What to Put in a Lick Bowl: 12 Easy, Dog-Safe Fillings

A lick bowl is only as interesting as what's inside it. The good news: you probably already have most of what you need in the fridge. Here are twelve easy fillings, a few things to leave out, and how to keep treat time from turning into a second dinner.

Three quick rules before you start

• Keep it plain. No added sugar, salt, onion or garlic, and never anything containing xylitol. Check peanut butter labels every time, because brands change recipes.
• Treats add up. Many vets suggest keeping treats to around 10% of your dog's daily calories, so a thin layer is usually plenty.
• Try new foods in small amounts. Start with a spoonful, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergies. If you're unsure about a food, ask your vet.

Smooth fillings that spread easily

1. Plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir. Skip flavored or sweetened versions.
2. Xylitol-free peanut butter. Spread it thin. It's rich, and a little goes a long way.
3. Plain canned pumpkin. Look for 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
4. Mashed banana. Easy, sweet, and spreads well.
5. Wet dog food or pâté. A good way to use part of a meal your dog already eats.
6. Cottage cheese. In small amounts, for dogs who handle dairy well.

Liquid fillings for a slower lick

7. Bone broth made for dogs. Choose low-sodium, with no onion or garlic.
8. Goat's milk made for dogs. A popular topper you can find at most pet stores.

Little extras to mix in

9. Blueberries, lightly pressed into a smooth base.
10. Mashed, cooked sweet potato, plain and unseasoned.
11. A few pieces of their regular kibble, for texture.
12. Grated apple, with no seeds or core.

Foods to leave out

Grapes and raisins, chocolate, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, anything with xylitol, and heavily seasoned leftovers. If it's unsafe in a regular bowl, it's unsafe in a lick bowl too.

How to fill a Lick and Roll Bowl

Spread a thin layer of your filling around the rolling ball, or pour in a liquid one. Press the suction base onto a clean, smooth floor, then let your dog lick and roll at their own pace. Stay nearby while they use it. When they're done, rinse it clean. There are no deep grooves to scrub.

Mixing a smooth base with a little extra, like yogurt with a few blueberries, is an easy way to keep things interesting without adding much.

Looking for a bowl to try these in? The Lick and Roll Bowl is a food-grade silicone lick bowl with a rolling center, made for exactly this kind of treat time. And if you're weighing up a lick bowl against a lick mat, our guide on lick bowls vs lick mats walks through the differences.