Abstract: A chewy, semi-plastic, non-porous, microbiologically-stable dog food which includes: 12 to about 30 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the dog food, of gelatin; at least one acidulant; at least one cereal starch-containing textural agent; at least one release agent; at least one taste agent; at least one sugar; salt; and added water. The dog food is in a compacted form. The dog food has a pH of about 3 to 5, and has a moisture content of about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based upon the weight of the dog food. The process for preparing the dog food includes: (a) mixing the dry components and liquid components with low speed agitation and continuing the mixing until a dough is obtained; (b) forming the dough by compacting into compacted dog snacks or biscuits; (c) conditioning the compacted dough at 185.degree. to 200.degree. F. for about 7 to 8 minutes; and (d) packaging the compacted dog snacks or biscuits in a protective package.