A method is described for producing safe, minimally processed, dry pet foods with high natural nutrient values. This is achieved by avoidance of potentially harmful artificial additives or supplements, removal of potential contaminations, and by utilizing unprocessed or minimally processed, high-quality, all human-grade, and mostly organic, whole food ingredients, as well as a low-heat temperature drying process. During the low-heat drying process, the product (dough) is never exposed to temperatures exceeding 38.degree. C. (100.4.degree. F.). Such low-heat drying is believed to preserve more of the naturally occurring nutrients of the ingredients in the end product than is possible with conventional high-heat processing.