How to Use a Licki Mat Buddy to Slow Down Fast Eaters

Why a licking mat can change the pace of a meal

If your dog or cat empties a bowl in seconds, a flat, textured surface gives them something to work at instead of gulp. The Licki Mat Buddy is a 20cm x 20cm mat with an intricate surface designed to separate foods and treats. The supplied product information says the surface encourages pleasurable licking and supports slower, healthier feeding as a versatile alternative to bowls for cats and small to medium-sized dogs.

That is the practical case for a slow feeder for fast eating dogs: the food is spread across the mat rather than piled in one place, so eating takes longer by design. The mat is not a medical device and the supplied information does not include feeding amounts or a treatment plan. Your job is to choose a food that spreads well and to watch how your pet responds.

What the Licki Mat Buddy is designed to do

• Licki Mat Buddy - 20cm X 20cm: The intricate surface separates foods and treats, and the mat is recommended for both dogs and cats. This is the core slow-feeding mechanism: food sits in separate pockets rather than one fast mouthful.

  

• Licki Mat Buddy - 20cm X 20cm: It supports slower and healthier feeding as an alternative to bowls for cats and small to medium-sized dogs. That size guidance helps you decide whether the 20cm x 20cm mat suits your pet before you buy.
• Licki Mat Buddy - 20cm X 20cm: The mat is BPA free and contains no PVC, phthalates or silicone. These material notes matter when the mat will be in direct contact with food and licked repeatedly.

How to use a Licki Mat Buddy step by step

The supplied information does not include a manufacturer preparation or operating procedure, so treat these as practical starting points rather than official instructions. Adjust them to your pet and stop if they seem stressed or frustrated.

1. 1. Pick a food that spreads: The mat is listed as suitable for raw meat, canned pet food, cooked pumpkin, smashed banana and chunky foods and treats. Soft or mashable foods press into the surface best; very loose liquids may not stay put.
2. 2. Spread a small amount across the surface: Use the intricate pattern to create separate portions rather than one thick layer. The supplied information does not state a quantity, so start with a modest amount and see how long it takes your pet to finish.
3. 3. Place the mat on a stable, washable surface: A floor that can be wiped is easier to manage than carpet. The supplied information does not specify a non-slip base, so check how the mat sits on your floor before leaving your pet with it.
4. 4. Supervise the first few sessions: Watch whether your pet licks calmly or becomes frustrated. The mat is not described as a chew toy, so remove it once the food is gone rather than leaving it as a play item.
5. 5. Clean after each use: The supplied information does not include washing instructions. Rinse and wash according to the care guidance that comes with your mat, and avoid anything that could scratch the surface.

Foods that work well and foods to think twice about

The mat is designed to work with a variety of treats and foods, and the supplied details name several examples. The list below separates what the product information supports from what it leaves open.

• Good candidates: Raw meat, canned pet food, cooked pumpkin, smashed banana, and chunky foods and treats are all named in the supplied product information.
• Treats and supplements: The mat is described as a platform for supplements and as a way to enhance taste, so it can be used with treat pastes or mix-ins you already feed.
• Not confirmed: The supplied information does not list every compatible food or give a maximum portion size. If you are unsure about a particular food, check with your vet rather than assuming the mat is suitable.

Does it actually stop fast eating?

A mat changes the mechanics of eating, but it is not a guaranteed fix. The Licki Mat Buddy is described as alleviating stress, anxiety and boredom by promoting licking, and as supporting slower feeding. Those are the supplied claims; they are not a promise that every pet will slow down equally.

Some pets lick calmly and take several minutes; others may try to bite or flip the mat. If your pet becomes frustrated, try a smaller amount of food or a food that spreads more easily. If fast eating is accompanied by vomiting, bloating, weight loss or other worrying signs, the mat is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

Licki Mat cleaning tips that protect the surface

The supplied product record does not include cleaning instructions, so the safest approach is to follow the care guidance that comes with your mat. These general tips help you avoid damaging the textured surface.

• Rinse soon after use: Food left to dry in the pockets is harder to remove. A quick rinse before washing keeps the surface easier to clean.
• Avoid abrasive tools: Stiff brushes or scouring pads can scratch the pattern. Use a soft brush or cloth and a mild pet-safe soap.
• Check the mat before each use: Look for cracks, tears or loose pieces. The supplied information does not describe a replacement schedule, so inspect it as you would any food-contact item.
• Store it flat and dry: Let the mat air dry completely before stacking it or putting it away, especially if you use wet or raw foods.

Who the Licki Mat Buddy suits, and who should choose something else

The supplied information recommends the mat for cats and small to medium-sized dogs. That makes it a reasonable fit for a small dog that eats too fast or a cat that needs more enrichment at mealtime. The 20cm x 20cm size is also easy to store and wash.

For a large dog, the supplied information does not confirm that the mat is sized for them, so a larger slow feeder may be the better choice. The mat is also not described as a chew toy; if your pet likes to carry or chew their bowl, choose a product designed for that instead. The Licki Mat Buddy is available in Green, Purple, Orange, Turquoise and Pink, so colour is the only option to decide.