Quick answer
Use a West Paw lick mat or treat dispenser to slow down eating, reduce anxiety, and turn treat time into a calming enrichment activity. Freeze the filled mat or toy for longer engagement.
Why calm feeding matters
Dogs that eat too quickly often gulp air, which can lead to bloating or digestive upset. A lick mat or treat dispenser forces them to slow down, promoting better digestion and a calmer state of mind. This is especially helpful for anxious dogs or those who get overexcited around food.
Lick mats vs. treat dispensers: what's the difference?
Lick mats, like the SodaPup Stars and Stripes Enrichment Lick Mat, have textured surfaces that you spread soft treats or peanut butter onto. Your dog licks the food off slowly, which releases calming endorphins. Treat dispensers, such as the West Paw Toppl (used with the Toppl Stopper), hold treats inside and require your dog to work a bit to get them out. Both are effective, but lick mats are better for stationary calm time, while treat dispensers add a puzzle element.
How to set up a calm feeding session
- Choose your base: Pick a lick mat (for licking) or a treat dispenser like the West Paw Toppl (for chewing and nudging). Spread a thin layer of wet food, yogurt, or peanut butter on the mat, or fill the Toppl with kibble and soft treats. Common mistake: using a spread that's too runny. Use thick, sticky foods so they stay put.
- Add the stopper (if using a Toppl): Insert the West Paw Toppl Stopper into the hole of the Toppl before filling. This prevents the contents from leaking out and makes freezing easier. The stopper also acts as a kickstand to keep the Toppl upright while you prep. Remove the stopper before giving the Toppl to your dog—it's not a toy.
- Freeze for longer engagement: Place the filled mat or Toppl in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Freezing extends the licking or working time, which increases mental stimulation and calming effects. Checkpoint: Don't freeze for more than 2 hours if your dog has sensitive teeth or gums.
- Serve in a calm environment: Put the frozen mat or dispenser on a non-slip surface or use the suction cups on the lick mat to attach it to a tile floor or bathtub wall. Let your dog work on it in a quiet area away from distractions. Common mistake: offering the mat right after a stressful event. Wait until your dog is already settled to reinforce calm behavior.
- Clean up properly: Both the SodaPup lick mat and West Paw Toppl Stopper are top-rack dishwasher safe. Rinse off any residue before placing in the dishwasher to prevent clogging. Hand wash if you used sticky spreads like peanut butter to ensure no residue remains.
Products that help with calm feeding
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West Paw Toppl Stopper: The West Paw Toppl Stopper plugs the hole in the Toppl to make filling and freezing easier, and doubles as a kickstand to keep the Toppl stable during meal prep. This lets you prep frozen treat dispensers in advance, giving your dog a longer, more calming challenge during mealtime.
West Paw Toppl Stopper
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SodaPup Stars and Stripes Enrichment Lick Mat: The SodaPup Stars and Stripes Enrichment Lick Mat features a patriotic pattern and powerful suction cups for hands-free enrichment during bath time, grooming, or stressful events like fireworks. The suction cups keep the mat in place, so your dog stays engaged and calm even during potentially stressful situations.
SodaPup Stars and Stripes Enrichment Lick Mat
