on Passover Pet Food

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR)

Although one is allowed to feed pets nonkosher foods, there are still kashrut issues that one has to be aware of. Throughout the year, not only are we commanded not to eat foods that contain a meat and milk mixture, one is also not allowed to derive benefit from them. Feeding pets these foods is considered a derived benefit and, therefore, it is forbidden. On Passover, we are commanded not to eat chametz, nor may we derive benefit from or own it. Having pet food which contains chametz in one’s possession during Passover transgresses this prohibition.

Ashkenazi Jews who do not eat kitniyot are allowed to feed kitniyot to their pets on Passover. The Torah’s prohibition of eating, owning, and deriving benefit from chametz is limited to the five grains –wheat, barley, oats, rye, and spelt. As an extra safeguard, Ashkenazi Jews have been instructed to avoid kitniyot as well. (See article on kitniyot in this guide.) This safeguard prohibits eating kitniyot, but does not forbid owning and deriving benefit from kitniyot. Therefore, one may feed kitniyot to pets on Passover.

What should one be aware of when buying pet food?

DOGS & CATS

Throughout the year, one has to make sure that pet food with meat does not contain dairy. When it comes to regular food, we are forbidden to have dairy mixed with any sort of meat or poultry, however, with pet food it is only forbidden to have dairy mixed with beef. It is not a problem if dairy is mixed with poultry, fowl, or meat from a non-kosher species (i.e. pork). Therefore, if the label states “beef”, “lamb”, “meat”, or a similar declaration it must not have dairy ingredients. “Animal fat” should be considered as an ingredient that cannot be mixed with dairy. Whey and casein are some of the not-so-obvious dairy ingredients that could be found in pet food For Passover, pet food cannot have chametz ingredients. Ingredients made from wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt, pasta, and brewer’s yeast are chametz. Also, note that “starch” could be wheat starch and should be avoided.

Kitniyot ingredients are permitted. Common kitniyot ingredients are: beans, buckwheat, corn, millet, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum and soybeans.

Be careful with pet foods that are “gluten free” as they still may contain chametz ingredients. “Grain free” pet foods seem not to be a problem, but make sure to check the ingredient label.

FISH, BIRDS & SMALL ANIMALS

Feed for fish, birds, and small animals have a unique challenge as many feeds are grain based. Reading the ingredient panel is imperative. Since some people have difficulty finding suitable pet food, there are those who make their own homemade “Kosher for Passover” pet food. It is recommended to speak with a pet food specialist for advice as to what to feed your pets. It is also a good idea to start acclimating your pet to its new Passover diet for a little while before Passover. Also, beware that although some reptile foods are not a problem, the feed might be packaged with oatmeal or wheat flakes, which is chametz

Below are a few chametz-free options:

While it seems like a good solution, it is not simple to halachically avoid the issue by giving your pet to a non-Jew for Passover. If you wish to do so, you must discuss this issue with your rabbi.

As always, if you have any questions about specific ingredients please call the COR and we will be pleased to assist. g

Spray Millet for Birds Alfalfa Hay & Cubes

For fish. (Please read ingredients to verify that the pet food is chametz-free. Similar looking items might contain chametz).

Pet food may contain nonkosher ingredients.

Pet food may not contain a mixture of meat (beef) and milk. This applies year-round.

Pet food may contain a mixture of pork and milk.

Pet food may contain a mixture of poultry and milk.

During Passover, pet food may not contain any chametz

During Passover, pet food that is chametz should be sold with the rest of your chametz

During Passover, avoid the following ingredients: wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt, brewer’s yeast, and starch.

During Passover, pet food may contain kitniyot

During Passover, be careful with foods for fish, birds, and small animals.

During Passover, double-check the ingredient panels even if the food is grain or gluten free.

Below is a list that addresses common scenarios for those people who are not staying home for Pesach

Primary Residence

If leaving more than 30 days before Pesach (and not returning until after Pesach):

• No bedika required

• Must sell chametz and must declare Kol Chamira before the latest time for owning chametz on erev Pesach

If leaving less than 30 days before Pesach:

• Bedika required

• Must be performed at night by candlelight during the night before you leave this location

• No bracha is said

• Kol Chamira is said, however, substitute bershusi (in my possession) with bebaisa hadain (in this house).

• One could also appoint a shaliach (agent) to perform the bedika on his behalf on erev Pesach.

• It is generally more appropriate to perform the bedika than to absolve oneself by selling the entire house on the 13th of Nissan. In case of need, speak to your rabbi.

• Must sell chametz and must declare the regular Kol Chamira before the latest time for owning chametz on erev Pesach