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How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Lick Mats: A Fun & Enriching Activity for Dogs & Puppies

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Dr Emelie Fogelberg

DVM, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies BSc, University of Edinburgh, UK Cert. Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, UK

Dr. Emelie Fogelberg, DVM, is a highly qualified veterinarian with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University and a BSc from the University of Edinburgh. Dr Emelie joined the Masterpet and VitaPet team in 2025 with hands on experience in a Veterinary Practice, along with expertise in veterinary pharmaceuticals and pet nutrition.

Keeping your dog entertained and mentally stimulated is essential for their well-being - and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

An easy and effective One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is with a lick mat paired with a tasty meat paste. Products like the VitaPet Meat Paste with Stick & Lick Mat offer a ready-to-use solution that’s perfect for dogs and puppies of all sizes and life stages.

This clever combo is designed to occupy and entertain your dog while providing a calming, enriching experience. Whether you're looking to ease anxiety, slow down feeding, or simply offer a fun distraction, this product delivers.

 

What Is a Dog Lick Mat?

A lick mat is a flat, textured surface made from pet-safe silicone or rubber. It’s designed to hold soft foods like meat paste, encouraging dogs to lick persistently to extract the treat. The VitaPet lick mat features suction pads that allow it to stick securely to any flat surface - making it ideal for use on floors, walls, or even the side of the bathtub.

 

Why Use a Lick Mat?

Lick mats can offer a range of benefits for dogs and puppies:

  • Mental Stimulation: The repetitive licking action engages your dog’s brain, helping to reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviour.
  • Calming Effect: Licking releases endorphins, a “feel good” hormone, which can help soothe anxious dogs during grooming, thunderstorms, or alone time.
  • Slow Feeding: Lick mats slow down feeding and can be a great aid for pets that eat too fast.encourage slower consumption, aiding digestion and reducing the risk of bloating.
  • Oral Hygiene: The textured surface helps clean the tongue and the licking promotes saliva production which helps keep the mouth clean.and helps clean the tongue.
  • Training Aid: Lick mats can be used to reinforce positive behaviour during, for example, grooming, crate training, or vet visits.

 

Why Chicken & Liver Meat Paste?

The VitaPet Chicken & Liver Meat Paste is made with real chicken meat & chicken liver, making it highly palatable and nutritious. It’s soft, smooth, and easy to spread - perfect for use with the lick mat. The paste also contains sweet potato and is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, not as a sole source of nutrition.

Its strong aroma and rich flavour make it especially effective for picky eaters or dogs that need extra motivation during training or grooming.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the VitaPet Lick Mat and Meat Paste

Here’s how to get the most out of your VitaPet Meat Paste with Stick & Lick Mat:

1. Spread the Paste

Squeeze the desired amount of meat paste onto the mat. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly across the textured surface.

2. Stick the Mat

Attach the mat to any clean, flat surface using the built-in suction pads. This keeps the mat securely in place while your dog licks.

3. Let Your Dog Enjoy

Allow your dog to lick and enjoy the treat. Supervise them to ensure they don’t chew the mat.

4. Clean After Use

Wash the mat with warm water and mild detergent. Dry thoroughly before storing.

 

Treating Guide

 

Dog Weight 

Max Tablespoons per Day 

Up to 2.5kg 

Up to 1.5 

5kg 

2.5 

10kg 

4.5 

15kg 

30kg 

10.5 

Over 30kg 

10.5 plus 1 per 5kg over 30kg Dog Weight 

 

Always ensure fresh drinking water is available, and remember this product is intended for occasional or supplemental feeding.

 

Perfect for Puppies and Dogs of All Ages

Whether you’re raising a curious puppy or caring for a senior dog, the VitaPet lick mat and meat paste combo is a fantastic way to provide entertainment and comfort. Puppies benefit from the sensory stimulation and distraction during training, while older dogs enjoy the soothing effects of licking and the delicious taste of real chicken.

 

This activity is especially useful during:

Bath time: Stick the mat to the wall to distract your dog while you wash them.

Grooming: Keep your dog still while brushing or trimming nails.

Crate training: Make the crate a positive place by offering the mat inside.

Alone time: Help ease separation anxiety by giving your dog a mat before you leave.

Stressful situations: As a distraction during times your dog finds stressful, like thunderstorms or fireworks.

 

Tips for Success

Start Small: Introduce the mat gradually, especially for puppies or dogs new to enrichment toys.

Monitor Chewing: If your dog tries to chew the mat, gently redirect them.

Freeze for Longer Fun: Spread the paste and freeze the mat for a longer-lasting treat, especially on warm days.

Rotate Flavours: Keep things interesting by rotating between different pastes or spreads. Peanut butter can also be an option.

 

The VitaPet Meat Paste with Stick & Lick Mat is more than just a treat – it can be a versatile enrichment tool that entertains, calms, and supports your dog’s well-being. With its easy-to-use design and irresistible flavour, it’s perfect for keeping dogs and puppies happily occupied during grooming, training, or quiet time.

If you’re looking to help reduce anxiety, slow down feeding, or simply offer a fun activity, this product is a must-have.

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