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; 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 is not degraded by heat and hydrolysis.