A method for rendering animal materials is provided that includes the steps of providing one or more animal materials, and applying an amount of a chelating solution to the animal materials prior to heating the materials in a cooker. The method further includes the step of heating the materials to thereby release at least some water and fat from the material, and then pressing the materials to further release water and fat from the materials. An antioxidant composition is further applied to the materials to provide rendered animal materials having an increased quality and long-term stability.
