What to put on a lick mat: 50 dog-safe ideas
Written by LickBloomWhat to put on a lick mat: 50 dog-safe ideas
The best lick mat in the world is only as good as what you put on it. Your fridge and pantry are probably already full of options your dog will love. Here are 50 dog-safe ideas grouped by category, plus the safety notes you need to keep every session worry-free.
Spreading pastes (great for beginners)
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free only)
- Plain cream cheese
- Plain Greek yoghurt (full-fat, no sweeteners)
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed ripe banana
- Pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- Mashed sweet potato (cooked, no seasoning)
- Unsweetened apple sauce
- Hummus (plain, no garlic or onion)
- Sunflower seed butter (xylitol-free)
Fruits and vegetables
- Blueberries (lightly mashed)
- Watermelon (seedless, rind removed)
- Cucumber slices
- Mashed mango (no skin or stone)
- Cooked carrot puree
- Strawberries (mashed)
- Kiwi fruit (mashed, no skin)
- Cooked zucchini (mashed)
- Cooked peas (mashed)
- Cooked broccoli (small amounts, well mashed)
Protein-based fillings
- Wet dog food
- Cooked, shredded chicken (plain, no seasoning)
- Plain cooked scrambled egg
- Sardines in water (no salt added)
- Cooked, mashed salmon
- Tuna in water (occasional treat only)
- Plain cooked ground beef
- Turkey mince (plain, cooked)
- Plain cooked lamb
- Bone broth (no onion, garlic, or seasoning)
Dairy options (in moderation)
- Plain kefir (unsweetened)
- Ricotta cheese (plain)
- Low-fat plain yoghurt
- Small amount of cheddar
Frozen ideas
Freezing roughly doubles session time.
- Frozen pumpkin + yoghurt swirl
- Frozen bone broth
- Frozen mashed banana + peanut butter
- Frozen wet dog food
- Frozen watermelon puree
- Frozen blueberry yoghurt
- Frozen sweet potato + chicken broth
- Frozen plain kefir
- Frozen cooked egg + pumpkin
- Frozen tuna + cream cheese
Combination ideas
- Peanut butter base + blueberries pressed in
- Yoghurt + mashed banana + a drizzle of honey (tiny amount, dogs over 1 year only)
- Cream cheese + cucumber + shredded chicken
- Pumpkin + cottage cheese
- Wet food + bone broth (freeze for best results)
Important safety notes
- Always check peanut butter for xylitol.
- Never use: xylitol, chocolate, grapes or raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, or caffeine.
- Supervise every session.
- LickBloom supports calm, enriching routines. It is not a substitute for veterinary or behavioural care.
Get started today
The LickBloom Calm Ritual Lick Mat comes with a Recipe and Routine Guide packed with 25+ filling ideas. Free shipping Australia-wide. 30-day Love-It-or-It's-Free guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put raw meat on a lick mat?
Many raw feeders use raw meat on lick mats. Clean the mat thoroughly after each session. Cooked proteins are the safer choice if your dog is not on a raw diet.
How much food should I put on a lick mat?
A tablespoon to two tablespoons is usually enough. A thin smear across all zones is more effective than a thick layer in one spot.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as it does not contain xylitol. Check the ingredients list every time you buy a new jar.
Can I use baby food on a lick mat?
Some plain baby purees work well. Avoid any with onion, garlic, seasoning, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
How often should I change what I put on the lick mat?
Rotate through two or three favourite combinations each week to keep things interesting.
