-fat cottage cheese plus 1 tbsp mashed banana. Mix gently and spread.
10. Chicken broth soak: 3 tbsp low-sodium no-additive chicken broth. Pour over mat and freeze flat.
11. Pumpkin and chicken: 2 tbsp pumpkin puree plus 1 tbsp plain cooked shredded chicken. Mix well and press into mat.
12. Yoghurt and blueberry: 2 tbsp plain yoghurt plus 5 blueberries mashed. Fine for puppies over 12 weeks.
13. Banana and sweet potato: 1 tbsp mashed banana plus 2 tbsp mashed sweet potato. Naturally sweet and fibre-rich.
14. Wet food and broth: 2 tbsp wet puppy food plus 1 tbsp low-sodium broth. Mix to a thinner consistency.
15. Plain cooked carrot puree: 3 tbsp cooked carrot pureed with a little warm water. Low calorie and gentle on the stomach.
When to start freezing
For puppies under 12 weeks, fresh or lightly chilled spreads are generally recommended. From around 12 weeks, begin with short freeze times (30 minutes) and work up to longer sessions as your puppy gains confidence. More on this in our post on puppy enrichment ideas.
How to introduce the lick mat to a new puppy
Keep the first session fresh and simple. A little plain yoghurt or mashed banana spread thinly. Let your puppy sniff and explore without pressure. Keep early sessions to five to ten minutes. Always supervise every session and remove the mat if your puppy begins chewing the silicone.
The LickBloom Calm Ritual Lick Mat is safe for puppies, easy to clean, and comes with a Recipe and Routine Guide. Free shipping across Australia. 30-day Love-It-or-It's-Free guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What age can puppies start using a lick mat?
Most puppies can start from around 8 weeks of age. Begin with fresh, simple spreads and short sessions. Introduce frozen treats gradually from around 12 weeks.
Is yoghurt safe for puppies?
Plain, unsweetened yoghurt is generally well-tolerated by most puppies in small amounts. Always check the label for xylitol. Start with a small amount to check your puppy's tolerance.
Can I freeze a lick mat for a young puppy?
For puppies under 12 weeks, start with fresh or lightly chilled spreads. From around 12 weeks, begin with short freeze times and work up as your puppy gains confidence.
How much should I put on a lick mat for a puppy?
A thin layer is plenty. Two to three tablespoons of spread across the mat is usually sufficient. Account for the lick mat session in your puppy's total daily food intake.
What should I do if my puppy chews the lick mat instead of licking it?
Remove the mat immediately if your puppy begins chewing the silicone. Try again with a fresh spread using softer toppings and actively encourage licking. Supervise all sessions until your puppy reliably licks rather than chews.
