Care Guide
A practical guide to using The Caelo Mat — what to put on it, how to keep it clean, and how to make a single mat last for years.
Getting started
The first time you use the mat, give it a quick wash with warm water and a small amount of unscented washing-up liquid. Pat dry. That's it — it's ready.
For your dog's first session, start with something high-value and easy: a thin layer of xylitol-free peanut butter, or a few spoonfuls of their usual wet food spread into the textures. Most dogs work it out within sixty seconds.
What to put on it
- Peanut butter — xylitol-free only. A thin layer goes a long way.
- Wet food — your dog's regular wet food, pressed into the channels.
- Yoghurt — plain, unsweetened, full-fat works best.
- Mashed banana, pumpkin purée, or sweet potato — all dog-safe and easy to spread.
- Bone broth — unsalted, brushed lightly over the surface, then frozen.
- Kibble — press into the channels with a little water or broth to bind it.
Avoid: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol-sweetened anything, hot food, or anything heavily seasoned.
Making it last longer
Load the mat, then put it in the freezer for an hour. A frozen mat typically extends a session from five minutes to thirty or forty — useful for crate training, vet-visit prep, or a calm evening when your dog has spare energy.
Layering helps too: a base of wet food, a middle layer of purée, a top layer of kibble or training treats pressed in. The variety in textures keeps the dog engaged.
Cleaning
The fastest way: dishwasher, top rack, normal cycle. The silicone is food-grade and handles heat without warping or absorbing flavour.
Hand-washing also works — warm water, unscented washing-up liquid, a soft sponge. Avoid bleach, oven cleaner, or abrasive scourers; they shorten the mat's lifespan without cleaning any better than soap.
Air dry, or pat with a clean towel. Silicone doesn't hold odour, but if you've used something pungent (oily fish, for instance) a quick rub with baking soda and water clears it.
Storage
The mat rolls up loosely — useful for cupboards, drawers, or travel. Don't fold it sharply or store it under something heavy long-term; over months that can leave a crease in the silicone.
When to retire it
Under normal feeding use, the mat should last years. Retire and replace if you see deep tears in the silicone, splits along the edges, or any piece small enough for a dog to swallow. The mat is a feeding surface, not a chew toy — if your dog has started chewing the mat itself rather than working the food off it, take it away.
Supervision
As with any feeding accessory, always supervise your dog while they're using the mat, especially during the first few uses.
Questions
Anything we haven't covered: hello@bycaelo.com.