West Paw Feast Mat All-In-One Waves Non-skid Plastic Dog Slow Feeder & Lick Mat, Tropic Red

Editor's note

Licking is self-soothing, and the back-to-school guide uses a lick mat to stretch a two-minute snack into a focused activity of fifteen to twenty minutes. This one has a lick side and a slow feeder side with deep grooves, according to the listing.

The guide prefers non-skid mats because suction-cup mats slide, and it says to skip any mat the dog has to hold down with its paws. Spread a thin layer of plain yogurt or canned pumpkin.

It is scaffolding for an alone day, not a fix for separation anxiety. That takes the guide's four-week runway of practice absences. If the dog ignores it when alone, the guide treats that as a reason to call your vet.

From our guide Back-to-School Separation Anxiety in Dogs: A Vet-Backed Protocol and Kit.

About this product

Introducing the West Paw Feast Mat All-In-One Waves Non-skid Plastic Dog Slow Feeder & Lick Mat—the ultimate enrichment mat for your furry friend. This innovative mat combines a slow feeder and a lick mat to provide a variety of engaging experiences during mealtime. The slow feeder side features deep grooves that encourage your pup to forage and explore for food, while the lick mat side is perfect for treating and soothing licking. The Feast Mat adds a touch of creative engagement to your pet’s feeding routine. It also works great with the West Paw Feeding Mat to contain any mess (sold separately).