Care

A practical guide to using both mats — what to put on each, how to keep them clean, and how to make them last.

The Caelo Mat — the licking ritual

Getting started

The first time you use the silicone mat, give it a quick wash with warm water and a small amount of unscented washing-up liquid. Pat dry. Press the suction base firmly onto a clean, flat surface.

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.

A note on portions. Use food from your dog's normal daily ration, not extra. The mat slows the same meal down — it doesn't add to it. Layered loads (wet food + purée + a sprinkle of kibble) should still come out of the day's normal allowance.

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.

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.

Air dry, or pat with a clean towel.

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.

The Caelo Forage Mat — the sniffing ritual

Getting started

The fleece mat arrives ready to use. Lay it flat on a low-pile rug or hard floor. There is no suction base by design — the whole mat is machine-washable.

For the first session, hide a handful of high-value treats deep in the folds — dried liver, training treats, or your dog's favourite kibble. Most dogs find the first piece within seconds, then settle into the rhythm of searching.

What to put in it

Kibble — your dog's regular dry food, scattered through the folds. Slows dinner by 10-15 minutes.
Training treats — small, dry, easy to hide.
Dried liver, fish skins, or freeze-dried meat — high value, slow-burning enrichment.
Small crunchy biscuits — most dog biscuits work.

Avoid wet, sticky, or oily foods on the fleece — they'll matt the fibres and shorten the mat's lifespan. Use the Caelo Mat for those.

The same portion rule applies: use your dog's normal daily allowance, not extra.

Making it last longer

For a longer session, hide the food in the deepest folds and tuck pieces under the layered flaps. Larger pieces of food take longer to extract. You can also tie the corners together loosely to create extra pockets.

Cleaning

Machine-washable on a normal cycle. Top of the load, gentle detergent, no fabric softener. Air dry flat — don't tumble dry, as the fleece may matt.

Between washes, a quick shake outside removes loose crumbs. A lint roller picks up dog hair.

Storage

Roll it up loosely. The fleece can be stored in a cupboard or drawer without losing shape.

How long they last

The Caelo Mat is food-grade silicone and should last years of regular feeding use. Retire and replace it if you see deep tears in the silicone, splits along the edges, or any piece small enough for a dog to swallow.

The Forage Mat is fleece and typically lasts 12 to 24 months with regular washing, depending on use. Retire it if the fleece becomes badly matted or torn, or if the fabric backing starts to come away.

Both are feeding surfaces, not chew toys — if your dog has started chewing the mat itself rather than working the food off it, take it away.