Compositions and methods are provided to increase the palatability of dry pet foods. The compositions comprise sorbic acid and/or a salt thereof. The compositions and methods increase the palatability without loss of crunchiness of the dry kibbles over an extended time period. The sorbic acid and/or salt thereof can be used in the base composition of the dry pet food and/or in a coating on the dry pet food, and the sorbic acid and/or salt thereof can be used without affecting the product structure.
