Peanut Butter, Bone Broth & More: Using Liquid Treats in a Dog Lick Bowl

The lick bowl's power comes from its versatility. Unlike a slow feeder that works primarily with dry kibble, a lick bowl opens up an entirely new world of dog-safe liquid and spreadable treats — each with its own enrichment properties, health benefits, and use cases. This guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of your dog's lick bowl in 2026.

Why Liquid Treats in a Lick Bowl Are Different

A liquid or spreadable treat in a lick bowl isn't just food — it's a multi-minute sensory and behavioral experience. The textured grooves of the bowl disperse the treat across a wider surface area, making it impossible to eat quickly. Your dog must methodically work their tongue into every crevice to extract each bit, creating extended licking sessions that trigger the parasympathetic nervous system's calming response.

The licking motion releases endorphins and serotonin — making this genuinely one of the simplest, most effective anxiety management tools available to dog owners. And unlike medication or supplements, it has no side effects other than a very happy, very calm dog.

The Ultimate Safe Treat List for Dog Lick Bowls

🥜 Peanut Butter

The undisputed champion of lick bowl treats. Nearly every dog goes wild for peanut butter, and the thick, sticky texture clings perfectly to bowl grooves for extended licking sessions.

Critical safety note: Always check the ingredient label. Xylitol (also labeled as "birch sugar" or "wood alcohol") is found in some "natural" and reduced-sugar peanut butters and is highly toxic to dogs — even small amounts can cause rapid insulin release, liver failure, and death. Stick with plain, unsweetened peanut butter with only peanuts and salt listed as ingredients. Brands like Jif (original), Skippy (original), and natural varieties without xylitol are safe.

Calorie note: Peanut butter is calorie-dense. A tablespoon is plenty for a small-to-medium dog; two tablespoons for large breeds. Adjust your dog's daily food portion accordingly.

🍖 Bone Broth

Dog-safe bone broth is one of the healthiest and most versatile lick bowl treats available. It's low in calories, supports joint health (through natural collagen), aids digestion, and is highly palatable to virtually every dog.

What to look for: Low-sodium formulas specifically made for dogs, or homemade versions using raw bones simmered in water. Never use commercial broths made for humans — they often contain onion, garlic, and excessive sodium, all of which are harmful to dogs.

Warm bone broth slightly before pouring into the lick bowl — the aroma amplifies the palatability dramatically and is particularly helpful for picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness.

🫐 Plain Greek Yogurt

Unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent probiotic treat for dogs. The thick texture fills bowl grooves beautifully, and most dogs love the mild tang. It supports digestive health and provides calcium and protein.

Portions: 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs; 2–4 tablespoons for large breeds. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts — fruit flavors often contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

🎃 Pureed Pumpkin

Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is excellent for digestive regulation — it helps with both diarrhea and constipation. The mild sweetness makes it appealing to dogs, and it freezes perfectly for summer lick sessions.

Portions: 1–2 teaspoons for small dogs; 1–4 tablespoons for large breeds. Use sparingly as it's relatively high in fiber.

🍌 Mashed Banana

Ripe banana mashed smooth is a natural, dog-safe sweet treat. Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Slightly thicker than other options, so mix with a little water if needed to help it flow into bowl grooves.

🧀 Cream Cheese (Plain, Low-Fat)

A high-value treat that works well as an occasional special reward or for masking the scent of medication. Use sparingly — it's calorie-dense and high in fat. A teaspoon or two is appropriate even for large breeds.

🥕 Pureed Vegetables

Cooked, pureed carrots, sweet potato, and butternut squash are all safe, nutritious, and low-calorie lick bowl options. Blend smooth with a little water and pour into the lick base. These are excellent for dogs on restricted calorie diets.

Foods to Absolutely Avoid in a Dog Lick Bowl

• Anything with xylitol — Check all peanut butter and nut butter labels. Also check yogurts and fruit purees marketed as "no sugar added."
• Grapes, raisins, or currants — Toxic to dogs in any amount; can cause acute kidney failure.
• Onion, garlic, chives — Found in many human broths and condiments; toxic to dogs in even small amounts over time.
• Avocado — Contains persin, which is toxic to dogs.
• Macadamia nuts or walnut butter — Both toxic; avoid any nut butter that isn't peanut butter or cashew butter.
• Chocolate — Never appropriate as a treat ingredient.
• Salt-heavy foods — High-sodium human foods cause salt poisoning in dogs; always choose low-sodium versions.

5 Easy Lick Bowl Recipes to Try This Week

1. The Classic (5 minutes)

Spread 1–2 tablespoons of plain peanut butter across the lick bowl base. Done. Most dogs will be occupied for 10–15 minutes.

2. The Probiotic Boost (5 minutes)

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt + 1 teaspoon pureed pumpkin. Spread in lick base. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

3. The Hydration Special (5 minutes)

Pour 4 oz of low-sodium dog-safe bone broth into lick base. Freeze for 2 hours for a semi-frozen slushy texture. Excellent for hot days.

4. The Summer Frozen Treat (prep night before)

Mix plain Greek yogurt, pureed pumpkin, and a few blueberries. Pour into lick base and freeze solid overnight. Serve as a breakfast treat on hot mornings. Lasts 20–30 minutes.

5. The Anxiety Buster (10 minutes before a trigger)

Warm 3 oz of bone broth and mix with 1 teaspoon peanut butter until blended. Pour into lick base while warm (not hot). The aroma + licking combination is particularly effective for anxious dogs before vet visits or thunderstorms.

Combining Liquid Treats with Slow Feeder Meals

The most enriching mealtime setup uses the full 3-in-1 bowl: dry kibble in the slow feeder tier, a liquid treat in the lick base. Your dog experiences the cognitive challenge of the maze, then finishes with the calming reward of the lick base — mirroring the natural arc of hunt → catch → consume → rest.

This combination extends total mealtime to 12–20 minutes, provides both mental stimulation and emotional regulation, and dramatically reduces the risk of post-meal restlessness, anxiety behaviors, or bloat.

Cleaning After Liquid Treats

Liquid treats require thorough cleaning — bacteria and mold grow quickly in food residue, especially in bowl grooves and textured surfaces. Always choose a dishwasher-safe lick bowl. The Vozonix 3-in-1 is fully dishwasher safe on the top rack, and the layered design separates for thorough cleaning of every surface.