Slow feeders and lick mats make your pet work for their food by spreading it out, which slows fast eaters, aids digestion, eases anxiety and adds valuable mental enrichment. They're one of the simplest, most affordable upgrades you can make to a dog's or cat's daily routine: a plain bowl of food becomes a ten-minute job that leaves them calmer and more satisfied.
- Slow feeders stop gulping, which reduces vomiting, choking and, in deep-chested dogs, bloat risk.
- Licking is naturally calming, so lick mats are brilliant for anxious pets.
- Freeze a loaded lick mat for a long-lasting treat that also cools pets in summer.
- They work just as well for cats as for dogs.
- Rinse after each use: most are dishwasher-friendly.
What exactly is a slow feeder or lick mat?
Both make eating a gentle challenge instead of a race. A slow-feeder bowl has ridges and mazes that food falls between, so your pet has to nose and lick it out bit by bit. A lick mat is a flat, textured mat you spread soft food across, turning a few spoonfuls into a long licking session. Either way, your pet uses their nose and tongue the way nature intended, and a thirty-second scoff becomes several minutes of focused, satisfying work.
Why is fast eating a problem?
Wolfing food down does more harm than it looks. Pets who gulp swallow a lot of air, which leads to burping, hiccups, vomiting and discomfort, and in large, deep-chested dogs, fast eating is one of the risk factors for bloat (gastric torsion), a genuine emergency. Slowing the pace helps food go down properly, supports better digestion, and takes the frantic edge off mealtimes. A Lickimat slow-feeder bowl is an easy fix for a committed gulper.
What are the benefits of a lick mat?
The magic of a lick mat is the licking itself. Sustained licking is a naturally soothing, repetitive action that helps pets relax, which makes lick mats a superb tool for stressful moments. Smear one with something tasty during nail trims, grooming, thunderstorms, vet prep, or when you leave the house, and you give your pet a calming job to focus on. On top of that, they deliver real mental enrichment and, when frozen, double as a cooling summer treat.
What can I put on a lick mat?
Almost any soft, spreadable food your pet enjoys works. Popular choices include wet food, natural (xylitol-free) yoghurt, a little mashed pumpkin or banana, pet-safe pate, or bone broth. For a longer-lasting treat, spread it on and freeze the mat for a couple of hours: perfect on a hot day. Just remember whatever you use counts toward your pet's daily food, so keep portions modest.
How do I use a slow-feeder bowl?
Simply swap it in for your pet's normal bowl at mealtimes. They work with dry or wet food: for a first-timer, start with an easier pattern or a slightly larger kibble so they don't get frustrated, then build up. Within a few meals most pets get the hang of it and settle into a steadier, calmer eating rhythm. A KONG Licks Mat is a great multi-pack option if you'd like a few on rotation.
Do slow feeders work for cats too?
Yes, and they're often overlooked for cats. A slow feeder curbs the classic cat habit of scoffing food and then bringing it straight back up, and the foraging it encourages is genuine enrichment for an indoor cat. Pair one with interactive play for a well-rounded routine: our cat enrichment guide covers the rest.
How do I keep them clean?
Rinse a lick mat or slow feeder soon after use so food doesn't dry into the grooves, and give it a proper wash regularly: most are top-shelf dishwasher safe. Good hygiene matters especially with wet foods, so a quick clean after each session keeps things fresh and safe.
Frequently asked questions
Do slow feeders really make a difference?
Yes: a good slow feeder can turn a ten-second scoff into several minutes of eating, which noticeably reduces gulping, air-swallowing and the vomiting that follows. Many owners see calmer, more settled mealtimes within days.
Are lick mats safe to use?
They're very safe when used sensibly. Choose a quality food-grade mat, supervise heavy chewers so they lick rather than bite chunks off, and clean it regularly. Always use pet-safe toppings and avoid anything containing xylitol, onion or excess salt.
How long can my pet use a lick mat in one go?
A typical session is 5 to 15 minutes, or longer if you freeze it. There's no strict limit, just keep the food portion sensible and take it away for cleaning once they've finished.
What's the best lick-mat filling for an anxious dog?
Something soft, tasty and a little sticky so it takes a while to lick clean: natural yoghurt, wet food or bone broth all work well. Freezing it makes the calming session last even longer, which is ideal for storms or time alone.
Shop next: Lickimat Slow Feeder · KONG Licks Mat (3-pack) · Bowls & Feeders
Related reading: Keeping Pets Cool in the Australian Summer · Cat Enrichment 101