Best Lick Mats and Enrichment for Small Dogs in Australia

Who lick mats suit

Lick mats can suit many small dogs, and they are most useful in a few everyday situations.

• Dogs that need something to do. Short walks, wet weather or hot days can leave a small dog with energy to spare. A mat gives a slow, quiet activity indoors.
• Dogs that gulp food. Spreading part of a meal on a mat makes it last longer. Our slow feeder guide covers bowls as another option.
• Puppies learning to settle. A mat can become part of a short settling routine in a bed or crate. See our calming products guide for the wider picture.
• Owners who need a short distraction at bath time, nail time or when visitors arrive (more on this below).

A mat is not a good fit for a dog that tries to eat or chew the mat itself, or for a dog on a restricted diet unless your vet has said which foods are fine. It also does not replace walks, play, training or professional help for a dog that is distressed.

Comparison: lick mats and similar enrichment feeders

This table compares the general types, not individual products. Check size, materials and care notes on any listing before you buy.

How to choose a lick mat for a small dog

• Size. Small dogs usually do well with a compact mat. A very large mat can be awkward for a tiny dog and harder to wash. Compare the size on the listing with your dog's face and tongue, and with the space where you will use it.
• Texture. Shallow ridges or bumps hold food and slow licking down. Very deep grooves are harder to clean and harder for a short tongue to reach. Choose a pattern your dog can actually lick clean.
• Material. All three picks below are described on their listings as rubber. Read the material and care notes yourself, especially if you plan to freeze the mat or warm it.
• Dishwasher and hygiene. A mat you can put in the dishwasher is the easiest to keep clean, but not every listing says so. One of our picks is listed as hand wash only, so check each page.
• Suction and grip. Many lick mats have suction cups to hold them to a smooth surface. None of the three picks below is listed as a suction mat, so use them on a non-slip floor or hold them steady yourself. If you want a suction mat, check the listing for which surfaces it suits.
• Chewing. If your dog bites the mat, choose a harder design and supervise closely, or stop using mats and try a different kind of toy.

Simple shortlist

Pros and cons of lick mats

Safe use

• Supervise. Stay in the room while your dog uses a mat, and take it away when licking stops. A lick mat is not a chew toy.
• Choose the right size. Pick a mat or pot that your dog cannot swallow, and replace it if it is torn, cracked or losing pieces.
• Use dog-safe food in small amounts. Plain yoghurt, wet dog food, a little soaked kibble or a thin smear of dog-safe paste are common choices. Check labels for xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous to dogs, and ask your vet about anything your dog should avoid.
• Count the calories. Treat food on a mat as part of the daily total, or use part of a meal. This matters most for small dogs, who need much less food than large ones.
• Wash it every time. Wash the mat after use as the care label says, and let it dry fully. Do not leave food on a mat in hot weather.
• Keep other pets apart. Dogs can guard food, so give each dog their own space.

Using a mat at crate, bath and nail time

These are ideas, not training programs. If your dog is very distressed in any of these situations, stop and ask your vet or a qualified trainer for advice.

Crate time

Introduce the crate and the mat separately at first. Offer the mat in or near the crate with the door open, and let your dog choose to go in. Stay nearby while they lick and remove the mat afterwards. Our crate guide covers sizing and setup.

Bath time

A mat only helps if it stays put. None of the picks above is listed as a suction mat, so use one on a non-slip surface beside the bath, or have a second person hold it steady. Keep the food small and avoid getting shampoo near it. Our shampoo guide has a simple bath routine.

Nail time

Offer the mat while one person holds it and another handles one paw for a few seconds, then stop and let your dog finish. Keep sessions short. If your dog is not comfortable or you are unsure about trimming, ask a vet or groomer. A brushing session is another quiet task that can pair with a mat.

Cooling and freezing tips

On a warm day, a frozen mat or pot gives a small dog something cool and slow to lick indoors. It is a fun extra, not a way of managing heat. Shade, airflow, fresh water and a cool room come first, and if you think your dog is overheating, treat it as an emergency and call your vet. Our cooling mat guide covers hot-weather basics.

• Check the listing first. Only freeze a mat or pot if its listing says it can go in the freezer. Two of our three picks say so, and the third does not.
• Keep it small. Spread a thin layer of dog-safe food, such as plain yoghurt or wet food, and freeze it flat so that it fits in your freezer.
• Serve it on a tray or tile. A frozen mat can sweat and make a mess on carpet.
• Take it away when it softens or the licking stops, and wash it straight away.
• Do not pour anything into the mat that is not dog-safe, and keep the amount in line with your dog's daily food.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a dog alone with a mat for a long time.
• Spreading too much food and forgetting the calories.
• Buying a mat that is far too large for a very small dog.
• Not washing the mat after every use.
• Expecting a mat to fix separation distress or other behaviour problems on its own.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a lick mat last?

It depends on the dog and the food. A thin spread can be finished in a few minutes, and a frozen mat will last longer. Take it away when your dog loses interest.

Is a lick mat just a bowl alternative?

It can be used that way for part of a meal, but it is also used for treats and short distractions. Some small dogs find it easier to eat from a regular bowl, so watch how your dog copes.

Can I use a lick mat every day?

Many owners use one regularly, as long as the food counts toward the daily total and your dog stays well. Ask your vet if your dog has dietary needs.

What can I put on a lick mat?

Plain yoghurt, wet dog food and soaked kibble are common ideas. Check labels for xylitol and other ingredients that are not safe for dogs, and ask your vet if you are unsure.

Is a lick mat suitable for a puppy?

Many people use them with puppies, but a puppy may chew the mat, so supervise closely. See our puppy checklist for the basics to buy first.

Final thought

Start with one small mat or pot, a thin spread of dog-safe food and a short supervised session. If your dog enjoys it, you can build it into crate, bath and quiet time.