Why Lick Mats Are a Must-Have for Dog Enrichment

Camp Ruff It

At Camp Ruff It, we love enrichment—and one of our favorite tools for keeping dogs happy and mentally stimulated is the simple, affordable lick mat. If you’ve never used one before, you’re about to become a fan.

What Is a Lick Mat?

A lick mat is a flat, rubber mat with grooves or ridges designed to hold soft foods like yogurt, peanut butter, or wet dog food. The idea is simple: your dog licks the mat clean, which takes time and focus—and has some surprising benefits.

Why Licking Is So Calming

Licking releases endorphins in a dog’s brain, helping them feel relaxed and content. It’s a natural soothing behavior, especially helpful for anxious dogs or pups who need a little extra help winding down.

According to the American Kennel Club, repetitive licking can reduce stress, making lick mats a great option during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when your dog is adjusting to a new environment.

Mental Stimulation Without the Zoomies

Not every dog needs high-energy play all the time. Lick mats are a form of “low-impact enrichment” that works your dog’s brain without wearing out their body. They’re perfect for rainy days, crate rest, or just a peaceful afternoon treat.

Great for Slow Feeding

If your pup tends to inhale their meals, a lick mat can help slow them down. It turns mealtime into a puzzle, which supports healthy digestion and prevents choking or bloating. Plus, it makes even plain food more fun.

Endless Topping Ideas

You can get creative with what you spread on a lick mat! Some Camp Ruff It favorites include unsweetened applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, banana, baby food, and low-sodium broth frozen into the mat. We always avoid anything with xylitol, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners.

Available in Our Camp Store

Want to try one at home? You can pick up a lick mat right in our Camp Ruff It store, located in the lobby. It’s an easy way to bring the enrichment your dog loves at Camp into your everyday routine.

Easy to Use—Anywhere

Lick mats are lightweight, easy to clean, and travel-friendly. Use one at home during grooming sessions or at the vet to ease anxiety. At Camp Ruff It, we use them during enrichment time for mental stimulation and as part of our bedtime wind-down routine.

A Small Tool with Big Benefits

We can’t recommend lick mats enough. They’re simple, inexpensive, and incredibly effective for adding enrichment to your dog’s day.

Looking for more ways to keep your dog mentally sharp and emotionally balanced? See how we use enrichment every day to keep tails wagging.