Lick mats- a great alternative to a feeding bowl

Lick mats are a grooved mat, available in many different sizes, shapes and colours, whereby the textures lock in the food, to encourage licking of a smaller volume of food, enjoyed over a longer period of time. Suitable for use with wet food, kibble or with treats, lick mats are versatile in the benefits they can have for our pets

1. Stress relief

By encouraging a sustained licking action, calming “happy” hormones (endorphins) are released. Lick mats can be used to help manage and soothe anxiety, in both dogs and cats (including separation anxiety).

2. Brain workouts

Especially beneficial for pets on crate rest, or who are on recovery from surgery or injury, lick mats can be great way to engage the brain while their physical activity is limited. They can also serve as an effective boredom buster, aiding in potentially reducing destructive behaviours. Working dog breeds, such as the Border Collie, can also greatly benefit from the mental stimulation offered from having eating made into a fun challenge. Using lick mats is also a good way to enhance your dog’s sense of taste- which compared with us humans, is not as sensitive.

3. Summer

The weather outside not conducive to outdoor activity? Mental exercise can be just as beneficial as physical exercise, and can really tire your dog out (physically) too. We all love a better night’s sleep. Lick mats can also be a great form of a cool treat on a hot day: simply freeze your mat with some tasty treats on it, and you have yourself a pupsicle.

4. Cat friendly feeding

Lick mats promote natural feeding for cats, mimicking how they would feed naturally. Whisker stress is also eliminated, reducing any undesirable sensation, that may inadvertently cause your cat anxiety.

5. Dogs that eat too fast

Many dogs eat too fast- this could be not only because they are hungry, but also because they are anxious, or bored. Puppies especially also tend to be rapid eaters. For those dogs that eat too fast, lick mats function as a slow feeder. Eating too quickly can result in gulping and taking air in; causing undesirable flatulence and abdominal discomfort. The sustained licking action, when using lick mats, also avoids any gulping.

6. For a fresher breath

Oral health, in our pets, can be improved by scraping the tongue, and the increase in saliva production. Scraping the tongue helps scrape off not only food, but odour-causing bacteria too (cue a fresh breath). Lick mats can even be used, after meals, for a tongue brush, by pairing them with a (doggie safe and friendly) toothpaste. Licking also promotes saliva production which further aids, not only in oral health, but in improved digestion

7. No teeth, no problem

With age, and injury, many dogs lose teeth, making traditional treats more difficult to enjoy. Licking something soft and tasty is then a very good option. Oral (gum) health is especially important for these patients (see point number 6)

8. Training tool

Have a pet who gets anxious at the sight, or sound of a bath, or a nail clipper? Lick mats can be used as a tasty distraction, helping keep your pet calm and making for a more positive experience.

9. Overweight pets

Lick mats are a great way to serve healthier treat options. When using these as an alternative to a feeding bowl, dogs are less likely to eat as much as when they eat quickly; it also means they will chew their food more. Calorie intake is reduced by offering a smaller amount of food, which can then be enjoyed over a longer period of time. Overall lick mats aid in reducing overfeeding- critical for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet.

With having so many benefits, the lick mat can really be an investment for your pet. You can find them in our shop at Pet Pavilion, or on our online shop.                        

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