15 Homemade Lick Mat Recipes to Calm Anxious Dogs Instantly

Understanding why licking is so calming for dogs is the first step in appreciating the effectiveness of a lick mat. The behavior is instinctual, beginning in puppyhood when they lick their mothers for comfort and nutrition. This action is neurologically hardwired to be a positive experience. When a dog licks, their brain releases endorphins, which are natural hormones that act as pain relievers and mood elevators. This creates a physiological state of relaxation, reducing heart rate and mitigating feelings of stress.

Furthermore, the intense focus required to lick every bit of food from the textured surface of a mat provides profound mental stimulation. This is not just a snack; it’s a puzzle. This engagement redirects a dog’s nervous energy away from anxious behaviors and channels it into a productive, rewarding task. For dogs suffering from separation anxiety, fear of loud noises like thunderstorms, or general nervousness, a lick mat can serve as a welcome distraction and a reliable coping mechanism. It transforms treat time into a therapeutic session, reinforcing a calm state of mind through a natural, enjoyable activity.

Expert Tip: Introduce a lick mat during a calm period first, so your dog associates it with positive feelings, not just with stressful events. This makes it a more effective tool when anxiety strikes.

Before you begin creating delicious recipes for your dog, safety must be the top priority. Not all human foods are safe for canine consumption. It is critical to use only ingredients that are known to be non-toxic to dogs. Always choose xylitol-free products, as this artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. It is commonly found in peanut butter, yogurt, and other processed foods.

Supervision is also non-negotiable. While lick mats are designed to be durable, an aggressive chewer might be able to break off pieces, creating a choking hazard. Always supervise your dog while they are using a lick mat and take it away once they have finished.

Foods to Absolutely Avoid

The following table outlines common foods that are toxic to dogs and should never be included in your lick mat recipes.

Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about a specific ingredient. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s individual health needs, allergies, and dietary restrictions.

These introductory recipes are perfect for getting started. They use minimal, easy-to-find ingredients and are quick to prepare, providing instant gratification for both you and your pup.

1. The Classic Peanut Butter Dream

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter; 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt.

1. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and yogurt until well combined.
2. Spread the mixture evenly across the surface of the lick mat, pushing it into the grooves.
3. Serve immediately for a creamy, protein-packed treat.

2. Pumpkin Spice Soother

• Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling); a pinch of cinnamon.

1. Ensure you are using pure pumpkin, as pie filling contains sugar and spices that can be harmful.
2. Mix the pumpkin puree with a small pinch of cinnamon.
3. Spread thinly over the lick mat. Pumpkin is excellent for digestive health.

3. Banana & Yogurt Swirl

• Ingredients: Half a ripe banana; 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt.

1. In a bowl, mash the banana thoroughly with a fork until it’s a smooth paste.
2. Stir in the yogurt until you have a consistent mixture.
3. Apply to the lick mat. This combination is rich in probiotics and potassium.

4. Sweet Potato Delight

• Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of cooked, mashed sweet potato (cooled).

1. Steam or boil a sweet potato until tender, then remove the skin and mash it. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Spread the mashed sweet potato directly onto the mat. It’s a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins.

5. Apple & Oatmeal Paste

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon of plain, cooked oatmeal (cooled).

1. Prepare a small amount of oatmeal with water and let it cool.
2. Mix the cooled oatmeal with the applesauce to form a thick paste.
3. Spread over the lick mat for a fiber-rich, soothing snack.

For dogs that prefer savory flavors, these recipes offer a delicious and healthy alternative to sweet treats. They incorporate lean proteins and vegetables for a more substantial, meal-like experience.

6. Shredded Chicken & Carrot Puree

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of plain, boiled shredded chicken; 2 tablespoons of pureed carrots.

1. Boil a chicken breast without any seasoning, then shred it into fine pieces.
2. Steam carrots until soft and blend or mash them into a puree.
3. Combine the chicken and carrots, and spread onto the mat.

7. Salmon & Sweet Potato Mash

• Ingredients: 1 ounce of cooked, flaked salmon (canned in water, no salt added); 2 tablespoons of mashed sweet potato.

1. Ensure the salmon is plain and free of bones. Flake it with a fork.
2. Mix the salmon thoroughly with the mashed sweet potato.
3. Apply to the mat for a treat rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health.

8. Bone Broth Glaze

• Ingredients: 3-4 tablespoons of unsalted bone broth (dog-safe); 1 tablespoon of plain gelatin or agar-agar.

1. Gently warm the bone broth and sprinkle the gelatin over it, whisking until it dissolves. Do not boil.
2. Pour the mixture over the lick mat and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes until it sets into a firm gel.
3. This recipe is fantastic for joint health and hydration.

9. Beef & Green Bean Medley

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of cooked, lean ground beef (drained of fat); 1 tablespoon of mashed green beans.

1. Cook the ground beef without seasoning and drain all the fat.
2. Steam or boil fresh green beans until tender, then mash them.
3. Mix the beef and green beans together and serve on the mat.

10. Sardine & Pumpkin Mash

• Ingredients: 1-2 sardines (canned in water, no salt); 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree.

1. Mash the sardines with a fork. They are an excellent source of omega-3s.
2. Combine the mashed sardines with the pumpkin puree.
3. Spread the mixture. Be prepared for a strong scent that your dog will love!

Freezing your lick mat recipes is a brilliant way to extend the calming activity, especially for dogs with high anxiety or during particularly stressful situations like fireworks. The frozen treat takes much longer to consume, maximizing the duration of the soothing licking behavior.

Expert Tip: Prepare several frozen lick mats in advance and keep them in the freezer. This ensures you always have a calming tool ready at a moment’s notice.

11. Frozen Berry & Yogurt Pop

• Ingredients: A handful of blueberries or raspberries; 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt.

1. Muddle the berries slightly to release their juice, or blend them for a smoother texture.
2. Swirl the berries into the yogurt.
3. Spread on the lick mat and freeze for at least 2 hours until solid.

12. Frozen Watermelon Slush

• Ingredients: 1/4 cup of seedless watermelon, blended.

1. Blend a small amount of seedless watermelon into a liquid.
2. Pour the watermelon juice onto the lick mat.
3. Freeze completely. This is a super hydrating and refreshing treat, perfect for hot days.

13. Peanut Butter & Broth Popsicle

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of xylitol-free peanut butter; 3 tablespoons of low-sodium chicken or beef broth.

1. Gently warm the broth and whisk in the peanut butter until it dissolves and combines.
2. Pour the liquid mixture onto the mat.
3. Freeze for several hours. The combination of savory and sweet is irresistible to most dogs.

14. Creamy Coconut & Mango Freeze

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut milk; 2 tablespoons of pureed mango.

1. Mix the coconut milk and mango puree together.
2. Spread evenly on the lick mat.
3. Freeze solid. This tropical blend is a unique and tasty option.

15. The Ultimate Frozen Kong Stuffer

• Ingredients: Layers of any of the above recipes! For example, a base layer of pumpkin, a middle layer of yogurt with berries, and a top layer of peanut butter.

1. Apply your first ingredient in a thin layer. Freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Add the next layer and freeze again. Repeat as desired.
3. This creates a long-lasting, multi-flavored puzzle that will keep your dog engaged for an extended period.