12 Tasty Lick Mat Toppings

So you've bought a lick mat but you're not sure what to put on top of it?! Before we delve into tasty lick mat toppers, licking has many benefits for dogs and cats. Licking releases endorphins and dopamine which reduces anxiety, other benefits include improving tongue hygiene, slows down eating improving digestion and for cats it offers a more comfortable way to eat.

How & When to use

Use any or a combination of the tasty toppers below to spread onto your mat. Top off with some optional extra treats if your pet is extra lucky. The lick mats can be enjoyed fresh or freeze it for a cooling summer treat. Freezing the mat will make it last a lot longer, but ensure you take it out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before they enjoy it to protect their tongue.

Tasty Toppers

1. Pet approved paté

Pet patés are soft and can easily be spread or rubbed onto a lick mat.

2. Goats milk or yogurt

Safe for cats and dogs, goats milk is a healthier alternative and may be more easily digested for some pets. As with dairy though, it should be enjoyed only as a treat and in small quantities. 

3. Egg

There are 3 ways your pet can enjoy this delicious and healthy snack. Crack and mix together and let your pet eat it raw or freeze it. Alternatively, and the safest way for cats is to cook it - pour it on the mat and place in the microwave for 1 minute then leave to cool.

4. Mushed fruit

Some safe fruits can easily be squished onto the mat such as bananas, common berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) and melon. Dogs and cats can eat fruit as part of a balanced diet, but if your pet has diabetes or other health conditions, consult your vet first. Avoid avocados, grapes & raisins as these fruits are poisonous. Cats should also avoid citrus fruits.

5. Pet approved broth

Broth is a great way to improve your pets hydration. When looking for or making a broth, avoid salt, onions and garlic as this can lead to a vet trip! Furr Boost make broth specifically design for dogs (that could also be given to cats). When making your own opt for a single source broth such as chicken.

6. Mashed veggies

Cooked and mashed veggies are a great way to add nutrition to your pets diet.

7. Purees

If you don't want to mush fruit or mash veggies because it sounds like a bit of hard work, purees are the way to go. Take a stroll down the baby isle and take a look at the baby food pouches - opt for simple, pet safe ingredients, avoiding added sugar and salt.

8. Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

A sweet, delicious treat, for dogs! Xylitol is a sweetener that can be fatal for our four-legged family members, check the ingredients first.

9. Wet or raw food

Raw, tinned or pouches of food can be used. Spreading it onto a lick mat or slow feeder can improve digestion and the health of your pets, especially if they are quick eaters.

10. Cream cheese / fat free yogurt

Dogs and cats love dairy, but in excessive amounts dairy can cause an upset tummy and weight gain. Small amounts and fat free are safe as a treat on occasions.

11. Homemade doggy ice-cream

Mix fat free plain yogurt with a mashed sweet potato or banana and any extra flavourings such as fruit or peanut butter. Add to the mat and freeze.

12. Canned fish

 Canned fish such as salmon and sardines are a delicious, nutritious treat!