Feeding

Peanut butter (xylitol-free - always check the label), plain yoghurt, wet dog food, mashed banana, or a thin layer of soft cheese. Anything spreadable and dog-safe. Layer it across the texture and let them work. The repetitive licking stimulates saliva production and triggers a calming neurological response - which sounds clinical until you watch a previously frantic dog zone out completely on a lick mat before a fireworks night. Freeze the mat beforehand for a session that lasts significantly longer. A frozen lick mat in July is also just a gift to everyone involved.

Most dogs self-regulate - when the food's gone, the interest goes with it. Sessions of 5-20 minutes are typical depending on filling and how generously you've applied it. Frozen mats can stretch to 30+ minutes. Daily use is absolutely fine - many owners use them as a post-walk settling activity or as a distraction during stressful events. Clean the mat thoroughly after each session: the texture that makes lick mats so effective is also very good at harbouring bacteria if food residue is left to sit.

A lick mat is a textured rubber or silicone mat you spread soft food across, designed to slow your dog down and give their brain something to focus on. The repetitive licking action stimulates saliva production, supports digestion, and triggers a calming response - which makes lick mats genuinely useful before stressful events like fireworks, bath time, or being left home alone. They also dramatically slow food consumption for dogs who inhale their meals, which reduces bloating risk. If you haven't tried one, you'll wonder what you were waiting for.

Both work. Stainless steel is near-indestructible, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous - so bacteria don't build up in surface scratches the way they can in ceramic. The downside is that steel bowls can slide around on hard floors, so look for rubber-bottomed versions. Alternatively, we offer dog bowl non-slip protective mats for anyone using bowls without the rubber-bottom - no need to throw these away. Ceramic bowls are heavier (harder to tip), feel cooler in summer, and look nicer on the kitchen floor - but chipping can be a real issue.