Is pet food automatically Kosher for Passover?
Pet food has only one kashrut restriction, which applies year-round: a product that contains both meat and dairy ingredients cannot be used. During Pesach, there are additional rules to follow, such as not owning or benefiting from chametz fit for human or canine consumption. Therefore, feeding chametz pet food to an animal is forbidden. Some pet foods may qualify for leniencies if they are not fit for human consumption, but most modern-day pet food does not meet this criteria. Although Ashkenazic Jews traditionally avoid kitniyot, they are allowed to own and benefit from them and can feed them to their pets. The Chicago Kashrut Authority called cRc certifies certain varieties of pet food as kosher for Pesach by visiting the factory to ensure they meet the requirements.
Check out the cute Passover Matzah Pet range from The Kosher Hub
For example the cRc certifies chametz-free formulas, eliminating the responsibility for consumers to ensure it. They also check for milk and meat mixtures. However, if certified or recommended pet food is not available, consumers should read the ingredient panel carefully to check for chametz, which is present in many pet foods. Check for the five chametz grains
- wheat,
- barley,
- rye,
- oats,
- spelt
and other chametz ingredients such as
- brewer’s yeast,
- malt,
- pasta,
- xanthan gum,
- flour,
- gluten,
- middlings,
- starch.
If any of these are present, the pet food cannot be used on Pesach. Some animal feed contains chametz-based vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are difficult for consumers to determine.
What ingredients are Kosher for Passover for Pets?
Here are some common pet food ingredients that are considered kosher for Pesach:
a. Animal, poultry, and fish products
b. Vegetables like alfalfa, asparagus, beets, and carrots
c. Kitniyot foods such as buckwheat, corn products, lentils, millet, peas, rice, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and soy products
d. Other items like barley grass, BHA, BHT, carrageenan, cellulose, colors, eggs, gums (excluding xanthan gum), kelp, lactose, linseed, milk products, molasses, oils, psyllium, and whey.
Note that this list does not cover all pet food ingredients, and it is recommended to consult a kashrut professional if there is uncertainty about any other ingredients.
During Pesach, it is not advisable to buy or give animals at zoos any feed as it may contain chametz. However, after Pesach, pet food that has chametz can be obtained from stores that are not Jewish-owned such as PetSmart or Petco. Alternatively, Jewish-owned stores that have sold their chametz can also be considered for purchasing such pet food.
It is recommended to gradually introduce a new pet food for Pesach by mixing the year-round choice and Pesach food together for one to two weeks prior to the holiday.
This should be done before completely switching to Pesach food. The ratio of regular and Pesach food should be slowly adjusted during this time to help the animal adjust to the new diet.
This gradual process can prevent any potential painful digestive issues for the pet and allow it to adapt to the new food.
The following is a list of pet foods approved for Pesach 2023 .
Make sure to check all labels. There are some Evanger’s products that are acceptable for pet use on Pesach, even though the label does not mention “Passover”.
For any questions contact the Kashrut Authority for clarification
Kosher for Passover Food for Dogs
Kosher for Passover food for Cats
Evangers:
Complements: 100% Beef; 100% Buffalo; 100% Chicken; 100%
Duck; 100% Quail; 100% Salmon; 100% Sweet Potato
USDA Organic: 100% Organic Chicken; 100% Organic Turkey
with Potatoes and Carrots; Organic Beef Dinner; Organic
Chicken & Turkey
Heritage Classics: Beef, Chicken, & Liver; Beef with Chicken;
Cooked Chicken, Senior Dinner
Super Premium: Beef Dinner; Chicken Dinner, Duck and
Sweet Potatoes Dinner; Lamb and Rice Dinner
Hand Packed: Braised Beef Chunks with Gravy; Catch of the
Day; Hunk of Beef; Whole Chicken Thighs
Evanger’s: Organic Braised Chicken Dinner; Organic Turkey
and Butternut Squash; Organic Beef Dinner; Seafood & Caviar
Dinner; Holistic Quail Dinner; Wild Salmon
For DOGS AND CATS:
Evanger’s Treats for Dogs and Cats: Freeze-Dried Beef
Liver; Freeze-Dried Beef Tripe; Freeze-Dried Wild Salmon
