Costume by Tail By The Lake.
The Jewish tradition of Passover starts from sundown. This is an eight-day spring celebration representing the freedom of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. The eating of unleavened bread during Passover is observed, and honors when the Israelites left Egypt. Jews do not eat – or keep in their possession – any chametz, or grains that can become chametz. These grains include; wheat, spelt, oats, barley, and rye.
If you’re a Jewish dog or cat parent this can spell “disaster” when it comes to feeding your furry friend. However, there are alternatives that won’t break any Jewish traditions.
Kosher Commercial Pet Foods
Believe it or not, you can purchase kosher pet foods online and in kosher grocery stores. This takes the guesswork out of breaking any rules and is convenient and easy to use. Most of these Kosher foods include a blend of rice, beans, and legumes. These are referred to as kitniyot.
Make Your Own
Making your own kosher pet food may be the fastest and easiest alternative. Plus, your pets may love the change. Foods such as boiled chicken, veggies, and starches like potatoes or rice all make a tasty meal and still fall under the laws of Passover. The only problem is, your pet may enjoy its fresh food so much it won’t want to go back to the processed blend.
Here are some more Kosher choices to feed your pet:
- Natural unsweetened yogurt; great source of calcium and protein
- Salmon is Kosher and great for your pets skin and immune system
- Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A)
- Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene and manganese
- Green beans make great treats and are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese.
- Cooked Eggs are a good source of protein, but never feed your dog a raw egg. You risk the chance of e coli and other deadly baterias
- Apples (without seeds) these make a great low-cal treat and are loaded with vitamins.
Sell Your Pet
Before you think I’ve lost my mind by suggesting you dump poor Fido, Jewish law permits the “selling” of your pet to a non-jewish friend or neighbor. This is basically just a temporary home where your pet can vacation while you’re completing the Passover traditions, and he doesn’t have to give up tasty treats.
Passover doesn’t have to be a huge challenge when it comes to keeping your pet kosher. Even Rabbi Bergman says he approves of the pet food made kosher for Passover if it makes things easier for people during the holiday. But, he quipped, “I don’t know any cats or dogs who can speak Hebrew.”
Foods Fido Should Definitely “Pass Over”
Even though certain food are still kosher, it doesn’t mean your dog should have it. Check out this list of kosher foods that are still dangerous to your pet.
- Avocados; All aspect of the avocado, including plant and pit, contain ‘persin’ which is highly toxic to dogs
- Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain as on a human. However, the effects are intensified and takes less to do permanent damage
- Onions and Garlic can destroy red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia
- Coffee/tea/caffeine in large quantities can be fatal to dogs and there is no antidote
- Grapes & Raisins can cause kidney failure
- Chocolate contains theobromine, and even in miniscule quantities can still cause death to your dog
If you want your pet to be perfectly ready for Passover, and many other occasions, you can find cute outfits and other pet products for them on the Tail By The Lake website. Baby Hope sure enjoyed her costume very much!
Have a safe and happy Passover!
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