Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for preparing shelf-stable, intermediate-moisture pet foods. The process provides a new meat storage unit operation wherein the meats are ground, slurried in flowable form in a preservative solution, and stored in slurry form. The preservative system will preferably comprise the liquid preservatives employed in the final pet food product. According to the best mode, ground raw meat is slurried with a solution containing propylene glycol, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate and phosphoric acid to achieve a slurry pH of from 4.8 to 5.5. The slurry is stored at a temperature of between 30.degree. and 60.degree. C. The new unit operation of storing meats eliminates the labor, energy and capital intensive storage of meats in frozen or refrigerated form.