March 19, 2025
DAY 12 - Choosing the Right Lick Mat for Your Chow Chow & Puppy – A Complete Guide!
If you have a Chow Chow like Zoey, you already know they can be stubborn, independent, and surprisingly picky eaters. But one thing that’s been a game-changer for keeping Zoey entertained, calm, and engaged? Lick mats!
At first, I thought, “Is this just another dog accessory?” But after trying different types, I realized how beneficial lick mats are—especially for Chow Chows and growing puppies!
Let’s break down why lick mats are essential, the different types available, and how they compare to slow-feeder bowls.
What Is a Lick Mat?
A lick mat is a flat silicone or rubber mat with raised textures or patterns where you spread soft treats like peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin, or wet food. Unlike regular bowls, a lick mat forces your dog to lick slowly, turning snack time into a longer, more engaging experience.
Why Are Lick Mats Beneficial for Chow Chows & Puppies?
Chow Chows are independent thinkers, and puppies are curious explorers—both need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. Lick mats help by:
✔ Reducing Anxiety & Stress – The repetitive licking action helps release endorphins, making dogs feel calm and relaxed.
✔ Encouraging Slow Eating – Helps prevent gulping, choking, and bloating, especially for fast eaters.
✔ Keeping Dogs Entertained – A great way to distract your pup during grooming, crate time, or bath time.
✔ Promoting Better Digestion – Slower licking allows for better saliva production, which aids digestion.
✔ Great for Puppies Teething – Helps soothe sore gums while giving them a fun challenge.
🐾 Zoey’s Experience: Lick mats have been a lifesaver for calming her down, especially during grooming and rainy days when outdoor play isn’t possible!
Types of Lick Mats & Their Uses
There are several types of lick mats, and each serves a unique purpose based on your dog’s needs.
1. Flat Textured Lick Mats 🐾
✅ Best for: Anxiety relief, grooming distraction, and slow snacking
📌 These mats have raised patterns (dots, ridges, or swirls) that make dogs lick their treats slowly.
📌 Perfect for spreading peanut butter, pumpkin, or yogurt.
📌 Great for baths, vet visits, or car rides—keeps your dog occupied.
🐶 Zoey’s Use: We use this during bath time to keep her still while rinsing!
2. Suction Cup Lick Mats 🛁
✅ Best for: Bathtime distraction & crate training
📌 These mats stick to walls or smooth surfaces, making them perfect for bath time or grooming sessions.
📌 Keeps your pup busy while you clip nails, brush fur, or clean paws.
🐶 Zoey’s Use: She hates getting wet, but sticking a suction cup lick mat in the tub with yogurt or mashed bananamakes bath time stress-free!
3. Slow-Feeder Lick Mats (Bowl-Shaped) 🥣
✅ Best for: Mealtime slow eating
📌 Designed like a hybrid between a slow-feeder bowl and a lick mat, these have deeper grooves to hold wet food.
📌 Encourages slower eating and prevents bloating in fast eaters.
🐶 Zoey’s Use: We use this for her wet food meals—it prevents her from gulping down food too fast!
4. Freezer-Friendly Lick Mats ❄️
✅ Best for: Hot weather cooling treats
📌 These mats are designed to be frozen with a spread of bone broth, yogurt, or wet food.
📌 Perfect for summer days when dogs need extra cooling.
🐶 Zoey’s Use: During hot days, we freeze Greek yogurt + blueberries—it’s a refreshing snack that keeps her busy for 20+ minutes!
5. Puzzle Lick Mats 🧩
✅ Best for: Mental stimulation
📌 These mats have more complex ridges and compartments, making licking more challenging and engaging.
📌 Great for high-energy puppies who need extra stimulation.
🐶 Zoey’s Use: On days when she’s extra restless, this slows her down and keeps her engaged for longer.
How Lick Mats Are Different from Slow Feeder Bowls
Both lick mats and slow-feeder bowls help dogs eat slower, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Lick Mat | Slow Feeder Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Anxiety relief, licking enrichment | Slowing down eating |
| Food Type | Soft foods (yogurt, peanut butter, wet food) | Dry or wet food |
| Best for | Grooming, calming, teething relief | Mealtime control |
| Engagement Level | High (licking takes longer) | Medium (eating slowed down) |
| Chow Chow Suitability | ✅ Great for anxiety, grooming & cooling treats | ✅ Helps prevent bloating |
🐾 Zoey’s Experience: We use lick mats for snacks and mental enrichment, while her slow-feeder bowl is for kibble meals.
Tips for Using a Lick Mat the Right Way
✔ Choose the Right Spread – Avoid sugary or fatty foods. Use peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin, or plain yogurt.
✔ Clean Regularly – Silicone mats are dishwasher safe—wash after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
✔ Supervise First Use – Some dogs try to chew the mat! Start with short sessions and remove if they start biting.
✔ Experiment with Freezing – A frozen treat lasts longer and is great for Chow Chows in hot weather!
🐶 Zoey’s Pro Tip: Rotate between different lick mat textures to keep things exciting and mentally stimulating!
Final Woof: Should You Get a Lick Mat for Your Chow Chow or Puppy?
Absolutely! Lick mats have been one of the best things for Zoey’s routine, helping with:
✅ Slow eating & digestion
✅ Mental stimulation & boredom relief
✅ Keeping her calm during baths & grooming
✅ A fun way to provide cooling treats in hot weather
If you haven’t tried one yet, give it a shot—your dog will love it, and you’ll love how much calmer and more engaged they are!
📢 Does your dog use a lick mat? What’s their favorite spread? Drop your tips in the comments! 🐶💛