A simple enrichment recipe for noisy evenings
Firework Night can be a difficult evening for many dogs, so having a few calming dog enrichment ideas ready can help keep them occupied while the bangs are happening outside.
This Banana & Chamomile Lick Mat combines mashed banana, oats and a small amount of cooled chamomile tea to create a soft, spreadable dog treat. Licking and foraging activities can help give dogs something positive to focus on, making this easy vegan dog enrichment recipe a lovely addition to your Firework Night routine.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 2–3 tbsp weak, cooled plain chamomile tea
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
Use plain chamomile tea only, with no caffeine, sweeteners, flavourings or additional herbs.
Method
- Make a weak cup of plain chamomile tea and allow it to cool completely.
- Mash the banana thoroughly in a bowl.
- Stir in the applesauce.
- Add the rolled oats.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cooled chamomile tea and mix.
- Add a little more tea if needed until you have a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Spread a thin layer over your dog's lick mat.
- Serve immediately, or place in the freezer for 30–60 minutes for a longer-lasting enrichment activity.
- Always supervise your dog while using a lick mat.
A little distraction when the skies get noisy
This homemade Firework Night dog treat is less about creating a magical calming ingredient and more about giving your dog something enjoyable and familiar to focus on. Pair it with their usual safe space, curtains closed and whatever Firework Night routine works best for them.
A note from our Soopa Nutritionist: Suitable for all healthy dogs over 3 months old. Replace oats and oat flour with wholemeal or spelt flour to make it more suitable for diabetic dogs. Not sutiable for dogs with CKD stage 3-4. These pups could replace the banana with extra apple sauce!
