A food composition is provided for a companion animal such as a dog or cat, the food composition comprising an extract of a herb or spice that comprises at least one compound selected from thymol and carvacrol as a substantial flavorant ingredient. A method is provided for enhancing palatability of a food composition to a companion animal, the method comprising adding to the composition a palatability enhancing effective amount of an extract of a herb or spice that comprises at least one compound selected from thymol and carvacrol as a substantial flavorant ingredient. A suitable extract is essential oil of oregano.