The concept behind **Lickimat lick mats** is as simple as it is effective: encouraging your dog to lick a treat off a textured surface. This repeated licking motion has a fantastic calming effect on dogs, as it releases calming hormones. At the same time, it helps promote good oral health by increasing saliva production and scraping bacteria off the tongue. Whether your dog is stressed when alone, afraid of thunder, needs distraction when having their nails trimmed, or just needs a little extra mental stimulation, a **calming lick mat** from Lickimat is an excellent choice. Explore our range and discover how an **activating dog toy** like Lickimat can transform your dog's everyday life, as a perfect complement to our other dog products and food bowls & feeders .

In this guide, we'll dive deep into what Lickimat is, what benefits they offer, the different types available, how to best use them with different toppings, and how they can be integrated into your dog's daily routine for maximum well-being. We'll also see how Lickimat complements other innovative dog food solutions, such asslow-eating food bowls and automatic dog feeders .

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What is Lickimat and How Does It Work?

**Lickimat dog feeders** and **lick mats** are innovative products designed to engage dogs in a natural and soothing activity: licking. They consist of a flat surface, usually made of medical-grade silicone or rubber, with various textured patterns such as squares, mazes or raised spikes. These patterns are intended to retain soft treats and make it challenging for the dog to lick them off quickly. The concept is simple but powerful, and is based on the dog's natural behavior.

The Concept Behind Lickimat:

• The Therapeutic Effect of Licking: When dogs lick something repeatedly, calming hormones (endorphins and oxytocin) are activated in their bodies. This process has a calming and stress-relieving effect. It is the same mechanism that causes a puppy to seek comfort from its mother by licking, or why dogs lick their paws when they are stressed.
• Mental Stimulation: Working to get the treats out of the mat structure engages the dog's senses and provides mental stimulation. This is especially important for dogs who don't get enough physical or mental activity.
• Slower Consumption: The structure of a **dog lick** forces the dog to eat more slowly, which can prevent problems like fast eating, bloating and vomiting. This makes Lickimat a form of **slow feeder lick**.

How Lickimat Works in Practice:

The use of a **Lickimat dog feeder** is straightforward:

1. Choose Topping: Spread a thin layer of a suitable, dog-friendly topping over the textured surface of the mat. Popular choices include:
   • Peanut butter (without xylitol)
   • Natural yogurt or quark
   • Crushed banana or pumpkin puree
   • Wet food or wet food
   • Unsalted broth or homemade bone broth
   • Cottage cheese or liver pâté
2. Let the Dog Enjoy: Present the mat to your dog. The dog will lick and work its tongue to get the topping, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the topping and the dog's engagement.
3. Easy Cleaning: After use, wash the mat thoroughly. Most Lickimat products are dishwasher safe.

Lickimat is an excellent addition to your dog's daily routine, whether it's to prevent boredom, manage stress or improve digestion. Explore the different models of **Lickimat dog feeders** at Zoostar.se and find the one that best suits your dog's personality and needs.

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The Benefits of Lickimat Lick Mats for Your Dog

**Lickimat dog feeders** and **lick mats** offer an impressive range of benefits that go far beyond just being a fun activity. They actively contribute to your dog's physical and mental health. Here are the main reasons why a **lick mat dog** should be a part of your dog's life:

1. Stress Reduction and Calming Effect:

• Natural Behavior: Licking is a natural, self-regulating behavior for dogs. By focusing on licking, the body releases endorphins, which creates a feeling of calm and well-being.
• Combats Anxiety: A **calming lick mat** is a great tool for dogs suffering from separation anxiety, motion sickness, fear of thunder or fireworks, or general stress. It gives them something positive to focus on during difficult situations.
• Distraction: Perfect for distracting your dog during activities that can be stressful or unpleasant, such as nail clipping, grooming, bathing or vet visits.

2. Promotes Good Oral Health:

• Saliva production: The repeated licking motion stimulates saliva production, which is crucial for good oral health. Saliva helps neutralize acids, rinse away food debris, and contains enzymes that fight bacteria.
• Plaque Reduction: The textured surface of a **Lickimat dog feeder** helps scrape bacteria and food debris from the tongue and can help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This leads to healthier teeth and gums, and can even improve your dog's breath.

3. Enrichment and Mental Stimulation:

• Challenge: Licking treats off a textured surface requires concentration and problem-solving, providing important mental stimulation. This is especially valuable for dogs who are bored or need an extra challenge.
• Prevents Boredom: An **activating dog toy** like Lickimat provides meaningful activity that can prevent destructive behavior caused by boredom or understimulation, such as chewing on furniture.

4. Slower Eating and Improved Digestion:

• Prevents Binge Eating: For dogs that gobble their food, Lickimat works as an effective **slow feeder**. It forces the dog to eat more slowly, which reduces the risk of bloating, gas and vomiting.
• Better Nutrient Absorption: When your dog eats slower, they swallow less air and chew their food more thoroughly, which can lead to better digestion and nutrient absorption.

5. Simple Medication and Supplements:

• Camouflage Taste: Lick food is a great way to give medications or supplements that your dog may not like the taste of. Crush tablets (consult your vet first) and mix into the spread, and your dog will lick it off without even noticing.

By integrating **Lickimat lick mats** into your dog's everyday life, you are not only offering a fun activity but also a powerful solution to promote their physical and mental well-being. Discover the perfect **Lickimat dog feeder** for your beloved dog at Zoostar.se and see the difference it makes!

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Different Types of Lick Mats & Lick Mats: Find the Right Model

**Lickimat dog feeders** come in several different designs, each designed for specific needs and dog types. Choosing the right **lickimat dog** is important to maximize its effectiveness and durability. At Zoostar.se you will find a selection of the most popular Lickimat models:

1. Classic Lickimat Lickmats (Buddy, Playdate, Soother):

• Design: These are the original and most recognizable Lickimat models. They feature different texture patterns (e.g., criss-cross, dots, waves) that are great for holding different types of toppings.
  • Lickimat Buddy: Has a crisscross pattern that is great for thicker spreads like peanut butter or wet food.
  • Lickimat Playdate: Features a pattern of raised dots, perfect for catching liquid-based toppings like broth or yogurt.
  • Lickimat Soother: Designed with a more soothing, spongy surface that is ideal for highly liquid toppings and for added stress reduction.
• Material: Made of medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), which is non-toxic and safe to lick.
• Use: All-round lick mats, good for daily enrichment, stress reduction and slower eating.

2. Lickimat Tough:

• Design: Looks like the classic models but are reinforced and more durable. They have a stiffer base that makes them more resistant to chewing.
• Material: Made of more robust TPR or plastic.
• Use: Perfect for dogs that tend to chew on their toys or are more destructive. They offer the same benefits as the classic mats but with increased longevity.

3. Lickimat Wobble:

• Design: A bowl-like Lickmat that has a curved bottom, which makes it wobble and move as the dog licks, adding an interactive dimension to the licking experience.
• Material: Silicone or TPR.
• Uses: Offers extra mental stimulation through its unpredictable movement. Great for dogs that need a bigger challenge or extra engagement.

4. Lickimat Slomo:

• Design: Features a combination of surfaces – a traditional licking surface and a deeper, more divided section that acts as a **slow eating food bowl** for dry food or larger pieces of wet food.
• Material: Silicone or TPR.
• Uses: Ideal for dogs that are avid eaters of their dry food or need a combined licking and slow eating solution. An excellent hybrid product.

5. Lickimat UFO:

• Design: A bowl with raised edges that help contain messy toppings and reduce spills. Designed to be even harder for your dog to chew.
• Material: Durable TPR.
• Use: For dogs that are extra messy or prone to chewing. Often with suction cups on the underside to attach to the floor.

Choosing the right **Lickimat dog feeder** depends on your dog's needs, chewing habits and the purpose of the lick mat. At Zoostar.se you will find descriptions and recommendations for each model so that you can make the best choice for your beloved dog.

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How to Use Lickimat: Best Tips & Toppings

Getting the most out of your **Lickimat dog feeder** is all about choosing the right toppings and integrating its use smartly into your dog's daily routine. Here are some tips and ideas to maximize the benefits of your **lickimat dog**:

1. Choose the Right Toppings:

The key to a successful Lickimat experience is in the topping. It should be something your dog loves, but also something that can spread and stay on the mat. Think about the consistency and that it should be dog-friendly.

• Popular and Safe Toppings:
  • Natural Peanut Butter: Make sure it doesn't contain xylitol (birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs. Spreadable and sticky, which is perfect for licking.
  • Natural Yogurt or Quark: Without sugar or additives. A cooling and probiotic treat.
  • Mashed Banana: Mashed banana is sweet and delicious, and easy to spread.
  • Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) is good for digestion and is loved by many dogs.
  • Wet food: Mash your dog's regular wet food on the mat for a slower meal.
  • Unsalted Broth or Bone Broth: For a more liquid-based experience. May need to be frozen to stay in place longer.
  • Fresh cheese: Natural fresh cheese without onion or garlic.
  • Baby Puree: Many unsweetened and unsalted purees (fruit/vegetable) intended for babies are safe for dogs.
• Avoid: Sugar, xylitol, onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, chocolate, avocado, and large amounts of fat or spices.

2. Extend the Pleasure with Freezing:

• Frozen Spread: To make the licking experience even longer and more challenging, spread the spread and freeze the Lickimaten for a few hours. This is perfect for hot summer days or when you need a longer distraction.
• Multiple Toppings: Experiment with different layers of toppings to create an interesting flavor experience.

3. Integrate into the Routine:

• Morning routine: Give a Lickimat when you are leaving the house to help with separation anxiety.
• Evening calm: A **soothing lick** before bedtime can help your dog unwind.
• When Visiting: When guests arrive, a Lickimat can help the dog deal with the excitement.
• During Grooming: Use it during nail clipping, brushing or bathing. Attach a Lickimat with suction cups to the bathroom wall for an easier bath time.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Immediately After Use: For best hygiene and to prevent the topping from drying out, wash the Lickimaten immediately after use.
• Dishwasher: Most Lickimat products are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended). Check manufacturer's instructions.
• Hand wash: Use warm water and a soft brush or sponge to get into all the little nooks and crannies of the textures.
• Wipe Dry: Make sure the Lickimaten is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold or bad odors.

With these tips, you can optimize the use of your **Lickimat dog feeder** and give your dog an enriching and calming experience every time. Feel free to complement it with aslow-eating dry food bowl and a dog food storage container to store dry food and treats.

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Lick Food as Part of a Complete Solution for Your Dog

**Lickimat dog feeders** and **lick mats** are great tools in themselves, but their full potential is achieved when they are integrated as part of a larger strategy for your dog's well-being. At Zoostar.se, we look at dog care as a whole, where different products work together to create an optimal environment for your four-legged friend.

1. Complement to Regular Food Bowls:

• Enrichment Beyond Mealtime: Even if your dog has a traditional stainless steel food bowl , double food bowl , or ceramic food bowl , Lickimat offers a unique form of mental stimulation and calm that a regular bowl cannot provide.
• Slow Feeder Alternative: For dogs that eat too quickly, a Lickimat can serve as a supplement or alternative to a traditionalslow-eating food bowl . The Lickimat Slomo in particular is designed for this purpose.

2. Improve Solo Training and Calmness:

• Separation Anxiety Distraction: Giving your dog a Lick right before you leave home can help redirect focus and reduce separation anxiety. Combine with a dog food storage container for easy portioning of treats.
• Calm in New Environments: Bring a **collapsible travel bowl for dogs** and a Lickimat when you travel. The familiar licking activity can help your dog feel more secure in unfamiliar surroundings.

3. Supplement with Activation Toys and Feeders:

• Varied Stimulus: A Lickimat is a type of **dog activation toy**, but variety is key to mental enrichment. Alternate between interactive toys, puzzle toys, and walks.
• Smart Feeding: For dogs that have an automatic dry food feeder , Lickimat can be used as a fun and calming activity during the day or evening, independent of scheduled meal times.

4. Oral Health as a Priority:

• Part of Oral Care Routine: While Lickimat helps with saliva production and tongue scraping, it is not a substitute for regular tooth brushing. Consider it a complement to your dog's oral care routine.
• Hydration: Saliva production also contributes to your dog's hydration. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, perhaps from a dog fountain , to maximize the oral health-promoting effect.

5. For Greater Comfort and Health:

• Ergonomics: For some dogs, a Lickimat on the floor may be comfortable, but for older dogs or those with neck problems, a raised adjustable food bowl with a Lickimat placed on top may be a more ergonomic option.

By considering **Lickimat dog feeder** as part of a well-thought-out strategy for your dog's well-being, you can offer a harmonious and stimulating everyday life. Zoostar.se strives to offer a complete range of dog products that facilitate this, from food bowls and feeders to toys and accessories.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lickimat Dog Feeders & Lick Mats (FAQ)

What is a Lickimat and what is it used for?

A **Lickimat dog feeder** is a flexible mat, usually made of silicone or rubber, with a textured surface. It is used to spread soft treats that dogs can lick off. The purpose is to calm the dog through the repeated licking motion (which releases endorphins), provide mental stimulation, improve oral health through increased saliva production, and slow down eating, acting as a type of **slow feeder lick mat**.

Is Lickimat safe for my dog?

Yes, **Lickimat lick mats** are designed to be safe for dogs. They are made from food-grade materials such as medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), which are non-toxic and free of harmful substances such as BPA. However, it is important to always supervise your dog during the first few uses to ensure that he does not try to chew on the mat, especially if you have a dog that is prone to chewing (in that case, choose a Lickimat Tuff).

What toppings can I use on a Lickimat?

You can use a variety of dog-friendly, soft toppings on your **Lickimat dog feeder**. Popular and safe options include natural peanut butter (without xylitol), natural yogurt or quark (without sugar), mashed banana, pumpkin puree, your dog's regular wet food, unsalted broth, or unsalted cream cheese. Avoid any foods that are harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes.

How do I clean a Lickimat licking mat?

Most **Lickimat lick mats** are very easy to clean. Rinse them immediately after use to prevent the topping from drying in. You can wash them by hand with warm water and a mild detergent, or place them in the dishwasher (often on the top rack). Make sure the mat is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold or bad odors.

Can a Lickimat help with dog anxiety or stress?

Absolutely! A **calming lick mat** like the Lickimat is a very effective tool for managing anxiety and stress in dogs. The repetitive licking motion has a calming effect because it releases endorphins. This can be very helpful for separation anxiety, fear of loud noises (thunder, fireworks), visits to the vet, nail clipping, bathing or other situations that your dog finds stressful. It acts as a positive distraction that helps your dog focus and relax.

Is Lickimat the same as a slow feeder food bowl?

Lickimat works as a type of **slow feeder** lick mat for soft treats, as its textured surface forces your dog to lick slowly to get the treats in. This can help prevent binge eating and improve digestion. However, traditionalslow feeder bowls are usually designed specifically for dry food and have larger, deeper barriers to extend the meal. However, some Lickimat models, like the Lickimat Slomo, are designed to handle both lickable treats and dry food pieces.