Lick mats and slow feeders look similar, but they meet two slightly different needs. In short: a lick mat provides calm and mental stimulation as your dog licks soft food off a textured surface, while a slow feeder mainly slows down dogs that eat their dry food too fast. Many dogs enjoy both.
Lick mat: calm, distraction, and licking
Fill a lick mat with something soft – wet food, a little natural peanut butter without xylitol, quark, or mashed banana. The licking itself is calming and works well during grooming, nail trims, alone-time training, or on rainy days. Freeze the mat for a longer, more challenging session.
Slow feeder: slows down fast eating
Dogs that gulp their food also swallow air, which can cause bloating and discomfort. In large, deep-chested breeds, eating very fast can in the worst case contribute to life-threatening gastric torsion. A slow feeder makes your dog work for every bite, which slows the pace and turns mealtime into a small activity.
How to choose
- Does your dog eat too fast? Choose a slow feeder with a pattern suited to your dog's muzzle. Deep designs for large dogs, shallow ones for short muzzles.
- Does your dog need calm and distraction? Choose a lick mat with suction cups that keep it in place.
- Puppy or senior dog? Start with a simple pattern and gradually increase the difficulty.
- Material: Silicone is soft and easy to clean. Hard plastic stands up to rough use.
Safe use
Always supervise, especially with enthusiastic chewers – mats and bowls are not chew toys. Wash after use to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently asked questions
Can dry food be used in a slow feeder? Yes, slow feeders are made specifically for dry food. Lick mats work best with soft food.
How often can I use them? Daily. Many owners use a slow feeder at every meal and a lick mat whenever their dog needs to settle down.
Browse the full range of lick mats and slow feeders, or read more about enrichment toys for more mental stimulation. Free shipping over 249 kr.
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