LickiMat vs Kong: Which Enrichment Toy Suits Your Dog?

Quick answer

Choose a LickiMat if your dog needs calming, licking-based enrichment and you want a freezer-safe, microwave-friendly surface that spreads soft food. Choose a Kong if your dog prefers chewing, wobbling, and working for dry treats or kibble. The two solve different boredom problems, so the right pick depends on whether your dog relaxes by licking or engages by chewing.

How the two enrichment styles differ

LickiMat toys are flat, textured surfaces designed for licking. You spread wet food, yogurt, or soft treats across the pattern, and the dog works the tongue into the grooves. This is a repetitive, soothing action that tends to lower arousal rather than build it. The LickiMat Mini Classic Soother Turquoise is a small-format version made from non-toxic, food-grade TPR, and it is both freezer safe and microwave friendly, so you can prep a frozen portion for hot days or warm a mix for winter.

Kong toys are hollow, chewable rubber shapes that you stuff. The dog has to bite, nudge, and sometimes roll the toy to release food. The Kong Licks Rewards takes a slightly different angle: it is a weighted-bottom wobbler with a variety of textures, designed to promote oral health as the dog licks and interacts. Because it wobbles rather than rolls away, it stays in one area, which suits indoor play.

Choosing by your dog's feeding routine

If your dog inhales meals in under a minute, a LickiMat slows eating by making the food inaccessible without licking. That works best with wet, raw, or rehydrated food. If your dog eats dry kibble or you want to use treats as a reward, a Kong-style stuffable toy holds loose pieces and dispenses them as the dog works. You can also mix approaches: freeze a LickiMat for a long-lasting project, and use a Kong for a quicker session before a walk.

For dogs that need to burn energy rather than calm down, the wobbling and chewing action of the Kong Licks Rewards gives more physical engagement. For dogs that get over-aroused by chewing or need help settling, the LickiMat's licking action is the better match.

Treats and extras that support either choice

Small, low-calorie treats work well for stuffing and for rewarding calm behaviour. Liver Chomp treats are suitable for dogs from four months and promote positive oral health, making them a practical fit for either toy. Crumble one into a Kong to add scent, or press a piece into a LickiMat before freezing. Keep portions small so the enrichment toy does not replace balanced meals.

If you are also working on lead manners during enrichment sessions, a retractable lead like the Flexi Classic Retractable Lead Medium Cord 5m Red is suitable for dogs up to 20kg and has a permanent stop feature plus a short-stroke braking system. That is a separate training tool, but it pairs well with a settled dog after a food puzzle session.

Trade-offs at a glance

• LickiMat Mini Classic Soother: Best for calming, licking, and soft or wet food. Freezer and microwave safe. Not ideal for dogs that want to chew or toss a toy. Pick this if your dog needs to settle or eat slower.
• Kong Licks Rewards: Best for chewing, wobbling, and dry treats or kibble. Weighted bottom and varied textures support oral health. Not ideal for dogs that prefer licking only. Pick this if your dog needs active engagement and teeth cleaning.
• Liver Chomp treats: A small, suitable-from-4-months treat that works in either toy. Promotes positive oral health. Not a meal replacement. Use as a topper or reward, not as the main diet.

Key product facts

• LickiMat Mini Classic Soother Turquoise: Freezer safe, microwave friendly, non-toxic food grade TPR You can prep frozen licky treats for summer or warm food in winter without damaging the mat, and the material is safe for food contact.
• Kong Licks Rewards: Promotes oral health, weighted bottom wobbler, variety of textures The weighted base keeps the toy in place during chewing, and the textures help clean teeth as the dog works for treats.
• Liver Chomp: Promotes positive oral health, liver, suitable for dogs from 4 months A small treat that fits both LickiMat and Kong, and is safe for puppies from four months old.

Which should you choose?

Best for

• Dogs that need calming enrichment and eat wet or raw food
• Owners who want a freezer-safe, microwave-friendly food puzzle
• Puppies over 4 months that need gentle licking activity

Not for

• Dogs that destroy flat toys or need heavy chewing
• Owners looking for a toy that dispenses dry kibble
• Dogs that prefer to roll and chase a toy rather than lick