If your dog is anxious, eats too fast, or needs something to do while you're busy, a lick mat might be the simplest, most effective tool you're not using yet. Lick mats are flat or textured surfaces you spread soft food onto — and the act of licking is naturally calming, mentally engaging, and great for digestion.
We've rounded up the best lick mats for dogs based on texture variety, durability, ease of cleaning, and enrichment value. Every pick below is USA-made by SodaPup — a brand trusted by dog trainers, veterinarians, and pet parents who want safe, functional enrichment.
Why Lick Mats Work (The Science Behind the Lick)
Licking is a self-soothing behavior for dogs. It triggers the release of endorphins — the same feel-good chemicals released during exercise — which naturally reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). Studies on canine enrichment consistently show that licking activities reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and improve focus.
Beyond calming, lick mats slow eating by forcing dogs to work for every bite, which reduces bloat risk and improves digestion. They're also a hands-free grooming distraction — stick one to your tub wall during bath time and your dog barely notices the shampoo.
What to Look for in a Lick Mat
- Texture variety — more complex patterns hold food longer and keep dogs engaged
- Material safety — FDA-compliant, BPA-free, food-safe TPE or silicone
- Dishwasher safe — non-negotiable for daily use
- Freezer safe — frozen mats last 3–5x longer than room-temperature ones
- Suction cups (optional) — essential for bath time and grooming use
- Size options — small mats for puppies and small breeds, large for bigger dogs
Best Lick Mats for Dogs in 2026
1. Honeycomb eMat — Best Overall
The SodaPup Honeycomb eMat is our top pick for most dogs. The hexagonal cell pattern creates uniform depth across the entire surface, promoting even licking coverage and extended engagement. Available in Large (8" x 8") and Small (5" x 7"), it's made from FDA-compliant TPE — BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free. Dishwasher and freezer safe.
Best for: Everyday enrichment, slow feeding, anxiety relief
Sizes: Large, Small
Colors: Yellow
2. Tulip Design eMat — Best with Suction Cups
If you need a lick mat that stays put during bath time or nail trims, the Tulip Design eMat is the one. Powerful suction cups stick to any smooth surface — tub walls, shower tiles, floors, or windows — keeping both your hands free. The tulip-and-retro-van pattern has ridges, nubs, and grooves that slow licking and extend treat time.
Best for: Bath time, grooming distraction, nail trims
Size: 8" diameter
Colors: Pastel purple
3. Tree of Life eMat — Best Suction Cup Mat for Anxious Dogs
The Tree of Life eMat combines powerful suction cups with an intricate branching pattern that creates varied textures across the entire surface. The spreading branches and roots challenge dogs to lick thoroughly from every angle — ideal for anxious dogs who need extended, focused enrichment.
Best for: Anxious dogs, grooming sessions, crate training
Size: 8" diameter
Colors: Green
4. Jigsaw Puzzle eMat — Best for Mental Stimulation
The Jigsaw Puzzle eMat features interlocking puzzle-piece shapes that create multiple difficulty levels within a single mat. Deep grooves between pieces hold spreads securely while the varied angles keep dogs working longer than simple patterns. Great for dogs who need a mental challenge.
Best for: Mental stimulation, bored dogs, high-energy breeds
Size: 8" diameter
Colors: Blue, Pink, Green
5. Bones eMat — Best Fun Design
The Bones eMat features multiple bone shapes in varied sizes that create natural pockets and crevices for spreads. Dogs must work to reach treats between the bones, promoting thorough licking and extended engagement. A crowd-pleaser for dog lovers who appreciate a playful design.
Best for: Everyday enrichment, gift-giving
Size: 8" diameter
Colors: Purple, Red
6. Love eMat — Best for Anxious Dogs & Gifting
The Love eMat features a multi-heart pattern with curved edges that form natural grooves slowing licking by up to 10x. Available in Large and Small — the Small is a great option for puppies and small breeds. Makes a thoughtful gift for dog lovers.
Best for: Puppies, small breeds, gifting, separation anxiety
Sizes: Large (8"), Small (5" x 7")
Colors: Red
7. Sky eMat — Best Calming Design
The Sky eMat features a cloud-and-star pattern with soft, organic curves that promote thorough licking coverage. The peaceful celestial design makes it a natural fit for bedtime enrichment routines or winding-down sessions for anxious dogs.
Best for: Anxious dogs, bedtime routines, calming enrichment
Size: 8" diameter
Colors: Light Blue, Yellow
Best Foods to Use on a Lick Mat
- Peanut butter — check for xylitol-free; a classic that most dogs go wild for
- Plain Greek yogurt — great frozen, high in protein
- Wet dog food or pâté — easy to spread, works well frozen
- Pureed pumpkin — great for digestion, low calorie
- Mashed banana — natural sweetness dogs love
- Cream cheese — use sparingly as a high-value treat
- Bone broth — freeze in the mat for a long-lasting icy treat
Pro tip: Freeze your lick mat for 2–3 hours after spreading. A frozen mat lasts 3–5x longer than a room-temperature one — perfect for extended alone time or crate training sessions.
Lick Mat vs. Puzzle Feeder: What's the Difference?
Lick mats are designed for soft, spreadable foods and licking behavior. Puzzle feeders are designed for dry kibble and require dogs to push, slide, or lift pieces to access food. Both provide mental enrichment, but lick mats are generally better for anxiety relief (the licking action is more calming) while puzzle feeders are better for high-energy dogs who need a physical challenge. Many dogs benefit from both.
If your dog eats too fast, a slow feeder bowl is another great option — especially for meal times when a lick mat isn't practical.
How to Clean a Lick Mat
All SodaPup eMats are dishwasher safe (top rack). For a quick clean between uses, rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush to clear food from the grooves. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the texture over time. Air dry completely before storing.
For more on keeping your dog's enrichment gear in top shape, see our guide on how to wash and care for your dog's toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lick mats safe for dogs?
Yes — when made from FDA-compliant, food-safe materials like TPE. Always supervise your dog during use, especially the first few times, and replace the mat if it becomes damaged or pieces start to tear off.
How long should a dog use a lick mat?
Most sessions run 5–20 minutes depending on how much food is spread and whether the mat is frozen. There's no strict time limit — let your dog lick until the food is gone.
Can puppies use lick mats?
Yes — lick mats are excellent for puppies. They provide gentle enrichment, help with teething discomfort, and build positive associations with alone time and crate training from an early age.
What's the best lick mat for bath time?
Any mat with suction cups — the Tulip eMat and Tree of Life eMat both stick firmly to tub walls and shower tiles.
Should I freeze the lick mat?
Freezing is highly recommended. A frozen mat lasts significantly longer, provides a cooling treat on hot days, and gives anxious dogs a longer calming session. Freeze for 2–3 hours after spreading.
0 comments