Mango Sunshine Dog Lick Mat: A Fun, Healthy Frozen Treat

Ever look at your dog and think, “You deserve a spa day?” Maybe not the cucumbers-on-the-eyes kind of spa day, but at least something relaxing and special… like a tropical lick mat they can slowly enjoy while chilling out. That’s exactly where this Mango Sunshine Dog Lick Mat comes in.

This treat is cool, calming, and loaded with dog-safe ingredients that are not only tasty but also beneficial. It keeps your pup mentally stimulated (bye boredom!) and gives you a few minutes of peace too. Plus, it looks kinda cute when they go to town on it.

So whether your dog needs a little stress relief, a reward after a walk, or just something fun to do, this lick mat recipe is the easiest way to give them something special that feels fancy without actually being fancy.

Let’s dive in.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this frozen mango treat for your dog. The ingredients are simple, healthy, and easy to find at just about any grocery store.

• ½ cup plain kefir (no added sugar or flavors)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free – this part is super important)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped ripe mango (fresh or frozen, but no added sugars or syrup)
• ⅓ cup chopped banana (ripe bananas work best for flavor and texture)
• 1 pump omega-3 oil (optional, but great for skin, coat, and joint health)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional sprinkle for a little fiber and texture)

These ingredients are all dog-friendly and can even offer some great nutritional benefits—like probiotics from the kefir and healthy fats from the omega-3 oil.

Tools You’ll Need

You probably already have most of these tools in your kitchen, but here’s what you’ll need to pull this off without a mess.

• Lick mat (those textured silicone mats designed for dogs)
• Small bowls (for prepping and mixing)
• Spoon or spatula (to spread everything into the mat)
• Freezer-safe tray or cutting board (to keep the mat level while freezing)
• Optional: pastry brush or butter knife for spreading into grooves more easily

Pro Tips for First-Time Lick Mat Makers

Making a lick mat seems simple, and it is, but a few smart tweaks can make the process smoother and the results way more enjoyable for your dog (and you).

1. Start with a Level Surface

Once your lick mat is prepped, you’ll want to freeze it flat. Use a baking sheet, tray, or even a cutting board under your mat to keep everything from tilting in the freezer. Otherwise, your kefir will pool in one corner and make a mess.

2. Spread Thin Layers

If you spread your ingredients too thick, your dog will likely scrape it all off in seconds. Thin layers help it freeze faster and take longer to lick through, which is what we want.

3. Freeze in Layers for Texture

Want to keep your pup entertained for longer? Layer the ingredients. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, then a fruit mix, then kefir, and repeat. You’ll create fun flavor zones they’ll discover as they lick.

4. Use a Brush for Tricky Grooves

Got one of those lick mats with deep grooves or fun shapes? A clean pastry brush or small spatula can help you get the mix in there properly so nothing goes to waste.

5. Monitor First-Time Ingredients

If your dog has never had kefir, mango, or any of the other ingredients before, test a small amount before going all in. Just to be safe.

Ingredient Swaps & Fun Variations

Here’s where you can get a little creative without compromising safety or nutrition.

• Kefir Substitute: Swap it with plain Greek yogurt or goat’s milk (unsweetened and unflavored only).
• Mango Substitute: Use chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even a bit of mashed pumpkin.
• Banana Substitute: Applesauce (unsweetened), cooked sweet potato, or pear work great.
• Peanut Butter Swap: Try unsweetened almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Again, double check that it’s xylitol-free.
• Boost the Crunch: Add a light sprinkle of crushed dog biscuits or kibble before freezing.

Want to make it even more exciting? Add a teaspoon of shredded coconut or freeze-dried liver treats right before you pop it in the freezer.

Make-Ahead Tips

This treat is perfect for making in batches. In fact, I highly recommend it.

• Prep 2–3 lick mats at once and freeze them all together. Once frozen, you can stack them (if you’re using mats with covers) or store them in large reusable bags.
• Storage tip: Frozen lick mats are good for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re covered or sealed to avoid freezer burn or absorbing weird smells from your freezer (looking at you, half-eaten bag of shrimp).

How to Make a Mango Sunshine Lick Mat

Time to put everything together. This is super simple and doesn’t require any cooking—just some mixing, layering, and freezing.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the mango and banana into small pieces. If you’re using frozen mango, make sure it’s fully thawed so it blends into the mat more easily.

Pour your kefir and peanut butter into small bowls. Give the peanut butter a quick stir if it’s the natural kind that separates.

Optional: add your pump of omega-3 oil into the kefir or mix it into the fruit.

Step 2: Spread the Layers

Using a spoon or spatula, spread a layer of peanut butter into a few sections of the lick mat.

Add a layer of chopped fruit—mango and banana—right over the peanut butter or in alternating sections.

Top with a layer of kefir and gently press it into the grooves.

Sprinkle chia seeds over the top for a little crunch and fiber.

Optional: repeat layers for a more complex texture and flavor experience for your dog.

Step 3: Freeze It

Place the mat on a level tray or board and pop it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely solid.

Once frozen, it’s ready to serve!

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Storage: Keep any leftover lick mats in the freezer, sealed in a bag or container to keep them fresh.
• Refrigeration: These can technically be stored in the fridge for a few hours if you’re planning to use them soon, but they’ll go soft fast.
• Avoid refreezing: If your pup only licks part of the mat, don’t refreeze it. Just rinse it off and store the clean mat for next time.

Extra Nutrition Tips

• Calorie Control: While this treat is healthy, it’s still a treat. A small lick mat serving has around 120–150 calories depending on how much peanut butter and banana you use.
• Good for Gut Health: Kefir contains natural probiotics which can be helpful for digestion. Just introduce it slowly if your dog’s not used to it.
• Omega-3 Add-on: That optional omega-3 oil? It can support coat shine, joint health, and even brain function. Ask your vet for dosage guidelines if unsure.
• Diet-Friendly Adjustments: If your dog is on a weight management plan, reduce or skip the peanut butter and focus on fruit and kefir instead.

Meal Pairing Ideas

This frozen treat works perfectly after:

• A training session
• A bath or grooming session (distraction bonus!)
• A long walk or playdate
• Anytime you need your pup to chill while you jump on a Zoom call or sneak in lunch

FAQ

Can I use flavored kefir or yogurt? Stick with plain, unflavored, and unsweetened options. Added sugars, artificial flavors, or xylitol are all no-gos for dogs.

Is mango safe for dogs? Yes, in moderation. Just make sure to remove the peel and pit. Mango is high in natural sugar, so small amounts are best.

How often can I give my dog lick mat treats? 2 to 3 times per week is a good balance, especially if it includes calorie-dense ingredients like peanut butter.

Do chia seeds need to be soaked? Not for this purpose. A light sprinkle is fine and adds a bit of texture. No need to soak them first.

Can I use baby food instead of chopped fruit? Yes! Just make sure it’s a single-ingredient puree with no added salt, sugar, or garlic/onion powders.

Wrap Up

If your dog could write you a thank-you note, they probably would after trying this Mango Sunshine Lick Mat. It’s easy, healthy, and super fun for them—and honestly, it’s kinda fun to make too.

Whether you’re using it for enrichment, distraction, or just a little love-in-the-form-of-food, this frozen treat checks all the boxes.

So give it a try, and let me know how your pup liked it! Got questions or fun variations to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out and what you added or changed.

And if you’re looking for more easy homemade treats for your dog, I’ve got a bunch coming soon, so stay tuned!