13 Calming Lick Mat Recipes for Anxiety to Soothe Your Dog

You can’t go wrong with a classic! This recipe is a tried-and-true favorite for a reason. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet banana is irresistible to most dogs. Bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamins, while peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein. Just be absolutely sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free, as this artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of xylitol-free, unsalted, creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 ripe banana, mashed

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mash the half banana until it’s a smooth paste. Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined. Use a spatula to spread a thin, even layer across the lick mat, pushing the mixture into all the nooks and crannies. For a longer-lasting treat, pop it in the freezer for an hour before serving.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the perfect beginner’s recipe. It’s ideal for a quick, calming distraction when you need to trim your dog’s nails or when unexpected guests arrive.

If your dog’s anxiety sometimes leads to an upset stomach, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) is famous for its digestive benefits, helping with both constipation and diarrhea. Plain Greek yogurt adds a dose of probiotics for a healthy gut biome. The swirling technique also makes it visually interesting for your pup!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of 100% pure pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt or plain kefir

Instructions:

Spoon dollops of the pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt alternately onto the lick mat. Use the back of the spoon or a spatula to gently swirl them together, creating a marbled effect. This not only looks appealing but also provides a varied taste experience for your dog. Serve immediately or freeze for a cooling treat.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for dogs with sensitive tummies or for a light, healthy treat that aids in digestion. It’s especially great after a stressful event that may have caused gastric upset.

Give your dog a boost of antioxidants with this vibrant and delicious berry recipe. Blueberries and strawberries are packed with vitamins and are considered superfoods for dogs. Mixed with a creamy base like yogurt or cottage cheese, this recipe is both healthy and incredibly tempting.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• A small handful of fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2-3 fresh strawberries, hulled

Instructions:

In a small blender or bowl, mash the strawberries and blueberries into a chunky puree. You can leave some small berry pieces for added texture. Mix the berry puree with the Greek yogurt. Spread the mixture over the lick mat. You can also press a few whole blueberries into the mixture before serving for your dog to discover.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

An excellent choice for health-conscious pet owners looking to add some extra nutritional punch to their dog’s treats. It’s a perfect, refreshing option for a warm day, especially when served frozen.

Ready to appeal to your dog’s primal side? This one might not smell great to you, but your dog will likely go wild for it. Sardines are an incredible source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. This is a high-value treat that can be a powerful calming tool.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 canned sardines packed in water (no salt added)
• 1 tablespoon of the water from the can

Instructions:

Drain the sardines, reserving a bit of the water. In a bowl, mash the sardines with a fork until they form a rough paste. If it’s too thick, add a little of the reserved water to make it more spreadable. Smear the fishy paste across the lick mat. A little goes a long way with this potent recipe!

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the ultimate high-value recipe for stressful situations like fireworks or thunderstorms. The powerful scent and flavor can override other sensory inputs and keep your dog focused and calm. Best served in an easy-to-clean area!

This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. Cooked sweet potato is easily digestible, full of fiber, and packed with vitamins. A tiny pinch of cinnamon adds a delicious aroma and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a comforting, gentle treat that’s perfect for a quiet evening.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of cooked, mashed sweet potato (steamed or boiled)
• A tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon (important to use Ceylon, not Cassia)

Instructions:

Ensure the cooked sweet potato is completely cooled. Mash it thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Sprinkle in a very small amount of Ceylon cinnamon and mix well. Spread the cozy orange paste onto the lick mat and serve.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

Perfect for a relaxing, low-key enrichment activity. It’s a wonderfully healthy and comforting option for dogs of all ages, especially seniors.

For a treat that’s light, crunchy, and hydrating, look no further. Apples provide vitamins and fiber, while carrots are famous for their beta-carotene content. This recipe offers a different texture that many dogs enjoy. Remember to remove all apple seeds and the core, as they are toxic.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 apple, cored and deseeded
• 1 small carrot, peeled
• A splash of water (if needed)

Instructions:

Finely grate the apple and carrot using a cheese grater. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a smoother, applesauce-like consistency, adding a splash of water to help it blend. Mix the grated pulp together and spread it across the mat. The little bits of fiber provide a great texture for licking.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

An excellent low-calorie option for dogs on a diet or for pet parents who want a purely fruit-and-veggie snack for their pup. It’s wonderfully refreshing on a warm day.

Nothing is more soothing than a warm cup of broth, and the same goes for our dogs! Bone broth is incredibly nutritious, packed with minerals and collagen that support joint health. Freezing it onto a lick mat creates a long-lasting, hydrating, and flavorful pupsicle that can keep a dog occupied for a good while.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of dog-safe bone broth (no onions, garlic, or high sodium)

Instructions:

This is the easiest recipe of all! Simply place the lick mat on a flat tray or plate (to catch any spills). Slowly pour the bone broth over the mat, allowing it to fill all the crevices. Place the tray in the freezer and let it set completely, which usually takes 2-3 hours. Serve frozen for a long-lasting challenge.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the ultimate long-duration recipe, perfect for crate training, preventing separation anxiety when you leave, or simply for a hot summer day. It provides hydration and prolonged mental stimulation.

Sneak some healthy greens into your dog’s diet with this ‘smoothie’ spread. Dog-safe greens like spinach and kale are full of vitamins and minerals. Blending them with a bit of banana for sweetness and water for consistency makes them palatable and easy to spread.

Ingredients:

• A small handful of fresh spinach
• 1/4 ripe banana
• 2-3 tablespoons of water

Instructions:

Combine the spinach, banana, and water in a small blender. Blend until you have a smooth, pourable green liquid. Pour it onto the lick mat and spread it into the grooves. Freeze for a less messy, longer-lasting treat.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

Ideal for the health-conscious owner wanting to diversify their dog’s nutritional intake. It’s a unique flavor profile that many dogs find surprisingly delicious.

On a hot day, nothing beats watermelon. This super-hydrating fruit is a favorite for many dogs and is perfectly safe when you remove the seeds and rind. Blending it into a slush creates a fun, cooling, and delicious lick mat topping.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of seedless watermelon chunks

Instructions:

Place the watermelon chunks in a blender and pulse a few times until it becomes a juicy, slushy consistency. You don’t want it to be pure liquid. Pour and spread the slush over the lick mat and serve immediately, or freeze for a solid ice treat.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the quintessential summer recipe. It’s perfect for helping your dog cool down after a walk or playtime in the yard. Best served outside to minimize sticky cleanup!

Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Paired with the subtle sweetness of peaches, it creates a creamy and satisfying treat. This is a great option for active dogs who might need a little protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of low-fat, plain cottage cheese
• 2-3 slices of fresh or canned peach (in water, not syrup), finely diced

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and diced peaches. The lumpy texture of the cottage cheese is great for the lick mat’s grooves. Spread the mixture across the mat and serve.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A fantastic post-walk or post-playtime snack to help replenish energy. The combination of protein and natural sugar provides a nice little boost.

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, similar to yogurt but with even more probiotic strains, making it a champion for gut health. A tiny sliver of fresh ginger can help soothe nausea and indigestion, making this a powerhouse combo for anxious dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened kefir
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger

Instructions:

Pour the kefir into a small bowl. Grate a very small amount of fresh ginger into the kefir and stir to combine. The mixture will be quite liquidy. Pour it over the lick mat and freeze until solid for a mess-free, long-lasting treat.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is a therapeutic recipe, best for dogs who experience nausea along with their anxiety (e.g., car sickness). It’s a gut-friendly treat that calms from the inside out.

For dogs who prefer savory over sweet, this simple combo is a winner. Tuna provides Omega-3s and a strong scent they’ll love, while peas add fiber, vitamins, and a nice texture when mashed. It’s a pantry-staple recipe you can whip up in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of canned tuna in water (no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons of cooked, mashed green peas

Instructions:

Ensure the peas are cooked and cooled. Mash them with a fork. Flake the tuna and mix it thoroughly with the mashed peas. The peas act as a binder for the tuna flakes. Spread the savory green paste over the lick mat.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A perfect choice when you’re out of fresh ingredients but still want to give your dog a high-value, calming lick mat experience. The savory flavor is a welcome change for many pups.

Golden paste is a well-known anti-inflammatory concoction made with turmeric. This recipe incorporates it into a lick mat for a health-boosting, calming treat. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for older dogs or pups with joint pain that might contribute to their anxiety.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or kefir
• 1/4 teaspoon of golden paste (a mix of turmeric, coconut oil, and a crack of black pepper)

Instructions:

In a bowl, thoroughly mix the golden paste into the yogurt or kefir until you have a uniform, pale yellow color. The black pepper in the paste is crucial as it helps with the absorption of curcumin. Spread the mixture on the lick mat. This is another great one to freeze!

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is a fantastic, health-boosting recipe for senior dogs or dogs with chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties can help ease physical discomfort, which in turn can reduce anxiety levels.

Creating lick mat recipes is a fun way to bond with your dog, but safety should always come first. Think of this as your mini buyer’s guide for ingredients and prep!

Choosing Your Base:

The base makes your recipe spreadable. Great options include:

• Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt/Kefir: Full of probiotics. Avoid flavored yogurts with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter: A classic favorite. READ THE LABEL every time. Xylitol is also sometimes called ‘birch sugar’.
• Pure Pumpkin Puree: Not pie filling! This is great for digestion.
• Mashed Sweet Potato or Banana: A healthy, naturally sweet base.
• Wet Dog Food or Pâté: A super easy option is to just use their own food!

Mix-in Ideas and Textures:

Adding texture makes the mat more engaging.

• For Freezing: Bone broth, goat’s milk, or just water can be poured over and frozen for a long-lasting treat.
• For Sprinkling: Crushed kibble, small training treats, or unsalted sunflower seeds can be sprinkled on top of a sticky base.
• For Mashing: Berries, peas, carrots, and sardines are all great options to mash into your base.

Foods to ALWAYS Avoid:

Never put these on your dog’s lick mat:

• Anything containing xylitol (gum, some peanut butters, some yogurts)
• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Cooked bones

When in doubt, a quick search or a call to your vet is the best course of action. Happy mixing!

How often can I give my dog a lick mat?

A lick mat can be a daily enrichment activity! However, be mindful of the calories you’re adding. For daily use, stick to low-calorie options like pumpkin, bone broth, or a small amount of their regular wet food. Use higher-calorie recipes like peanut butter more sparingly as a special treat.

How do I clean a lick mat?

Most silicone lick mats are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. For stubborn bits (especially peanut butter!), soak the mat in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes first. Then, use a scrub brush to get into all the grooves before rinsing thoroughly or placing it in the dishwasher.

Can I prepare lick mats in advance?

Absolutely! This is one of the best things about them. You can prepare several lick mats at once, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags, and stack them in your freezer. This way, you’ll always have a calming activity ready to go at a moment’s notice.

My dog tries to chew the mat. What should I do?

Always supervise your dog with a lick mat, especially the first few times. If your dog is a power chewer and tries to bite or tear the mat, it might not be the right tool for them. You can try freezing the mat so it’s harder, but if chewing persists, take it away to prevent them from ingesting any pieces. Lick mats are for licking, not chewing.