Peanut butter is popular on lick mats, but it is not the only spreadable option—and it is often richer than owners realize. The easiest alternative is usually food your dog already eats: wet dog food or softened kibble. From there, plain pumpkin, plain unsweetened yogurt, mashed banana and cooked egg can add variety when they fit the individual dog's diet.
The important question is not simply “Can dogs eat this?” It is: Is every ingredient appropriate for my dog, does the texture work on the mat, and does it fit today's food allowance?
The best everyday option: use part of your dog's regular meal
If you want enrichment without automatically adding a second snack, start with your dog's usual food.
- Wet dog food: spread a thin layer directly into the grooves.
- Dry kibble: soften it with warm water, let it cool, then mash it into a spread. Do not use hot food on the mat.
- Prescription food: use only as directed by your veterinarian; adding “healthy” extras can undermine a carefully controlled diet.
Using meal food also makes it easier to judge portions: remove what goes on the mat from the bowl rather than treating it as unlimited bonus food.
Six lick mat toppings besides peanut butter
1. Your dog's regular wet food
This is the most practical base for many dogs. It is already formulated as food, spreads easily and can replace part of a meal. Check the label and storage directions, especially after opening, and remove leftovers promptly after the session.
2. Softened and mashed kibble
Cover kibble with warm water, allow it to soften and cool, then mash it. Add only enough water to create a spreadable texture. This turns familiar food into a different activity without introducing a long list of new ingredients.
3. Plain pumpkin puree
Choose plain pumpkin with no sugar, spices or pie-filling ingredients. Read the label rather than relying on the front of the can. Pumpkin is still food with calories and fiber, so introduce it conservatively instead of covering the whole mat on the first try.
4. Plain, unsweetened yogurt
Use a product with a short ingredient list and no sweeteners. Some dogs do not tolerate dairy well, so start with a small test or skip it if dairy has caused digestive upset before. Dogs with dietary restrictions should use a veterinarian-approved option instead.
5. Mashed banana
Banana becomes spreadable with a fork and can be mixed with a familiar base. It contains natural sugar, so think of it as an occasional flavor rather than the default foundation for every mat.
6. Plain cooked egg
Cook the egg fully, leave out butter, oil, salt and seasoning, then mash it into a familiar food or press a modest amount into the grooves. Do not use raw egg as a casual lick-mat topping.
Not sure about another ingredient? Use Chewise's lick mat food checker as a quick screening tool, then confirm unfamiliar foods or medical-diet questions with your veterinarian.
Match the topping to the goal
| Your goal | A sensible starting point | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Use a normal meal | Wet food or softened kibble | Subtract it from the bowl |
| Introduce a new texture | A thin smear of one simple food | Digestive upset or loss of interest |
| Make it last longer | Spread into deeper grooves; chill or freeze later | Do not make the first session too difficult |
| Support a restricted diet | The approved diet itself | Ask before adding extras |
How much should go on the mat?
There is no responsible universal spoon count for every dog. Body size, daily energy needs, health conditions and the calorie density of the food all matter. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association's treat guide recommends keeping treats to no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories; the main diet should supply the rest.
For meal-based mats, measure the food as part of the meal. For extras, begin with a thin layer that coats some of the surface rather than filling every groove. Your veterinarian can help set an individual calorie allowance, especially for puppies, small dogs, dogs managing weight or dogs with pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, allergies or prescription diets.
Read every ingredient label
A familiar-looking product can contain an unsafe ingredient. The FDA warns that xylitol is dangerous to dogs and specifically advises checking nut-butter labels. Xylitol can also appear under names such as birch sugar.
Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and xylitol-containing products off the mat. Broths, baby foods and savory purees deserve special attention because onion or garlic can be hidden in the ingredient list. The ASPCA's toxic-food list is a useful reference. If your dog may have eaten something toxic, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
Keep the texture easy to lick
A good topping should smear into the pattern without forming a thick mound that your dog can bite or gulp. Start unfrozen, especially with a new dog or a new food. Once your dog understands the activity, you can press food into deeper areas or freeze a suitable mixture for a harder session.
The Chewise Pick & Lick has an easier side and a more detailed pizza side, so you can change difficulty without changing the food. Whichever side you use, supervise the session and remove the mat if licking turns into chewing.
After the session
Pick up the mat when the food is gone or your dog loses interest. Remove leftovers promptly, wash the grooves and suction cups, and let the mat dry before storing it. The Pick & Lick can be rinsed, hand washed or cleaned in the dishwasher according to the product instructions.
Want combinations rather than single ingredients? Our frozen dog treat recipes offer a separate set of ideas. For an everyday lick mat, however, simple usually wins: one familiar base, a thin spread and a portion that fits the rest of the day.
Cover: original editorial illustration of food options, not a serving-size guide. Product images: Chewise. Ingredient suitability varies by dog.
