Why you should use a LickiMat Slomo instead of a bowl

I imagine that you all know what a LickiMat is by now. If you don’t then it is worth finding out what they are and why they are so good for your pets.

Today we are going to talk about the Lickimat Slomo

Why is it a good idea to get a LickiMat Slomo for my pet?

LickiMat Slomo mats are designed to combine dry/wet/raw/soft and liquid food and treats at the same time without creating a mess. 

This LickiMat is made from harder rubber than the LickiMat Buddy and has more of a ‘plate’ feel.

It can be used as an elegant feeder, especially for small to medium dogs

Why is it a good idea to get a LickiMat Slomo for my pet?

• Designed to provide a perfect treat licking and feeding surface for pets. 
• Spread out pet food or treats on the surface of the mat or press it in. This will encourage your pet to lick and get the food as a reward. 
• Rubber tips of LickiMat gently scrape and stimulate your pet’s tongue whilst feeding or snacking.  This increases saliva protection, improves oral hygiene, protects teeth and gums, and most importantly soothes your pet by releasing endorphins.
• The pockets of the LickiMat challenge your pet to extract the raw, wet, dry, or liquid food, enriching their feeding experience.
• Made from human food-grade rubber (TPR) and recyclable polypropylene. 

Lickimats have been around for some time and are a very popular tool for the following reasons:

• Anxiety Reliever – Calms your pet as they enjoy their favourite treat.  You can leave a LickiMat with your pet if you are going out and leaving them at home
• Slow Feeder – Some dogs like to gulp their food down but a LickiMat slows them down, especially if it is frozen.
• Training Aid – LickiMats are used for all types of dog training and are especially good at reducing crate training time. Ask your trainer about them!
• Boredom Buster – Being left alone with nothing to do can promote destructive behaviour. If you leave them with a LickiMat then it gives them something to occupy their mind and body.
• Tongue Cleaner – The raised edges of the LickiMat scrapes the tongue, increasing salvia production that further cleans the tongue, teeth, and gums.  Scraping the tongue freshens your pet’s breath.  Increased saliva production can also aid digestion as it contains enzymes such as Amylase.
• Enrichment activity – Similar to anxiety and boredem buster, this gives your pet something to look forward to.
• It’s slows feeding – Great for dogs that “wolf” down their food.
• A versatile way to feed: You can put almost anything that’s wet on a lickymat. If you feed kibble, mixing it up with something wet, such as tinned fish or steamed veggies, means that you can still use the LickiMat.
• Cat Feeder LickiMat provides a more natural approach for a cat to eat and eliminates whisker stress caused by whiskers touching the side of a bowl.  Almost every cat that is given the choice between a LickiMat and a feeding bowl side-by-side will choose the LickiMat.

It is important to note that it is NOT a chew toy.

It is also recommended by Pet Trainers worldwide.

Why Enrichment Activities Are Important

A dog needs to be both mentally and physically stimulated. Enrichment activities are things that satisfy a dog’s mental needs through challenging and therefore exercising their brains. It includes things like searching, sniffing, learning new skills, and solving problems.

Why Licking Is Good For Your Dog

Some studies have shown that licking releases endorphins in a dog’s brain. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good drug. This has a calming and relaxing effect on a dog.

What kind of foods can I spread on my Lickimat

You can freeze the Lickimat or give to your pet as is.

1. Peanut Butter (I make my own at Bin Inn)
2. Cream Cheese
3. Bananas
4. Pumpkin and kumara
5. Honey (in small amounts)
6. Natural yoghurt (no sugar)
7. Uncooked Minced meat (any flavour)
8. Cooked apple
9. Coconut Oil
10. Watermelon
11. Peas & carrots
12. Blueberries or strawberries. You can puree them or just mash them into the mat)
13. Steamed, chopped up broccoli
14. Raw egg
15. Canned fish

Adding medicines or supplements to your Lickimat Slomo

• Bone broth
• Probiotic Milk or goat milk.
• Disguise medication
• King Salmon Oil
• Turmeric
• Green Lipped Mussels

How To Clean A Licky Mat

All LickiMat Slomos are:

• Dishwasher safe, so you can even wash them in the lower tray
• They are microwave friendly, so you can cook meals in the microwave
• They are freezer-friendly, so you can freeze treats and liquid foods on them
• It can easily be cleaned by leaving it to soak in some hot water for a few minutes and rinsing off afterward – scrub it with a nail brush if necessary to get any remaining food off

So in conclusion, Lickimat Slomo really is a great tool you can use with your pets.

Purchase your LickiMat Slomo here

Check out my blog on recipes for your LickiMat Slomo

Beverley Saunders – The Cats & Dogs Dinner Company