Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an improved shelf-stable food, which is reliably stable against microbial attack without need to resort to pasteurization. The disclosed food products contain a preservative system comprising an aromatic alcohol selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethanol, sec-phenyl ethanol, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, 1-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-phenyl-2-propanol, 1-phenyl-2-butanol, 2-phenyl-1-butanol, 3-phenyl-1-butanol, 4-phenyl-2-butanol, dl-1-phenyl-2-pentanol, 5-phenyl-1-pentanol, 4-phenyl-1-butanol, and combinations of these. The products can be nutritionally-balanced pet food and contain moisture contents within the range of from about 12 to 80%. According to a preferred embodiment, the amount of aromatic alcohol will comprise from about 0.75 to about 1.25% of the moisture content of the food. The food products are stabilized against microbial growth including bacteria, molds and yeasts, as well as against infestation by mites.