🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Best Lick Mat For Whippets 2026: 5 Picks Compared

Lick mats are a fantastic way to soothe and entertain your whippet while slowing down fast eaters. Our top pick combines durability with easy cleaning for this slender breed.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

Reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team

Updated February 16, 2026

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🐾New to the breed? Read our full Whippet breed guide for temperament, care, health and lifespan.

★ Top Pick: KONG Lick Mat

15-20

Minutes of engagement per session

2-3

Recommended uses per week

4x6

Average size in inches

100%

Dishwasher safe (top rack)

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: KONG Lick Mat. The KONG Lick Mat features a textured surface that holds peanut butter, yogurt, or wet foo.
Best Puzzle Lick Mat: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Feed Dog Bowl. This mat combines slow feeding with puzzle elements through tiered ridges that make lickin.
Best Budget: Hyper Pet Lickimat. The Hyper Pet Lickimat offers multiple pattern options (e.g., spiral, bone) at an affordab.
Best for Easy Cleaning: JW Pet Lickimat Splash. Designed with a smooth surface and raised bumps, this mat is very easy to wipe clean and i.
Best for Suction Strength: PetSafe Lickety Lick Mat. This mat features extra-strong suction cups that adhere well to tile or hardwood floors, i.

Quick answer

The KONG Lick Mat is our top pick for whippets because its textured surface holds spreads well and it’s dishwasher safe. For whippets that need a more challenging puzzle, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder offers tiered ridges. The Hyper Pet Lickimat is a great budget option with multiple patterns.

What to consider for Lick Mat For Whippets

Whippets have long, narrow tongues and a sensitive mouth, so the mat’s texture should be gentle enough to avoid irritation but effective at holding food. Size matters: a mat that is too small may not hold enough spread, while one that is too large can be cumbersome. Suction cups are important to keep the mat in place on smooth floors. Also consider the material: silicone is flexible and easy to clean, while rubber may be more durable. Since whippets are prone to anxiety, a lick mat can provide calming enrichment during storms or separation.

What to look for in a toy or chew (chew toy, puzzle, lick mat or dental chew)

When choosing a lick mat for your whippet, consider: size appropriate to the dog to avoid choking or frustration; durability matched to chew strength (whippets are not heavy chewers, but some may nibble edges); non-toxic materials like food-grade silicone; VOHC seal for dental chews (not applicable to lick mats, but important for dental products); and genuine enrichment value such as varied textures that engage your dog.

How we chose these picks

Analyzed product specifications and materials for safety and durability.
Considered size and texture suitability for whippets’ long tongues.
Reviewed customer feedback for ease of cleaning and suction strength.
Evaluated price-to-value ratio across different budgets.
Checked for dishwasher-safe and BPA-free claims.
Consulted established guidance on enrichment for sighthounds.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Lick mats with small detachable parts that could be chewed off and swallowed.
Mats made from hard plastic that may crack and create sharp edges.
Mats that are too shallow to hold enough spread for a satisfying session.
Leaving your whippet unsupervised with any lick mat, especially if they are aggressive chewers.

For more guides, visit our dog guides and check out dog care products or dog nutrition.

Sources and further reading

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
KONG Lick Mat	Best Overall	Check price →
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Feed Dog Bowl	Best Puzzle Lick Mat	Check price →
Hyper Pet Lickimat	Best Budget	Check price →
JW Pet Lickimat Splash	Best for Easy Cleaning	Check price →
PetSafe Lickety Lick Mat	Best for Suction Strength	Check price →

Why this matters

Whippets have a unique tongue shape that is long and narrow, making textured lick mats with moderate groove depth ideal for effective licking without frustration.

The Options

Types Explained

Flat lick mat

A flat silicone mat with raised textures or grooves. Best for spreading soft foods like yogurt or peanut butter. Easy to store and clean.

Best for: Whippets that need a simple, calming activity during grooming or thunderstorms.

Slow feeder bowl

A bowl with internal ridges or obstacles that force the dog to lick around them. Often used for kibble or wet food to slow eating.

Best for: Whippets that eat too quickly and need to slow down to prevent bloat or regurgitation.

Puzzle lick mat

A mat with multiple compartments, flaps, or sliding pieces that require the dog to solve a puzzle to access food. Provides mental stimulation.

Key Buying Factors

Texture depth

Deeper grooves hold more spread and provide longer licking time, but may be harder to clean. Shallow textures are easier to clean but may not engage your whippet as long.

Suction cup quality

Strong suction cups prevent the mat from sliding across the floor, which is important for whippets that might push the mat around. Look for mats with multiple suction cups or a non-slip base.

Material safety

Food-grade silicone is non-toxic, BPA-free, and flexible. Avoid mats made from PVC or other plastics that may contain harmful chemicals or degrade over time.

Size and portability

A mat that is too large may not fit in a crate or travel bag, while a small mat may not hold enough food. Consider where you will use it most: at home or on the go.

Ease of cleaning

Dishwasher-safe mats are convenient, but some may warp in high heat. Hand washing with a brush is effective for textured mats. Silicone mats are generally easy to clean.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Daily cleaning

Rinse the mat with warm water and a mild dish soap after each use. Use a soft brush to remove food residue from grooves. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage silicone.

Deep cleaning

Once a week, soak the mat in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15 minutes to remove odors and bacteria. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Storage

Store the mat flat or rolled loosely in a dry place. Avoid folding it sharply, as creases may weaken the silicone over time. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Pro tip

Freeze the lick mat with a thin layer of yogurt or wet food for a longer-lasting treat that also soothes teething puppies or anxious dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Are lick mats safe for heavy chewers?

Lick mats are generally safe for heavy chewers because they are designed for licking, not chewing. However, if your whippet is an aggressive chewer, monitor them closely. Some dogs may try to chew the edges, which could lead to ingestion of silicone pieces. For heavy chewers, choose a mat made from thick, durable silicone and replace it if you see signs of wear. If your dog destroys lick mats, consider using a slow feeder bowl instead.

How do I size a lick mat for my whippet?

For whippets, a mat around 4x6 inches is usually sufficient to hold a tablespoon of spread. The mat should be large enough that your dog can lick comfortably without the mat moving around. If the mat is too small, your whippet may finish too quickly; if too large, it may be cumbersome. Measure your dog's tongue length? A good rule is that the mat should be about the width of your dog's snout.

Should I supervise my whippet with a lick mat?

Yes, always supervise your whippet during the first few uses to ensure they are licking and not chewing the mat. Although lick mats are designed to be safe, any toy can pose a choking hazard if pieces break off. Supervision also allows you to gauge how long your dog stays engaged. Once you are confident your whippet uses the mat appropriately, you can leave them unsupervised for short periods, but it is best to stay nearby.

Can a lick mat help with dental health?

Lick mats are not a substitute for dental chews or brushing, but they can contribute to oral health by stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away food particles. Some lick mats have textured surfaces that may gently massage gums. However, they do not provide the abrasive cleaning action needed to reduce plaque and tartar. For dental benefits, look for products with the VOHC seal. Use a lick mat as a supplement, not a replacement, for dental care.

Do puzzle lick mats help with boredom?

Yes, puzzle lick mats provide mental stimulation by requiring your whippet to work for their food. Whippets are intelligent sighthounds that can become bored if not challenged. A puzzle mat with compartments or sliding pieces can keep them engaged for 10 to 20 minutes. This can reduce destructive behaviors like chewing furniture. Rotate different puzzle mats to maintain novelty. Combine with other enrichment like sniffing games for best results.

What is the difference between digestible and non-digestible chews?

Digestible chews, like rawhide alternatives (e.g., bully sticks, collagen sticks), are meant to be consumed and break down in the stomach. Non-digestible chews, like rubber toys or nylon bones, are not meant to be eaten and should only be chewed under supervision. Lick mats are non-digestible; they are designed for licking, not ingestion. If your whippet swallows a piece of a non-digestible chew, it can cause a blockage. Always choose products appropriate for your dog's chewing style.

How do I clean a lick mat properly?

Most silicone lick mats are dishwasher safe on the top rack. For hand washing, use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft brush to get into grooves. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. To remove stubborn odors, soak the mat in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15 minutes, then rinse. Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mold. Some mats may warp in high heat, so check the manufacturer's instructions.

Can a lick mat cause choking?

Choking is rare with lick mats if used as intended, but it can happen if your whippet bites off and swallows a piece of the mat. To minimize risk, choose a mat made from durable, non-toxic silicone and inspect it regularly for damage. Never use a mat that has torn edges or missing pieces. Also, avoid spreading foods that are too thick or sticky, as they could adhere to the mat and be swallowed in large chunks. Supervision is key.

Are lick mats suitable for puppies?

Yes, lick mats are excellent for puppies, including whippet puppies, as they provide soothing enrichment during teething and help with crate training. Choose a mat with shallow textures that are gentle on a puppy's mouth. Ensure the mat is made from soft, flexible silicone to avoid gum irritation. Always supervise puppies, as they may try to chew the mat. Introduce the mat gradually with a small amount of plain yogurt or pumpkin puree.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

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