A process of forming a gelatin-based animal treat is provided. The process comprises forming a composition comprising a gelatin component, a carbohydrate material, and an aqueous liquid. The compositions comprising the animal treat general have less than about 1% by weight of acidulants and a pH from about 5.5 to about 8.0. Once the composition is introduced into a product mold, it is allowed to cool and harden into the gelatin-based treat product. Thus, the animal treats are cold-setting and do not require additional heating, cooking, or baking to form the final product. Optionally, the animal treat can be used as a carrier to deliver a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compound to the animal through ingestion.
