Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Buyiox earns from qualifying purchases. This means if you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would use with our own dogs.
Why Every Dog Owner Should Try a Lick Mat
Does your dog panic during thunderstorms, inhale dinner in thirty seconds flat, or bounce off the walls when you are stuck on work calls? A lick mat is one of the cheapest, simplest fixes in the entire dog enrichment world – a textured rubber mat you spread with peanut butter or yogurt, and your dog licks it clean for 15 to 30 minutes.
The science is real: repetitive licking triggers the release of calming endorphins in dogs. Vets and trainers use lick mats for crate training, grooming distractions, vet visit anxiety, and slowing down fast eaters. The [AKC notes](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/lick-mats-for-dogs/) that lick mats support dental health, positive association training, and slower eating, which can even reduce the risk of bloat.
We researched the six most loved lick mats on Amazon, checked materials, textures, suction strength, and dishwasher safety, and looked at what thousands of real dog owners say. Here is the honest breakdown.
Quick Picks: The 6 Best Dog Lick Mats at a Glance
- Best Overall: LickiMat Classic Soother – the original, three texture options, unbeatable value
- Best for Chewers: LickiMat Tuff Buddy – tougher build, dishwasher safe
- Best for Bath Time: Aquapaw Slow Treater – suction cups stick to the tub wall
- Premium Pick: SodaPup eMat Whale – made in the USA, suction-cup back, dishwasher safe
- Most Versatile: Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl – bowl and mat in one, doubles as a slow feeder
- Best Budget: MateeyLife Lick Mat 2-Pack – two mats for under ten bucks
The 6 Best Dog Lick Mats Reviewed
1. LickiMat Classic Soother – Best Overall
The LickiMat is the mat that started the whole category, and it is still the one most trainers recommend first. The Soother texture (raised dots) is ideal for runny treats like yogurt and soft food, while the brand also sells the Buddy (cross maze) and Playdate (square pockets) textures for thicker spreads like peanut butter.
It is made from non-toxic food-grade TPR rubber, measures a generous 8 by 8 inches, and is safe for the freezer and microwave. One important detail: the Classic line is hand wash only, not dishwasher safe. If that matters to you, look at the Tuff below.
LickiMat Classic Soother – the original lick mat, around $10 to $12
Pros:
- The original and most reviewed lick mat on Amazon
- Three texture options for different treat types
- Freezer and microwave safe
- Excellent value, especially the 2-pack
Cons:
- Classic version is hand wash only (not dishwasher safe)
- Determined chewers can damage the TPR rubber
- No suction cups on the back
Best for: First-time lick mat buyers, puppies learning to settle, most everyday uses.
Skip if: Your dog is a power chewer, or you want a dishwasher-safe mat.
2. LickiMat Tuff Buddy – Best for Chewers and Puppies
The Tuff is LickiMat's answer to every owner whose dog treated the Classic like a chew toy. It uses a stronger TPR and polypropylene blend with no BPA, PVC, silicone, or phthalates, and the cross-maze texture stands up to enthusiastic tongues and light chewing.
The headline upgrade: the Tuff is dishwasher safe, unlike the Classic. It is also freezer and microwave safe, so nothing changes about how you use it, just how easy cleanup is.
LickiMat Tuff Buddy – tougher build, dishwasher safe, around $14 to $18
Pros:
- Tougher material stands up to puppies and moderate chewers
- Dishwasher safe (the big upgrade over the Classic)
- Same proven cross-maze texture
- Freezer and microwave safe
Cons:
- Costs a few dollars more than the Classic
- Still not a chew toy – no mat survives a determined shredder unsupervised
- Heavier treat loads work best with thicker spreads
Best for: Puppies, moderate chewers, owners who hate hand washing.
Skip if: You want the cheapest option (get the Classic) or your dog destroys everything unsupervised.
3. Aquapaw Slow Treater – Best for Bath Time
If your dog turns bath time into a wrestling match, the Aquapaw Slow Treater is the mat made for exactly that problem. Its patented 3-wing design has suction cups that stick to the tub wall, tile, or floor, and easy-removal tabs mean you can peel it off without a fight.
It is made from 100 percent FDA-grade silicone, BPA free, dishwasher and freezer safe, and it is Fear Free Certified and was featured on Shark Tank. The XL version with a 10-inch diameter and 4 suction cups is worth a look for large dogs.
Aquapaw Slow Treater – sticks to the tub wall, around $10 to $14
Pros:
- Suction cups stick firmly to tub, tile, and glass
- FDA-grade silicone, dishwasher and freezer safe
- Easy-removal tabs for quick cleanup
- XL version available for large dogs
Cons:
- Smaller licking surface than the 8-inch mats
- Wing shape suits baths and grooming more than general enrichment
- Premium price for its size
Best for: Bath time, nail trims, grooming sessions, anxious vet visits.
Skip if: You want a big flat mat for general floor use.
4. SodaPup eMat Whale Design – Premium Pick
SodaPup makes its enrichment mats in the USA from FDA-compliant, food-safe TPE that is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. The Whale design has varied textures across the surface and suction cups on the back, so it mounts to the tub or shower wall for grooming distractions or sits flat on the floor.
It measures 8 by 8 inches, is dishwasher safe, and the brand's build quality is a clear step above the budget mats. You pay more, but this is the mat to buy if you want one that lasts.
SodaPup eMat Whale Design – made in the USA, around $16 to $19
Pros:
- Made in the USA from food-safe TPE
- Suction cups on the back for wall mounting
- Dishwasher safe
- Excellent build quality and fun design
Cons:
- Highest price in this roundup
- Heavier than the basic mats
- Limited texture variety compared to owning multiple mats
Best for: Owners who want the best-built mat and are happy to pay for it.
Skip if: You are on a tight budget – the MateeyLife 2-pack costs about half.
5. Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl – Most Versatile
The Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl is a clever hybrid: a bowl-shaped lick mat that works as both an enrichment toy and a slow-feed bowl for wet or raw food. It has two modes (stable and wobbly) and four textured zones, from easy to challenging, so you can adjust the difficulty as your dog learns.
Made from BPA-free food-grade silicone by a family-owned company in Rochester, NY, it measures 6.75 inches in diameter and is dishwasher safe. If your dog eats wet food too fast, this one replaces both a bowl and a mat.
Mighty Paw Dog Lick Bowl – bowl plus mat in one, around $19
Pros:
- Doubles as a slow-feed bowl for wet or raw food
- Adjustable difficulty: stable and wobbly modes, four textures
- Family-owned US company
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Smaller surface than flat 8-inch mats
- Priciest option here
- The wobbly mode can frustrate very timid dogs (start on stable)
Best for: Wet or raw feeders, dogs that need a real slow-feeding challenge.
Skip if: You just want a simple flat mat for peanut butter.
6. MateeyLife Lick Mat 2-Pack – Best Budget
Two mats for around eight to ten dollars. The MateeyLife 2-pack is made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, measures 7.87 inches square, and has dozens of strong suction cups on the back that grip the floor, tub, or tile.
The multi-quadrant texture design lets you load different treats in different zones, and both mats are top-rack dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and microwave safe (rated from minus 40 C to 230 C). At this price you can keep one loaded in the freezer ready to go, which is the single best lick mat trick there is.
MateeyLife Lick Mat 2-Pack – two mats for around $8 to $10
Pros:
- Outstanding value: two mats for the price of one
- Strong suction cups grip floor, tub, and tile
- Dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe
- Multi-zone textures for treat variety
Cons:
- Thinner silicone than the premium mats
- Determined chewers can damage it
- No brand-specific texture system like LickiMat's
Best for: Budget buyers, multi-dog homes, keeping a spare in the freezer.
Skip if: Your dog chews everything – spend more on the Tuff.
Comparison Table: All 6 Lick Mats Side by Side
| Mat | Best For | Material | Dishwasher Safe | Suction Cups | Approx. Price |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LickiMat Classic Soother | Overall value | Food-grade TPR | No (hand wash) | No | around $10-12 |
| LickiMat Tuff Buddy | Chewers, puppies | TPR + polypropylene | Yes | No | around $14-18 |
| Aquapaw Slow Treater | Bath time, grooming | FDA-grade silicone | Yes | Yes | around $10-14 |
| SodaPup eMat Whale | Premium quality | Food-safe TPE | Yes | Yes (back) | around $16-19 |
| Mighty Paw Lick Bowl | Wet food slow feeding | Food-grade silicone | Yes | No | around $19 |
| MateeyLife 2-Pack | Budget, multi-dog | Food-grade silicone | Yes (top rack) | Yes | around $8-10 |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Lick Mat
Match the texture to the treat. Dot textures suit runny spreads like yogurt and soft food. Maze and pocket textures hold thick peanut butter longer. If you plan to freeze the mat (and you should), deeper textures buy you more licking time.
Check dishwasher safety. Silicone and Tuff mats go in the dishwasher; the classic LickiMat needs hand washing. Sticky peanut butter residue is the one real chore of lick mat ownership, so this matters more than you think.
Consider suction cups. If you want the mat on the tub wall for bath time or stuck to the floor so it does not slide, suction cups are non-negotiable. The Aquapaw and MateeyLife mats grip well; the SodaPup mounts to walls too.
Size your dog. An 8-inch mat suits medium and large dogs; smaller dogs do fine with anything. For large dogs, look at the Aquapaw XL or use two mats.
Supervise, always. [PetMD lists lick mats](https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/enrichment-toys-dogs-and-puppies) among its recommended enrichment toys, but no lick mat is a chew toy. Remove the mat once the treat is gone, and never leave a chewer alone with one – swallowed pieces can cause a vet emergency.
What to Put on a Lick Mat (Safe Recipes)
Safe options: xylitol-free peanut butter, plain unsweetened yogurt, plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling), wet dog food, mashed banana, low-fat cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, and mashed berries. Spread thin, then freeze for 1 to 2 hours for a session that lasts 30 minutes or more.
Never use anything containing xylitol (also labeled birch sugar) – it causes dangerous blood sugar drops and liver failure in dogs. Also avoid chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, and macadamia nuts. When in doubt about a new food, check with your vet first.
For more calming enrichment ideas that pair perfectly with a lick mat, see our guide to the [best dog enrichment toys](https://buyiox.com/best-dog-enrichment-toys/) and our [best snuffle mats for dogs](https://buyiox.com/best-snuffle-mats-for-dogs/) for slow-feeding at mealtimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lick mats good for dogs with anxiety?
Yes. Repetitive licking releases calming endorphins, which is why trainers and vets recommend lick mats for thunderstorm anxiety, fireworks, separation stress, vet visits, and crate training. They work best as part of a routine – give the mat a few minutes before the stressful event starts.
Can I leave my dog alone with a lick mat?
No. Always supervise lick mat sessions. They are enrichment tools, not chew toys, and dogs that chew can swallow pieces of the mat, which can cause a gastrointestinal blockage. Remove the mat as soon as the treat is finished.
How do I clean a lick mat?
Most silicone lick mats are top-rack dishwasher safe. The one big exception is the LickiMat Classic, which must be hand washed – only the Tuff version is dishwasher safe. Warm water with a drop of mild dish soap and a soft brush gets peanut butter out of the grooves.
Can you freeze a lick mat?
Yes, and freezing is the best trick in the book. A frozen loaded mat can keep a dog busy for 30 minutes or more instead of 10. All six mats in this guide are freezer safe. Most are microwave safe too, but always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific mat.
Will a lick mat slow down my fast eater?
Yes. The grooves and textures physically prevent gulping, so a lick mat or lick bowl stretches a meal out considerably. Slower eating can also reduce the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which the AKC flags as a benefit of slow feeding.
Is peanut butter safe on lick mats?
Only if it is xylitol-free. Xylitol, sometimes labeled as birch sugar, is extremely toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Always read the ingredient label on peanut butter before spreading it on a lick mat.
How long does a lick mat session last?
An unfrozen mat typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. A frozen mat loaded with peanut butter or yogurt lasts 20 to 30 minutes or more. Start with short sessions and build up – some dogs need to learn that licking, not chewing, is the game.
Final Verdict: Our Top Recommendation
If you buy just one lick mat, get the LickiMat Classic Soother. It is the original, it is proven by years of reviews, and at around ten dollars it is the cheapest experiment in dog enrichment you will ever run. If your dog chews, step up to the LickiMat Tuff Buddy for dishwasher-safe durability. And if bath time is your battlefield, the Aquapaw Slow Treater pays for itself the first time your dog stands still in the tub.
Whichever you choose, freeze it loaded. Your future self, mid-thunderstorm with a calm dog, will thank you.
