Feeding Animals Food Fit for Human Consumption
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Hello, Is it permissible to feed animals food that is fit for human consumption for enjoyment, or is it considered 'bal tashchit', such as feeding animals in a petting zoo food that is fit for humans for your enjoyment? Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello
It is forbidden to feed animals food that is fit for human consumption.
However, if there is no other food available, it is permitted.
Source
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Ta'anit, page 20b
Food fit for human consumption should not be fed to animals.
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 171, S"K 11
It is stated in the Gemara [Ta'anit 20] that Rav Huna holds that food fit for human consumption should not be fed to animals [and birds]. However, in Aruch HaShulchan, there is doubt whether the law follows Rav Huna in this matter, and in Machatzit HaShekel, it is reasoned that if there is no other food to feed except food fit for human consumption, it is permitted according to all opinions, and perhaps for this reason, it is customary to feed birds bread.
Section 2