Kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods including a vegetable protein-based core matrix and a coating of a fat and at least one additive are described. The coating may include a probiotic enriched coating. Methods of forming the kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods are also described. Probiotic coating for a kibble showing acceptable stability and bioactivity are disclosed and methods for assessing the bioactivity of a probiotic in a food composition are also described.