Abstract: A composition for coating a pet treat or a particulate pet food includes: (a) from about 25 to about 100 weight % of edible hydrogenated animal fat and/or hydrogenated vegetable oil having a melting point between about 100 and about 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The coating composition preferably further includes: (b) from about 2 to about 75 weight % of an edible, natural and/or artificial flavorant; (c) from about 20 to about 75 weight % of an edible, inert filler component, such as maltodextrin, wheat or rice flour, corn syrup or sugar; (d) from about 0.05 to about 15 weight % of a nutritional additive, such as vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, digestive aids, or odor control ingredients; and (e) from about 0.01 to about 5% weight of an edible, artificial and/or natural colorant. Also included is a process for making a coated pet treat coating that does not involve baking on the coating.