HICOOI 36x24 Silicone Dog Food Mat Review

Intro

The HICOOI 36" x 24" pet feeding mat aims to do two simple things well: keep food and water mess off floors and make cleanup quick. The listing positions it as a large, waterproof silicone mat with diversion grooves and a raised edge to trap spills. Owner feedback shows it generally delivers on containment, flexibility, and non‑slip performance — but several real‑use notes matter for gift shoppers: puppies and aggressive chewers have damaged a few, the listing contains mixed care instructions, and the mat’s thin, flexible profile is a deliberate design tradeoff (portable and easy to store, not a rigid splash barrier).

What it is / first look

At face value this is a single-component silicone feeding mat sized 36 x 24 x 0.75 inches and weighing 2.78 pounds (model D202506, manufacturer YITOUU; brand HICOOI). The listing describes the mat as waterproof, featuring diversion grooves and a 0.75" raised outer lip to help contain spills, and lists the material type as silicone. The product page also labels the material "food-grade silicone" in its feature bullets and calls the mat non‑slip with a minimalist look intended to blend into modern homes.

Owners repeatedly describe the mat as very flexible — easy to pick up, bend, and rinse — and note that it lays flat quickly after shipping folds. The surface has ribs/diversion grooves that channel liquid toward the collection area, and the edges are high enough in everyday scenarios to stop thin overflows or drips.

Who this is a good gift for

Be specific when you gift this: the mat is a utility item that’s best for practical pet households rather than novelty or highly personal presents. Here are the recipient types and why it fits them.

The messy, slobbery large-dog owner

• Why it fits: Owners report the 36" x 24" coverage handles big bowls, water fountains, and big splashes from large breeds — one owner praised it specifically for a Great Pyrenees-level mess. The raised edge and grooves help keep liquids on the mat rather than the floor.
• Assumption: Recipient is not an aggressive chewer (see safety section).

The multi‑pet household or new two‑cat home

• Why it fits: The size is large enough to hold multiple bowls or water dishes; owners bought it after adding a second cat and found it practical for keeping both feeding spots tidy.
• Assumption: Recipient needs a larger footprint and values easy cleaning.

The apartment dweller who hates stains

• Why it fits: Waterproof silicone and a raised lip mean tile or hardwood floors are protected. The minimalist colors are meant to blend with home decor.
• Assumption: They have enough floor space for a 36" x 24" mat.

The litter‑box improver or indoor plant user

• Why it fits: Multiple owners repurposed the mat under litter boxes or plant pots to catch scattered litter or stray water — the mat’s flexibility makes it easy to lift and shake out debris.
• Assumption: They want a soft, washable surface rather than a hard plastic tray.

The gift to avoid if you’re unsure

• If the recipient has a chewer or a dog that often upends giant bowls, this is a riskier, lower-confidence gift — see the "Who should skip it" section.

In daily use

Don’t overthink it: owners describe real‑world performance in three practical areas — containment, cleaning, and stability.

Containment

On containment the mat generally succeeds. The listing calls out a 0.75" raised edge and diversion grooves; owners say those features do keep water and scattered kibble from reaching surrounding floors during normal mealtimes. Several buyers noted the mat is "big enough" for large bowls and water fountains, and that the combination of grooves plus the edge collects overflow without requiring immediate floor cleaning.

Cleaning and storage

Owners value the mat’s flexibility: it’s easy to pick up, bend, and shake off dry debris, or carry to a sink for rinsing. The listing gives two different care cues — the product care line reads "Hand Wash Only," while the bullet features say it can be placed in the dishwasher — so check the current listing or manufacturer guidance if dishwasher use matters to you. Even with careful users, people praise the fact that the mat lays flat straightaway after being unrolled or folded in shipping, which avoids an awkward curling edge at mealtime.

Stability and non‑slip

The mat is described as non‑slip, and owners report it stays in place even with an enthusiastic pet. The ribbed or anti‑slip surface helps keep bowls steady during feeding. If your bowls are very heavy or your pet flips them intentionally, owner comments suggest the mat will mitigate routine sliding but won’t stop an extreme upend.

Repurposing

Several buyers used multiple mats around the house — under litter boxes, pee pads, plant pots, and extra‑large bowls — and praised the versatility. The listing itself highlights multipurpose use beyond pet feeding, so this is an explicit design intent that owners appear to take advantage of.

Materials & build quality

Listing facts: the product is listed as silicone (Material Type: Silicone) and the feature bullets describe it as "food‑grade silicone" that’s waterproof and soft. The mat measures 36 x 24 x 0.75 inches and comes as a single included component (a mat). Product care in the specs says "Hand Wash Only," while the marketing bullets also reference dishwasher cleaning — that discrepancy is in the listing as provided.

Owner observations: buyers repeatedly describe the mat as flexible, thin but not flimsy, and easy to fold or roll for storage. Several owners call the finish "quality" and say it lays flat after being shipped folded. At least one owner who used it under heavy wear felt it was durable so far; another said their Malinois puppy chewed a mat into pieces within minutes, then bought a replacement because they liked the product otherwise. That creates a pattern: the material seems sturdy enough for normal feeding and household debris, but not chew‑proof against determined puppy jaws.

How that reads for gifting: as a physical build, this is a flexible silicone mat meant to be portable and easy to clean rather than a heavyweight rigid tray. If the recipient wants a firm, puncture‑resistant base, this design may not match that expectation.

Safety considerations

This mat has a few safety cues to weigh before buying as a gift.

• Food-contact material claim: the listing describes the material as "food‑grade silicone." Treat that as a manufacturer/listing claim — verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation if that matters for your recipient.
• Containment vs big upends: the 0.75" raised edge and diversion grooves are helpful for normal spills, but owners warn the mat won’t stop a determined large‑bowl upend. If the recipient has a dog that flips bowls, expect floor cleanup to still be possible after extreme incidents.
• Chewing risk: multiple owners reported durability in ordinary use, but at least one owner wrote that their Malinois puppy chewed the mat apart in minutes. That’s real owner‑reported evidence that aggressive chewers can damage the mat and create small pieces — a potential choking or ingestion hazard. For households with destructive chewers, the mat is higher risk.
• Edges and trip risk: owners generally note the mat stays flat and lays flat quickly from shipping folds; it isn’t described as rigid or raised enough to be a trip hazard in ordinary placement, but confirm placement in walkways if that’s a concern.

Who should skip it

• Homes with aggressive chewers or very young puppies that mouth and tear things — owners report at least one instance of a puppy chewing the mat into pieces.
• Buyers expecting a rigid, heavy, or puncture‑resistant tray — the mat is intentionally flexible and relatively thin by owners’ descriptions.
• People who need a mat to stop intentional large-bowl upends — the edge helps with drips and small overflows, but it won’t fully protect against a bowl flipped on purpose.

Verdict

Best as a practical, low‑drama gift when the recipient is a regular dog or cat owner who wants a large, easy‑to‑clean surface that blends into home decor. The HICOOI 36" x 24" silicone mat accomplishes its core goals: it offers wide coverage, grooves and a raised edge to trap spills, and a flexible design that makes cleaning and storage simple. Owners consistently praise the size, non‑slip feel, and the mat’s usefulness under litter boxes and large bowls.

Gift caveats: watch for chewers and double‑check the care instructions on the current listing (the product care spec lists "Hand Wash Only," while product bullets note dishwasher safety). Also measure the intended feeding area before buying — the mat is large and needs enough floor space to sit flat and do its job.

Check before you buy (short checklist)

• Measure the feeding area — mat dimensions are 36 x 24 x 0.75 inches.
• Confirm the recipient’s pets aren’t aggressive chewers (owners report at least one verified chew incident).
• Decide which color to get: Grey, Black, or Khaki (available colors listed below).
• Verify cleaning preference with the recipient: the listing shows both "Hand Wash Only" and dishwasher compatibility in different spots.
• Confirm the recipient needs a flexible mat (portable, storable) rather than a rigid tray.

Colors available

• Grey
• Black
• Khaki

Available colors are shown above and are reported in the product listing.

FAQ

1. Is this mat actually 36" x 24"?

   The listing specifies the dimensions as 36 x 24 x 0.75 inches (product dimensions). Buyers repeatedly confirm that the mat fits large bowls and offers broad coverage.

2. What material is the mat made from, and is it safe for food areas?

   The product is listed as silicone and the feature bullets describe it as "food‑grade silicone." That wording is a listing/manufacturer claim; verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation if you need formal material certification.

3. How high is the raised edge?

   The listing calls out a raised edge of 0.75" to help contain spills.

4. Can I put this mat in the dishwasher?

   The product copy contains conflicting instructions: the general product care field reads "Hand Wash Only," while the feature bullets also state it can be placed in the dishwasher. The listing is inconsistent on this point; check the current product page or manufacturer guidance before using a dishwasher.

5. Will it stop my dog from tipping the water bowl?

   Owners say the non‑slip surface and ribs help keep bowls steady and contain normal splashes, but several note the mat won’t fully prevent a deliberate, heavy bowl upend. If your dog frequently flips heavy bowls, the mat reduces everyday mess but isn’t a guaranteed solution to extreme upends.

6. Is this suitable for litter boxes or plant pots?

   Yes. Multiple owners repurposed this mat under litter boxes and plant pots and found it effective at catching scattered litter and leaked water, due to its size and ease of cleaning.

7. How durable is it over time?

   Owner reports show generally favorable durability for normal feeding use: many buyers describe the mat as lasting and staying flat. However, at least one owner reported a puppy chewing the mat apart quickly. Durability looks good for standard use but is not chew‑proof against determined puppies.