{"id":9386,"date":"2023-11-20T16:53:48","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T16:53:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=9386"},"modified":"2023-11-20T16:53:48","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T16:53:48","slug":"christmas-lickimat-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/christmas-lickimat-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas LickiMat recipe for dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree – how delicious you look to me!\u00a0The festive season is finally upon us, and there are plenty of ways for your canine companions to join in the fun. Including our festive LickiMat recipe for dogs! This is one Christmas tree you won\u2019t mind your dog attacking from all angles\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why make your dog a homemade treat this Christmas?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sharing treats from the table isn\u2019t ideal, as many of our Christmas dishes aren\u2019t suitable for dogs (they\u2019re often too fatty or salty) \u2013 but homemade dog treats and LickiMats are a great way to use up suitable festive leftovers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a much-loved member of your family, there\u2019s no reason for your dog to miss out this Christmas. Be sure to check out our Christmas treat guide<\/a> for more delicious dog-friendly options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are LickiMats good for dogs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

LickiMats are a smart way to stimulate your dog as they eat \u2013 like playtime and dinner time combined! Designed so you can spread soft food over the top, with clever grooves and ridges to encourage licking rather than biting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps your dog eat a little slower, and hopefully avoid the hiccups! LickiMats can also help your dog relax and ease any anxiety \u2013 because when your dog licks, it releases calming endorphins. Just what you need to encourage those silent nights\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about how to use a LickiMat<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can I put on a LickiMat?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can use a whole host of ingredients on a LickiMat, just as long as they\u2019re dog-friendly and spreadable – this is the perfect excuse to get out your blender.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Christmas ingredients in mind, you can try using veggies like carrots, parsnips and spinach, all of which are packed with vitamins and fibre. That\u2019s right, your dog can eat parsnips \u2013 within these helpful guidelines<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also experiment with roasted and mashed sweet potato, which is rich in fibre, potassium and riboflavins.\u00a0Just remember to avoid butter, milk and seasoning, as they’re best saved for human food only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our personal favourite? The spinach Christmas tree! This showstopper is packed full of tasty dog-friendly ingredients – and it\u2019s a real beauty too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homemade Christmas tree LickiMat recipe<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ingredients:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

1 x small carrot<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leftover raw parsnip<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 x small handfuls of spinach<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 x teaspoons of your dog’s favourite tails.com wet food\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Method:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Wash the spinach and keep slightly damp. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Then steam the leaves in a pan over a low heat for approx 2 minutes until wilted. You can also steam them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Add the wilted spinach to the wet food and mix thoroughly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Arrange the mixture on your dog\u2019s LickiMat in a festive Christmas tree shape. Be as creative as you like!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Decorate the tree with circles of raw carrot, and add a parsnip cut into a star shape on top.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Dog-friendly decoration suggestions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n