Introduction
You are ten minutes late. Your dog has clocked the keys and started pacing. You know what is coming the moment the door closes.
Now picture pulling a frozen lick mat out of the freezer, setting it down, and leaving while your dog is already absorbed and calm. No drama. No guilt.
The difference is knowing what to put on a dog lick mat to make it genuinely irresistible. Here are ten fillings — all safe, all simple, most already in your fridge.
Why Lick Mats Actually Work
When dogs lick repetitively, the brain releases serotonin and dopamine — real calming chemistry. The textured surface slows licking down, so they work a little for every taste. That makes the effect deeper and longer lasting.
Use them before a stressful moment, not after:
• Just before you leave — the departure window is the hardest
• During fireworks or thunderstorms
• At the vet, the groomer, or in any unfamiliar place
The Lick Mat is dishwasher and freezer safe — prep it the night before and it is ready to go. Here are the ten best fillings.
10 Lick Mat Fillings Your Dog Will Love
1. Peanut butter — the classic
Thick, sticky, and almost every UK dog goes wild for it. Fresh or frozen both work. One rule: check the label. Some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Natural, unsweetened only.
• Best fresh or frozen — holds perfectly in the Lick Mat's deep grooves
• Freeze for a 20–30 minute session — the most popular use by far
2. Plain Greek yoghurt — creamy and gut-friendly
Full-fat, plain Greek yoghurt has the right consistency and live cultures that are good for your dog's digestion. Frozen, it becomes a slow-release treat.
• Plain and unsweetened only — flavoured versions often contain sugar
• Freeze overnight for a 25–30 minute calming session
3. Mashed banana — naturally sweet
Dogs are always a bit surprised by banana. Mashed, it spreads easily and has a natural sweetness they love. High in potassium and B vitamins.
• Keep portions small — banana is high in natural sugar
• Mix with peanut butter for a two-layer treat that takes longer to finish
4. Pureed pumpkin — the vet favourite
Plain canned or fresh pumpkin pureed smooth. Gentle on the gut, high in fibre, mildly savoury. One of the most underrated fillings on this list.
• Never pie filling — only plain pumpkin, no spices or added sugar
• Low calorie, holds well in the Lick Mat even without freezing
5. Wet dog food — the no-fuss option
Your dog's regular wet food spread thinly across the mat. No guesswork, no safety concerns. People underestimate this one because it feels too simple. Dogs do not care.
• Press it into the grooves so they really have to work for it
• Freeze for two hours and it becomes a long-lasting familiar treat
6. Cream cheese — a little goes a long way
Plain, full-fat cream cheese is thick, rich, and dogs find it irresistible. A thin layer goes into every groove and keeps them licking far longer than expected.
• Use sparingly — it is rich, so a small amount is enough
• Layer with mashed banana or pumpkin for a multi-flavour session
7. Mashed sweet potato — the underrated one
Cooked plain and mashed without butter or salt. Packed with vitamins A, B6, and C. Dogs love it and it is one of the healthiest fillings here.
• Always plain — no butter, salt, or seasoning of any kind
• Batch cook and freeze in portions so you always have some ready
8. Bone broth — stops them in their tracks
Low-sodium, onion-free bone broth poured onto the mat and frozen solid overnight. The smell alone when you take it out gets a dog sitting at full attention.
• Low-sodium and onion-free only — onion is toxic to dogs
• Freeze overnight, serve straight from the freezer for a 25-minute session
9. Mashed sardines — stinky, brilliant, full of omega-3
Tinned sardines in spring water mashed onto the mat. Fair warning: the smell will clear the room. Your dog will absolutely love it. Rich in omega-3, great for coat and joints.
• Spring water only — not oil or brine
• Use once or twice a week as a high-value treat — save it for the most stressful occasions
10. The ultimate frozen combo
Peanut butter base, swirl of Greek yoghurt, a few banana pieces. Frozen overnight. Multi-layered, multi-textured, 30 minutes of focused calm. This is the one customers message us about most.
• Prep two or three at the start of the week and keep them in the freezer
• Once you try this frozen, you will always have a batch on standby
Product Recommendation: Lick Mat
A lick mat is only as good as its texture. Lick Mat's deep multi-directional grooves hold every filling on this list without sliding. Shallow mats get cleaned in minutes. This one does not.
• Freezer and dishwasher safe: Prep any filling overnight, clean it in the evening — daily use with no effort
• Non-slip base: Stays put so your dog focuses on licking, not chasing it across the floor
• Works for every breed: Licking is a universal calming mechanism — Chihuahuas and Great Danes alike
For the best setup, pair with Calming Bed and a Comfort Toy. Lick mat for the departure. Bed and toy for the hours that follow.
Final Thoughts
Start simple — peanut butter or Greek yoghurt frozen overnight is all you need to get going. Once you see how well your dog responds, you will find yourself prepping batches in advance.
The ten fillings: peanut butter, Greek yoghurt, banana, pumpkin, wet food, cream cheese, sweet potato, bone broth, sardines, and the ultimate frozen combo. All safe, all easy, all effective on Lick Mat.
Shop the lick mat and full calming range at peaktiostore.com — free worldwide shipping, 30-day free returns.
