Licking is one of the most soothing things a dog can do. A lick mat gives your dog something to focus on, whether you are trying to slow down mealtimes, keep them calm during a bath, or simply keep them occupied while you get on with your day. Smear on some wet food, yoghurt or peanut butter and let your dog do the rest.
We have compared five lick mats currently available on Amazon UK, including three from the pioneering LickiMat range, a suction mat for grooming and a budget two-pack. We explain who each suits, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
LickiMat Classic Buddy | The original | £6-£8 | 4.3/5 |
LickiMat Classic Soother | Longer-lasting pattern | £6-£8 | 4.3/5 |
LickiMat Tuff Soother | Heavy chewers | £9-£11 | 4.3/5 |
LickiMat UFO | Bathing and grooming | £12-£15 | 4.6/5 |
Licky Mats 2 Pack with Suction Cups | Budget pick | £4-£6 | 4.4/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
LickiMat Classic Buddy
Best for: the original, and the best-known lick mat
LickiMat pioneered the modern lick mat, and the Classic Buddy is its best-known design. It has a textured, moulded surface that holds wet food, yoghurt, peanut butter or paste, and your dog licks it off slowly.
Licking is soothing for dogs and releases calming chemicals, so a lick mat is used for anxiety, boredom and distraction as well as feeding. The Buddy is a small, simple mat with a pattern of grooves.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across more than 12,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Original and best known
- Very affordable
- Thousands of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Small, so best for small to medium dogs
- Can be chewed by determined dogs
Specifications:
- Type: lick mat
- Pattern: grooves
- Use: wet food, spreads and pastes
- Brand: LickiMat
LickiMat Classic Soother
Best for: a pattern of rings for a longer lick
The Soother has a pattern of rings and dots that spreads the food out across a slightly bigger surface, which makes licking last longer. It is a good choice for dogs that need a longer distraction.
It is made from the same soft, flexible material as the Buddy and is easy to clean. Put it in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat on a warm day.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across nearly 8,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Longer-lasting pattern
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy to wash
Worth knowing:
- Not chew-proof
- Needs a non-slip surface underneath
Specifications:
- Type: lick mat
- Pattern: rings and dots
- Use: wet food and spreads
- Brand: LickiMat
LickiMat Tuff Soother
Best for: a tougher rubber for heavier chewers
The Tuff range is made from a harder, more durable rubber, so it stands up to dogs that like to chew as well as lick. It has the same pattern as the Soother but in a firmer material.
If your dog has chewed through a standard mat, the Tuff is a better choice. It is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across nearly 7,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Tougher rubber
- Dishwasher safe
- Good for heavy chewers
Worth knowing:
- Slightly more expensive
- Firmer feel means a slightly slower lick
Specifications:
- Type: heavy-duty lick mat
- Material: firm rubber
- Use: wet food and spreads
- Brand: LickiMat
LickiMat UFO
Best for: bath time, nail trims and grooming
The UFO is a large round lick mat designed as a grooming distraction. It has a suction base that sticks to a bathroom tile or shower wall, so your dog can lick peanut butter while you wash, brush or trim them.
It is made from natural rubber, and the large surface means it takes a while to finish. Many owners find it turns a stressful bath into an activity that dogs enjoy.
It costs around £13 and averages 4.6 out of 5, though it has fewer ratings than the classic mats.
What we like:
- Suction base for grooming
- Large surface area
- Top average rating
Worth knowing:
- Needs a smooth surface for suction
- More expensive
Specifications:
- Type: suction lick mat
- Use: bathing and grooming
- Material: natural rubber
- Brand: LickiMat
Licky Mats for Dogs and Cats (2 Pack, with Suction Cups)
Best for: a budget pick with suction cups
If you want to try a lick mat without spending much, this two-pack of silicone mats with suction cups costs less than the price of one LickiMat. The mats have a simple textured pattern, and the suction cups hold them to a smooth surface.
They are made from food-grade silicone and are easy to wash. They will not be as durable as a LickiMat, but they are a good introduction to the idea.
They cost around £5 for the pair and average 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 200 ratings.
What we like:
- Two mats for a low price
- Suction cups included
- Silicone is easy to wash
Worth knowing:
- Less durable than the premium mats
- Suction can fail on textured surfaces
Specifications:
- Type: silicone lick mats
- Pack: 2
- Feature: suction cups
- Use: dogs and cats
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lick Mat
What to Look For
Look for a mat made from food-grade silicone or natural rubber, with a textured surface that holds food. A non-slip base or suction cups help keep it in place while your dog licks.
Consider the material. Soft mats suit gentle lickers, while firm, tougher rubber suits dogs that chew. Check whether it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Types of Lick Mat
Flat mats with a pattern of grooves, such as the Buddy and Soother, are the classic design. Heavy-duty mats use tougher rubber. Suction mats stick to a wall, which is ideal for grooming. Bowl-shaped and wobble designs add an extra challenge.
Try one design first, and add others once you know what your dog enjoys.
Which Dogs Benefit Most
Lick mats help almost every dog. They are particularly good for anxious dogs, dogs that dislike grooming or nail trims, fast eaters and puppies. They are also a great way to keep a dog calm while you have visitors.
Always supervise your dog with a lick mat, and remove it when they finish.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good lick mat costs £5 to £15. The classic LickiMats are around £7, the tougher versions around £10 and the grooming UFO around £13. Budget silicone mats are cheaper but less durable.
Frequently asked questions
What do you put on a lick mat?
Popular fillings include wet dog food, plain yoghurt, mashed banana and smooth peanut butter. Check that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Keep portions small and count them as part of your dog’s daily food.
Are lick mats good for fast eaters?
Yes. Licking takes longer than gulping, so a lick mat slows a fast eater down. Spread a small amount of wet food over the mat for a calmer meal.
How do I clean a lick mat?
Rinse it as soon as your dog finishes, then wash it with warm soapy water. Many are dishwasher safe. A brush helps to clean the grooves.
Are lick mats safe to leave with my dog?
They are safe when supervised. Do not leave a dog that chews mats alone with one, and replace a mat that is torn or damaged.
Can I freeze a lick mat?
Yes. Spread the food, then freeze the mat for a longer-lasting treat, which is ideal in hot weather. Place it on a tray to avoid drips.
Conclusion
For most owners, the LickiMat Classic Buddy or Soother is the best place to start, with thousands of positive ratings and an affordable price. If your dog chews, go for the Tuff Soother, and if you want to make bath time or nail trims easier, the UFO is a clever choice.
The budget two-pack of suction mats is a cheap way to try the idea. Whichever you choose, keep the food simple, supervise your dog and enjoy the calmer moments.
