My dogs love these lick mats that can be covered with wet food and treats, and they keep them busy while I work from home

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• Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mats are a great boredom-busting tool for busy dogs and cats.
• Dog lick mats like these are designed to promote calm behavior in pets and can slow them down while they eat.
• Many types of food can be used with the mats, including Hyper Pet's IQ Treat Spreads.

Given the opportunity, my dachshund Walter would inhale his breakfast and head straight outside every morning. One way I've slowed him down during mealtime is with Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mats. Hyper Pet makes a few different dog lick mats, and I've been using the Calm and Reward mats with both of my dogs.

I knew these mats could slow my dogs down while they eat, and because Walter also likes to lick — both people and our other dog — it seemed like a good enrichment tool to redirect yet support this behavior because the sensation of licking can help calm anxious dogs. 

Which Treat Mat is best for your dog?

Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mats are sold in two sizes (small/medium and large). I tested the small mats that measure 7.8-inches-square. They have a raised pattern that's designed to stimulate saliva production and scrape off bacteria from a dog's tongue. The Calm mat features raised bumps, while the Reward mat has small raised criss-cross shapes. They are also divided into four quadrants to hold different foods.

What they're like to use

Both mats have a maze-like design to give dogs a bit of a challenge while they eat. Any type of binding food will work with the mats, including wet dog food, peanut butter, bananas, and pumpkin puree. Using food with a very sticky texture makes a difference, so you may need to experiment.

I spread my dogs' canned food across the mats. It takes them approximately 15 minutes to finish licking all the food off. Hyper Pet also makes three peanut butter spreads: natural, banana, pumpkin. I spread each one in a different quadrant. They're free of xylitol, which is an ingredient found in some peanut butters that can be fatal for dogs.

 Since I work from home, the mats have also proven a convenient way to redirect my dogs' attention when I need to work without disruptions. This tool is particularly soothing and calming for Walter. After he's done with his, he returns to his spot on the couch. Many times, he sits and "requests" we add more food and licks every possible corner. 

One of the mat's best features: It can be frozen for even longer enjoyment. If you plan to freeze it, you'll need to choose an appropriate food texture. Pumpkin doesn't freeze well, but low-sodium chicken broth is a wonderful choice. 

After use, the mats can be tossed into the dishwasher. Mine look as good as new even after over 100 dishwashing cycles. 

The cons

Experts recommend cutting the mat to the size of a pan and placing it within that so your dog cannot carry it around and chew on it. Walter only begins to chew it after he's completely finished licking the food from it. For this reason, you should supervise your dog when you give them one of these. 

The bottom line

You may think you have too many puzzle toys to keep your dog busy. But consider adding a Treat Mat to your tool kit. I use ours throughout the day, and if you work remotely, you won't regret this budget-friendly purchase. Using this mat during conference calls has been a lifesaver for me.

Pros: Lasts much longer than a stuffed Kong, not as frustrating as some puzzle toys

Cons: Dogs may chew on it, certain foods work better than others