A soft and malleable (non-crumbly) consumable pet treat is provided. The pet treat has a peanut butter-like color. The pet treat comprises a substantially homogenous matrix comprising native and modified wheat starch, peanut flour, peanut butter, a liquid sweetener and a humectant, where the matrix binds or retains oil of peanut butter, so the treat does not have an oily or sticky surface. The homogenous texture matrix can be enriched in volatile compounds, which emit savory aromas. The pet treat has sufficient moisture to maintain the soft and malleable (non-crumbly) texture after packaging and throughout normal distribution to the end user. The pet treat is shelf stable and avoids spoilage, i.e., bacteria or fungal growth. The pet treat remains intact and does not excessively agglomerate in packaging. The pet treat can be unpackaged and handled without exposure to a bothersome sticky, oily, and/or crumbly mess.

A method of manufacturing a pet food may include retorting a composition comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of (i) yogurt, (ii) cheese and (iii) a combination of one or more hydrocolloids and at least one of an animal milk or a plant-based dairy alternative to form the shelf-stable pet food. A product may include the pet food and also a container housing the pet food, the container including instructions to administer the pet food to a pet, preferably a companion animal, most preferably a cat. A method of providing nutrition to a pet may include administering the pet food to a pet, preferably a companion animal, most preferably a cat. The pet food optionally consists of the retorted material. The pet food optionally is low in lactose or lactose-free and optionally includes no added sugar relative to that in the material subjected to the retorting.

A method of manufacturing a pet food may include retorting a composition comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of (i) yogurt, (ii) cheese and (iii) a combination of one or more hydrocolloids and at least one of an animal milk or a plant-based dairy alternative to form the shelf-stable pet food. A product may include the pet food and also a container housing the pet food, the container including instructions to administer the pet food to a pet, preferably a companion animal, most preferably a cat. A method of providing nutrition to a pet may include administering the pet food to a pet, preferably a companion animal, most preferably a cat. The pet food optionally consists of the retorted material. The pet food optionally is low in lactose or lactose-free and optionally includes no added sugar relative to that in the material subjected to the retorting.