Abstract: Nutritionally balanced, firm, flexible gels are prepared in shapes attractive to animals, e.g. in the shape of fish for fish-eating animals, the gels comprising: A. At least one gelling agent, e.g. a gelatin and/or a gum; B. At least one animal protein; and C. Water. The gel optionally comprises other nutritionally valuable ingredients such as various oils and fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and the like. In one embodiment, the gel is prepared by first blending the appropriate ingredients into a homogenous mass, casting the mass into a block, and then cutting the block into the desired shapes using a patterned cutter.