Have you ever heard of a frozen lick bowl? This enriching treat creation became a trend on social media a little while ago, capturing the hearts of dog parents (and their dogs) everywhere. Here’s why your furry family member may enjoy one!
What is a Frozen Lick Bowl and Why Are They Enriching?
A frozen lick bowl is essentially a bowl filled with various dog-safe ingredients, frozen into a solid, lickable treat. They’re super simple to make – you smear each ingredient onto the bottom/sides of a bowl and pop it into the freezer. Voila! A few hours later, your dog has a delicious snack. But, not only do these bowls provide a yummy and refreshing treat for your pup on a hot day, but they also offer mental stimulation and enrichment. The act of licking is particularly enriching for dogs because it triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, in their brains. This hormonal response can help reduce stress and anxiety, making your dog feel more relaxed and content.
The Original Viral Lick Bowl
In the original viral lick bowl, the creator first smeared dog-safe peanut butter (one that doesn’t include xylitol) onto the bottom and sides of a bowl. Then, she added a layer of plain Greek yogurt. Next, she sprinkled in some kibble and filled the bowl with water. While I love the idea – and there’s nothing wrong with these ingredients – you can customize it and make an even healthier version.
Ideas to Make Your Own
When it comes to frozen lick bowls for your dog, the only rule is to use dog-safe ingredients!
A few smearable base ideas:
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Kefir
- 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Mashed Banana
A few add-in ideas:
- Chopped fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, or apples (no seeds)
- Chopped veggies, such as cucumber, carrots, or broccoli
A few liquid ideas to top it all off:
- Bone Broth
- Goat’s Milk
- Coconut Water
Sample Recipes
If you’re a regular here, you know I love The Honest Kitchen products. I’ve created numerous recipes using their Pour Overs, bone broths, goat’s milk, dehydrated food, and more. Sharing these ideas on social media caught their eye and the company reached out to me. They asked me to create a few recipes for their social media pages and I wound up making a few lick bowl recipes. If you use their products, you can follow these recipes exactly how they are … or use them as inspiration to make your own creations!
The Bowl
You can use any bowl to create this refreshing and enriching dog treat. However, I’ve noticed my dogs tend to slide the traditional stainless steel bowls around too much during their lick sessions. That’s one reason I prefer to use the LickiMat Wobble. Another reason: The LickiMat Wobble features a dimpled surface, making it easier to spread and grip the various ingredients.
Portion Sizes
While frozen lick bowls are fantastic treats for dogs of all sizes, it’s important to be mindful of the serving sizes. These bowls are packed with food, so they can be quite calorie-heavy and filling. This is especially true for smaller dogs! Rather than giving your dog the entire bowl in one sitting, consider letting them enjoy it for a while (10-15 minutes) and then popping it back in the freezer for later. This way, your dog can savor the treat over a few sessions, making it last longer and preventing overindulgence.
