A method of preparing an edible thermoplastic nutritious pet chew having an edible film coating comprising applying an aqueous solution or suspension of a cellulose ester and at least one hydrolysable nutrient or at least one heat labile nutrient to the uncoated pet chew； and drying the pet chew at a low temperature to form an edible film coating containing the nutrient, wherein the coating adheres to the pet chew, and wherein the nutrient in the coating is not degraded by heat and hydrolysis.
