You got a lick mat. You know the idea. Now the question everyone asks: what do I actually put on it?
The short answer: almost anything soft that's safe for dogs. The longer answer: here are 10 fillings ranked by engagement time, from quick snacks to full 20-minute sessions.
The Golden Rule: Always Check for Xylitol
Before we dive in — always check the label on any peanut butter or yogurt you use. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Stick to natural peanut butter with no additives.
10 Lick Mat Fillings (Ranked by Engagement Time)
1. Peanut Butter — ⏱️ 15–20 min
The classic. Spread it thin across all the grooves. Natural peanut butter (no xylitol) works best. Freeze for maximum time.
2. Plain Greek Yogurt — ⏱️ 10–15 min
Packed with probiotics. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The liquid texture fills in all the grooves perfectly.
3. Pumpkin Puree — ⏱️ 10–15 min
Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is great for digestion. Dogs love the slightly sweet flavor.
4. Wet Dog Food — ⏱️ 10–15 min
Your dog's regular wet food spread thin works perfectly. Zero prep, already portioned.
5. Mashed Banana — ⏱️ 8–12 min
Easy, sweet, and dogs go crazy for it. Bananas are high in potassium — good for muscle function. Use in moderation.
6. Cream Cheese — ⏱️ 12–18 min
Plain, low-fat cream cheese is a high-value reward. Use sparingly for special occasions or stressful events.
7. Baby Food (Meat) — ⏱️ 8–12 min
Plain chicken, turkey, or beef baby food with no onion or garlic. Great for picky dogs.
8. Frozen Blueberry Smash — ⏱️ 15–25 min
Mash fresh blueberries and freeze on the mat. Antioxidant-rich and great for hot days.
9. Bone Broth — ⏱️ 5–10 min
Low-sodium bone broth poured thin. Goes quickly but easy to layer under other fillings for a multi-layer mat.
10. The "Kitchen Sink" Mix — ⏱️ 20–30 min
The ultimate: spread peanut butter as a base, top with Greek yogurt, add a few blueberries, and freeze overnight. Maximum engagement.
The Freeze Method
The single best upgrade to any lick mat filling: freeze it. Load the mat the night before, wrap in plastic wrap, freeze overnight. Your dog will need 2–3x longer to finish it. Perfect for bath time, vet visits, or whenever you need 20+ minutes of calm.
Ready to put these to use? The PawVault Lick Mat has 4 textured zones specifically designed to hold these fillings in place — and the suction cups mean it stays stuck to any wall or surface.