Ok, so I’m just gonna start off by saying… this might be one of the weirdest recipes I’ve ever written about. But also, it might be one of the most fun ones, too. Because if you’ve got a dog, and that dog has ever looked at you like you’re the entire buffet line while you’re eating an egg salad sandwich… this one’s for you.
This is for all the people out there who love their pets a little too much (guilty), and want to make snack time a little healthier, a little more interactive, and a lot more tail-waggy.
We’re talking: Egg Salad. For dogs. On a lick mat.
Let’s do this.
But Wait… What Even Is a Lick Mat?
So if you’ve never used one before, a lick mat is basically this flat, squishy silicone mat that has grooves and ridges in it. You spread something soft on top (like peanut butter or yogurt or, I don’t know, EGG SALAD), and your dog licks it off.
What’s the point?
Well, for one, it’s calming for dogs. Licking actually helps release endorphins. Plus, it slows them down if they’re normally gobble-it-all-in-3-seconds types. And it’s a super easy enrichment tool, which is basically just a fancy way of saying: it keeps them mentally stimulated without making you do much work.
So now that you’re sold—let’s get to the actual recipe.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is SO simple, but it still has a good mix of nutrients that can help support digestion, energy, and coat health. Plus, it’s got real ingredients you’d eat yourself (and maybe already have in your fridge).
Here’s what you need:
- 2 boiled eggs (chopped or mashed)
- 1 small carrot (finely grated)
- ½ red bell pepper (diced small)
- ¼ cup plain kefir (unsweetened, unflavored)
- Optional: 1 tsp parsley (fresh, chopped)
- Optional: 1 tbsp plain pumpkin puree
You can totally leave things out or swap them depending on what your dog likes. More on that below.
Kitchen Stuff to Grab
Let’s keep it easy. You’ll only need:
- A lick mat
- A small bowl
- A fork or spoon
- A knife and cutting board
- A grater
And maybe a fridge or freezer if you want to prep ahead (which I always recommend).
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
I promise this takes less time than Googling “is bell pepper ok for dogs.”
- Boil your eggs: If you haven’t already, drop those eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, then cool under cold water. Peel and chop or mash them.
- Prep the veggies: Finely grate the carrot and dice up the red bell pepper. You want small pieces here so it spreads easily into the lick mat and your dog doesn’t just try to spit it back out.
- Mix it all up: Add the eggs, veggies, kefir, and any extras (like parsley or pumpkin) to a bowl. Mix until it looks like chunky egg salad… because it is.
- Spread it on: Grab your lick mat and scoop some of the mixture onto it. Use a spoon or spatula to press it into the grooves. Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way!
- Chill if you want: You can serve it as-is or freeze it for later. Freezing makes it last longer and gives your dog a nice cool-down, especially during warm weather.
Tips to Make This Even Better
Let’s make this fun but also smart. Here are a few things I’ve learned from doing this a lot more times than I thought I would:
1. Freeze it for longer fun
If your dog finishes things in 20 seconds, freezing the mat can turn it into a 10-minute treat. Plus it reduces mess if your dog is a licker-and-flinger type.
2. Adjust for your dog’s gut
Never tried kefir before? Start small. Some dogs tolerate dairy alternatives better than others. You can always use plain, unsweetened yogurt or goat’s milk instead.
3. Clean-up tip: soak it
These mats can get gross if you let them sit out. Soak it in warm soapy water right after your dog’s done, or toss it in the dishwasher (check the label first though).
4. Make multiple at once
Double or triple the mix, then prep a few lick mats or ice cube trays with it and store them in the freezer. Future-you will say thank you.
5. Use up old veggies
If you’ve got a soft carrot or half a bell pepper sitting around, this is a perfect way to use them before they hit the compost bin.
Substitutions and Variations
Here’s where it gets fun and you can start experimenting based on what you have or what your dog tolerates.
- No kefir? Use unsweetened plain yogurt, goat milk, or even a bit of bone broth (if not freezing).
- No carrot? Zucchini or cucumber (peeled) can be great swaps.
- More protein? Add a small spoonful of shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Want to skip veggies? You do you, but they do add fiber and vitamins that support digestion and energy.
- Different herbs? Mint or basil can also freshen breath and add flavor (in dog-safe amounts).
Just make sure anything you use is dog-safe and ideally not seasoned.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Absolutely. That’s actually what I do.
Just mix a batch, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and use it throughout the week. You can also spread the mixture into lick mats or even silicone ice cube trays, freeze them, and just pull one out when needed. Easy.
Nutrition & Diet Tips (If You’re Curious)
While this isn’t a complete meal, it does offer a few benefits:
- Eggs: Great source of protein and healthy fats.
- Carrots: Fiber, beta-carotene, and helps with dental health (even in grated form).
- Bell Peppers: Antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Kefir: Natural probiotics for gut health.
- Pumpkin (if used): Fiber and beta-carotene to support digestion.
For dogs on special diets (low fat, sensitive stomach, etc.), skip the kefir or go super light on it. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Storage and Leftovers
You can store the egg salad mix in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze it in individual portions for up to a month.
Just make sure it’s totally thawed before serving, or your dog might get frustrated (unless they like the brain freeze).
Also—don’t leave lick mats with food out too long after your dog’s done. Not a great look (or smell) the next day.
Common Questions (Because Let’s Be Real)
Q: Can I use raw eggs? I wouldn’t. Cooked eggs are safer and easier on a dog’s digestion. Raw eggs can carry bacteria and have enzyme inhibitors that mess with nutrient absorption.
Q: Is bell pepper ok for dogs? Yep! Red is best because it’s sweet and more nutrient-rich. Just avoid spicy peppers (obviously) and remove seeds.
Q: What’s a good serving size? Depends on your dog’s size, but a few tablespoons is a good starting point. This isn’t a meal—it’s a treat or enrichment activity.
Q: Can I use this daily? I wouldn’t go every day unless it’s very small portions. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
Q: My dog didn’t finish it. Now what? Scoop off what’s left, refrigerate it, and reuse it the next day (as long as it didn’t sit out for hours). Or just make less next time.
Wrap Up
So there you go, Egg Salad for Dogs, lick-mat style. Who knew snack time could get this weirdly adorable and fun?
This recipe is honestly one of the easiest ways to treat your dog while also giving them a bit of mental enrichment and healthy nutrients.
It takes 10 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and will 100% make your dog fall in love with you even more (if that’s even possible).
If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes! Did you add anything special? Did your dog love it? Hate it? Lick it all up in 30 seconds and look at you like “more please”?
Drop your story or any questions below—I’d love to hear from you.
