Passover Pet Food

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I recently got a pet dog and am not sure what to feed it over Passover. He is used to our food, however he does need his artificial bones or he will chew the furniture instead! What are the laws for dealing with pet food made of chametz? Obviously it isn't intended to be eaten by a Jew, but it is in our possession. Is there kosher for Passover dog food?

The Aish Rabbi Replies

Jews around the world are perplexed by what to feed the family pet during Passover. The Talmud states that not only is it forbidden for a Jew to eat chametz on Passover, but it is also forbidden to own chametz or to have any benefit from it.

Additionally, it is forbidden to have a non-Jew give your pet chametz since we are not to derive any benefit from chametz on Passover – and feeding your pet is regarded as "deriving benefit."

Yet... if the dog is not properly fed, he will chew the furniture instead! What to do?

You simply have to feed your pet human food that is kosher for Passover. Alternatively, there are stores which sell pet foods that are kosher for Passover, and may even ship nationally.

Also, it is permitted to feed pets kitniyot – rice, corn, soy beans, etc. – which Ashkenazi Jews do not eat on Passover.

If this becomes unusually difficult, there is a leniency to buy regular pet food. However this is providing that the food was not edible at all for humans before Passover, and cannot have possibly caused other food to become chametz. (sources: Biur Halacha 442:9 – "Ad"; Chazon Ish OC 116:8 – "V'Chol")

Even aquarium foods must not contain chametz. Most flake or pellet fish foods contain wheat products. This includes the most popular name brands such as Wardley's and Tetra-min. Alternative foods for your fish on Passover are the various freeze-dried worms, live food, or frozen foods. (Freeze-dried blood worms are commonly available – the icky name is only because of the red color.) Be sure to check the labels of any commercial foods.

Happy Passover! Woof woof!

(additional sources: Talmud – Pesachim 21a; Chayei Adam, Hilchot Pesach 121:7 and 124:12; Ohr Samayach – Hilchos Chametz 4:10)

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