Ok, I’m just going to say it, my dog is spoiled. But in the best way. And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing your pup is too. Welcome to the club.

If you’re someone who loves giving your dog fun, tasty treats that also happen to keep them busy and happy, then you’ve gotta try this Salmon Lick Mat Spread. It’s insanely easy, takes like five minutes, and it’s one of those things that looks way fancier than it actually is.

Plus, it’s loaded with healthy stuff. Salmon? Great for their coat and brain. Cucumber? Crunchy, hydrating, and totally dog-safe. Cream cheese? Just enough to make it creamy without going overboard.

And let’s be real, watching your dog work their way through a lick mat is kind of adorable and also weirdly satisfying. So let’s break it all down.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip this together. It’s a short list and odds are, you already have some of this in your kitchen.

• 1 can of salmon in water (no added salt)
• 3 tablespoons plain cream cheese (regular or lactose-free)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cucumber

That’s it. Three ingredients. Done and done.

👉A quick heads-up: Make sure to double check those ingredient labels. No salt. No onions. No garlic. No mystery stuff. Just plain, simple ingredients that are safe for your dog.

Tools You’ll Want to Have

If you’ve never made a lick mat spread before, don’t worry. There’s nothing fancy going on here. But here’s what’ll make it easier:

• A small to medium mixing bowl
• Fork or spoon for mixing
• A lick mat (silicone ones with grooves or ridges are perfect)
• An airtight container if you want to store leftovers

Optional but helpful: A spatula to help you really get the mixture into those mat grooves. Otherwise, your fingers work fine too. (Not gonna lie—I’ve done that plenty of times.)

Why Your Dog Will Love This (And Why You’ll Love It Too)

Let’s talk about the benefits real quick:

• Keeps your dog busy. Licking is soothing and mentally stimulating for dogs. That’s science.
• Smells amazing to dogs. Like, absolutely irresistible.
• You control the ingredients. No weird additives, no artificial junk. Just food that’s actually good for them.
• Can help with anxiety. Lick mats are awesome during grooming, bath time, or if your pup gets a little nervous when you leave the house.

And best of all—it’s just so easy.

Pro Tips for First-Time Lick Mat Makers

If you’re making this for the first time, these little tips are gonna help a lot:

1. Use canned salmon in water (not oil). Oil is too rich for most dogs and can upset their stomachs. Stick with the kind that’s packed in water and has zero salt added.

2. Watch out for bones. Even canned salmon sometimes has little soft bones. They’re technically edible, but if your dog’s small or sensitive, give the salmon a once-over and remove them just in case.

3. Make it smoother for small dogs. If you’ve got a little pup, mash the mixture up really well. You want it nice and soft so they don’t struggle to lick it up.

4. Stick it in the freezer. For a longer-lasting treat (or if you want to make it ahead), pop the filled lick mat in the freezer for an hour or two. It’ll last way longer and can help cool your dog down on hot days.

5. Less mess = happy you. Place the lick mat on a cookie sheet or tray to catch any mess. Or serve it outside if you’re not in the mood to mop salmon goo off the floor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Fun Variations

This recipe is super flexible. If you don’t have something on hand, or want to switch it up a bit, here are some swaps that still work great:

Protein Options

• Tuna in water (no salt) – Just like salmon, but milder.
• Cooked chicken breast – Shred it up and mix it in.
• Sardines (in water, no salt) – Dogs love them, and they’re packed with omega-3s.

Dairy Alternatives

• Plain Greek yogurt – A great sub if your dog can’t do cream cheese.
• Pumpkin puree – Smooth, easy to spread, and full of fiber. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling.

Add-In Ideas

• Shredded carrot
• Finely chopped blueberries
• A spoonful of mashed sweet potato

Try not to go overboard—just one or two additions at a time to keep things digestible.

How to Make It

Here’s the full step-by-step breakdown. Honestly, you’ll be done before you know it.

1. Drain and rinse the salmon. You want to get rid of excess salt or fishy water. Dump the salmon into a colander and rinse quickly under cool water.
2. Mash it up. Use a fork to mash the salmon in a bowl. Break it up so there aren’t any big chunks.
3. Add cream cheese. Toss in your cream cheese and mix it all together. It’ll get creamy and hold everything together.
4. Add cucumber. Stir in your finely diced cucumber. It gives a little freshness and crunch.
5. Spread on lick mat. Use a spatula (or your fingers—no shame here) to press the mixture into your lick mat. Try to get it deep into the grooves.
6. Serve immediately or freeze. Serve it right away, or if you want a firmer texture, freeze the mat for an hour or two before giving it to your dog.

Make Ahead Tip

Want to save even more time later?

• Make a double batch of the salmon spread and scoop it into an ice cube tray.
• Freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
• When you’re ready, just defrost a cube and use it on the lick mat.

Boom—instant treat, zero fuss.

Nutritional Details

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key nutrition highlights:

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3s, great for joint health, shiny coats, and heart function.
• Cream Cheese: Source of calcium and fat; good in moderation.
• Cucumber: Low in calories, high in water content, and refreshing.

For most dogs, this is a treat—not a meal replacement. If your dog is on a special diet or has food allergies, check with your vet before adding anything new.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftover spread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze pre-portioned spreads (in silicone molds or trays) for up to 1 month.

If you’ve already filled a lick mat and didn’t use it, pop it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze the whole thing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? Yep! Just make sure it’s fully cooked, flaked, and bone-free.

Is cream cheese safe for all dogs? In small amounts, yes. If your dog is lactose intolerant, go with lactose-free or swap it for plain Greek yogurt.

How often can I give this to my dog? Think of this as a special treat. Once or twice a week is totally fine for most dogs.

What if my dog has allergies? Skip any ingredients they’re sensitive to and stick to proteins and veggies you know they tolerate well.

Can I use flavored cream cheese? Nope. Stick with plain. Flavored versions often contain onion or garlic—both of which are toxic to dogs.

Wrap Up

There you go. A healthy, simple, drool-worthy treat your dog will be obsessed with—and honestly, one of the easiest DIY things you can make for them.

What I love most about this salmon lick mat spread is that it’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with things that are actually good for your dog. And you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to pull it off.

So give it a try this week. Your pup’s gonna think you’re a five-star Michelin dog chef.

If you make this, I’d love to hear how it went! Did your dog go wild for it? Did you try any fun variations? Drop a comment and let me know what you think—or if you have any questions, I’m happy to help.

Until then, happy licking (for your dog… obviously).