Lick Mats or "Just 5 Minutes of Peace, Please!"

Hey there, lazy pet parents!

We seem to be due for a non-shredding activity, don't you think? Let me show you a way to keep your energetic pup entertained while you take a much-needed breather. Allow me to introduce you to lick mats—a lovely, lazy way to offer your pup some relaxing moments of self-soothing.

What's All This, Then?

Ever needed a few minutes of peace and quiet but couldn't find a suitable distraction for your dog? Maybe your not-so-dog-loving friend is coming for a visit, and you already know you'll have a hard time convincing your pup they aren't there for playtime. Lick mats are here to save the day! While there's a little bit of prep involved, the convenience they offer is well worth it. Then once you get hooked, you can get creative with your designs and post them all over instagram 😄

Types of Lick Mats

In this post, we'll be exploring eTrays from SodaPup. These mats are slightly more rigid, making them perfect for chewers or dogs new to lick mats. Stay tuned for future posts where we'll delve into silicone mats!

What You'll Need

Let's gather our supplies. For our laziest-ever introductory lick mat combo, you'll need:

• Unflavored Greek yogurt

• Dog-safe bone broth (I like Primal's)

• Canned dog food (we used Nature's Logic)

• Lick Mat of your choice

• Probably a spoon or spatula for easier spreading

Setting up the Game

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's set up the lick mat game. Here's how:

1. Take your chosen lick mat and plop that guy onto your counter. You could really get into the mis-en-place and arrange your ingredients in a pleasing array nearby.

2. Pour dog-safe bone broth into some of the nooks and crannies of the mat. This will add a burst of flavor and aroma that your pup will love.

3. Dollop a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt onto the mat

4. Finish by adding a couple blobs of canned dog food here and there to fill in empty spaces. Feel free to let your artistic flair shine or Jackson Pollock that bad boy.

Let Them Bliss Out

Did you know that licking is inherently relaxing for dogs? It triggers the release of endorphins that calms and soothes your adorably savage beast. And here's a pro tip: freezing the mats beforehand prolongs the enjoyment, giving your pup an extended zen moment.

The Convenience Factor

One of the standout features of lick mats is their sheer convenience. Imagine having a stash of prepped mats waiting in your freezer for those moments when you just need "Five minutes of peace, please!" These mats are your best friend during hectic times. Plus, they're a breeze to clean—just pop them in the dishwasher!

Get ready to introduce your pup to the world of lick mats! They're not just a way to keep your dog engaged; they're a gateway to moments of calm and relaxation. Stay tuned for future posts where we'll share exciting lick mat recipes that will have your pup begging for more!