What to Put in a Dog Lick Bowl (7 Safe & Easy Options)
Share
What to Put in a Dog Lick Bowl (7 Safe & Easy Options)
June 30, 2026
You just got a dog lick bowl — now what actually goes in it? This is the question most owners have the moment the bowl arrives. The right filling makes the difference between a dog that sniffs it once and walks away, and one that stays happily engaged for 15–20 minutes.
Not all fillings are created equal. Some work better than others. Some are outright dangerous. And a few simple tricks — like freezing — can turn a 5-minute lick session into a 30-minute enrichment activity.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of your dog's lick bowl from day one.
In this guide you'll learn:
- Why the filling consistency matters more than most owners realise
- 7 safe, vet-friendly fillings — and exactly how to use each one
- Which common human foods are toxic to dogs and must be avoided
- How much to use per session without overfeeding
- The frozen filling trick that triples session length
- Tips for getting reluctant dogs to engage with a lick bowl for the first time
Table of Contents
1. Why the Filling Matters
The lick bowl works by slowing down how your dog accesses their treat. The rolling ball shifts as they lick, regulating the flow and extending the session. But the filling you choose directly controls how long that session lasts — and how much your dog enjoys it.
The sweet spot is a spreadable, medium-thickness consistency. Too runny and the treat drains quickly, ending the session in under a minute. Too thick and dry, and the dog may lose interest. Aim for something between peanut butter and diluted bone broth — thick enough to cling to the bowl surface, thin enough to lick freely.
🥄 Pro tip: The Freeze Method
Fill the bowl, then place it in the freezer for 1–2 hours before giving it to your dog. Frozen fillings last 3–5x longer than room-temperature ones and are especially satisfying on hot days. This is the single easiest way to significantly extend enrichment time.
2. Seven Safe Things to Put in a Dog Lick Bowl
All options below are dog-safe when used correctly. Introduce one at a time, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or known food allergies.
1. Plain Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is the go-to choice for most dog owners — and for good reason. It has the ideal spreadable consistency, clings well to the bowl, and most dogs love the mild tangy taste. It is gentle on stomachs and provides a small amount of protein and calcium. Important: use plain yogurt only — never flavoured, sweetened, or Greek yogurt varieties that may contain xylitol. Freeze for a longer session.
2. Bone Broth
Unsalted, dog-safe bone broth is perfect for dogs that prefer savoury flavours over sweet. It is liquid at room temperature, so it works best frozen — pour into the bowl and freeze for 2 hours. Look for bone broths made specifically for dogs, or make your own by simmering bones (beef, chicken, or turkey) without onion, garlic, or salt. Bone broth is low calorie and excellent for senior dogs or those with reduced appetites.
3. Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the most motivating fillings for dogs — the smell alone will get even a reluctant dog interested. Always check the label before use. Many peanut butter brands now use xylitol as a sweetener, which is highly toxic to dogs. Choose a peanut butter with only one ingredient: peanuts. Use in small amounts — peanut butter is calorie-dense, so a thin smear is enough. Pairs well with banana or bone broth.
4. Pureed Pumpkin
Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling — check the label) is one of the best options for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. It is low in calories, high in fibre, and has a naturally thick consistency that works perfectly in a lick bowl without freezing. Pumpkin is also widely recommended by vets to settle mild digestive upsets. Use 1–3 tablespoons per session depending on your dog's size.
5. Wet Dog Food (Diluted)
Your dog's regular wet food thinned slightly with water makes a nutritionally balanced lick bowl filling. Because it counts toward their daily food intake, it is one of the few options that lets you use the lick bowl at meal time without worrying about extra calories. Spread it evenly inside the bowl and let the rolling ball do the rest. Works well with all breeds and life stages.
6. Mashed Banana
A small amount of ripe mashed banana is a naturally sweet, dog-safe treat that many dogs find irresistible. Bananas are a source of potassium and vitamin B6, but they are also relatively high in sugar. Keep portions small — one or two tablespoons is plenty for most dogs. Best used as an occasional treat rather than an everyday filling. Works well mixed with peanut butter or yogurt.
7. Diluted Chicken or Turkey Broth
Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth — either homemade or store-bought — diluted with water makes a light, aromatic filling that dogs go wild for. Because it is liquid, it must be frozen before use. Pour into the bowl, freeze for 2 hours, and serve. Dogs love the savoury smell and will lick for a long time as it slowly thaws. Always confirm the broth contains no onion, garlic, or artificial flavourings before use.
3. What NOT to Put in a Dog Lick Bowl
Some common human foods are toxic to dogs — sometimes fatally. The following must never be used in a lick bowl under any circumstances.
🚫 Never use these in a dog lick bowl
- Xylitol — artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, yogurts, and nut butters. Even small amounts can cause life-threatening hypoglycaemia in dogs
- Grapes and raisins — can cause sudden kidney failure even in small amounts
- Onion and garlic — toxic in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered). Often found in store-bought broths — always check labels
- Chocolate — contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolise
- Macadamia nuts — cause neurological symptoms within 12 hours of ingestion
- Avocado — contains persin, which is toxic to dogs
- Alcohol or caffeine — in any form, including foods made with coffee or alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners — beyond xylitol, many sweeteners are untested for dogs. Stick to unsweetened, natural ingredients only
⚠️ Always read labels before use
- Many "natural" or "healthy" human foods contain hidden ingredients toxic to dogs
- Flavoured yogurts, peanut butters, and broths are common sources of xylitol and garlic
- When in doubt, buy plain single-ingredient products or dog-specific treats
- Introduce any new filling in small amounts and monitor your dog for 30 minutes afterward
4. How Much to Use Per Session
Lick bowl treats are extras on top of your dog's regular meals. Use the guide below as a starting point and adjust based on your dog's size, activity level, and daily caloric needs.
| Dog Size | Weight | Recommended Amount Per Session | Max Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 lbs | 1–2 tablespoons | Once daily |
| Medium | 20–50 lbs | 2–4 tablespoons | Once daily |
| Large | 50–90 lbs | 4–6 tablespoons | Once or twice daily |
| Extra Large | Over 90 lbs | Up to ½ cup | Twice daily max |
Always subtract lick bowl treat calories from your dog's total daily food allocation. Bone broth and diluted wet food are the lowest-calorie options for daily use. Peanut butter and banana are calorie-dense — use as an occasional reward, not an everyday filling.
5. Frozen vs Room Temperature — Full Comparison
Both methods work, but they serve different purposes. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | Room Temperature | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| Session length | 5–10 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| Prep time | Instant — fill and serve | 2 hours freeze time needed |
| Best for | Quick calm-down, grooming sessions | Extended enrichment, hot days, separation prep |
| Works with liquid fillings | No — liquids drain instantly | Yes — best method for broth |
| Mess level | Low to medium | Very low — filling stays in place |
| Ideal weather | Any | Especially hot days |
💡 Best Practice: Prep the Night Before
Fill 2–3 lick bowls in the evening and keep them in the freezer. Pull one out each morning — you always have a ready-made enrichment activity on hand without any prep time during the day.
6. Tips for First-Time Lick Bowl Users
Some dogs take to a lick bowl instantly. Others need a little encouragement. If your dog seems confused or uninterested at first, that is completely normal — here is how to get them started.
- Start with their favourite smell — use the filling they find most irresistible for the first session. Peanut butter or bone broth works for most dogs
- Remove the ball for session one — let your dog learn the bowl first, then introduce the rolling ball on the second or third session
- Show them where the treat is — tap the bowl and let them sniff it before placing it on the floor
- Keep the first session short — a small amount of filling for 5 minutes is enough to build a positive association
- Use it during stressful moments — grooming, nail trims, or thunderstorms are ideal times to introduce it. The dog's focus shifts to licking rather than the stressor
- Clean thoroughly between sessions — residue left in the bowl between sessions can discourage dogs from returning to it
- Be consistent — dogs learn quickly. Within 3–5 sessions, most dogs will go to the bowl on their own when they see you reach for it
Dog Licking Bowl with Ball — Slow Feeder & Interactive Enrichment Toy
The rolling ball mechanism extends every filling session. Food-grade materials, non-slip base, safe for daily use. Fill it, freeze it, and watch your dog stay engaged for 20+ minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Plain yogurt, bone broth, and xylitol-free peanut butter are the three most versatile and effective lick bowl fillings
- Always check labels — xylitol, garlic, and onion are common hidden ingredients in human foods that are toxic to dogs
- Freeze the filling to extend sessions from 5 minutes to 20–40 minutes — the single most effective trick for better enrichment
- Use 1–6 tablespoons per session depending on your dog's size, and count treat calories in their daily intake
- Remove the ball for the first session if your dog seems confused — introduce it gradually
- Calorie-dense fillings like peanut butter and banana are best used 3–4 times per week; low-calorie options like broth can be used daily
- Never use xylitol, grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion, garlic, or macadamia nuts — all are toxic to dogs
Ready to Get Started?
Shop the ShappyDay Dog Licking Bowl with Ball — the slow feeder and enrichment toy your dog will beg for every day.
Shop the Lick Bowl →Food-grade materials · Non-slip base · Safe for puppies · Free US shipping