I have been searching high and low for a dog food mat that doesn't look filthy after my dog eats one meal, and actually covers the width of her dish tray. This has been great. After a variety of cloth mats, placemats, and floor mats, this is the right size and the right color to fit my kitchen and catch the messes that are made by the dog. The dog. It seems to absorb any spills from her water dish. It's easy to wash. And a great alternative. I'm certain that it's an excellent counter mat for appliances like the coffee pot or Keurig pot, but my appreciation is it in the functionality as a dog mat.