Kosher, Doggie Style

Dear Davi,

I know I need to keep away from bread and leavened food during Passover, but what do I do about my dog, Marv?

Naomi

Naomi,

With the holiday of Passover starting at sundown on Friday, Jewish homes all over the world are busy scouring to remove all traces of chametz, or leavened grains from the kitchen. Some families even switch their dog’s food to something a little more kosher.

For most people, Passover means one thing: no bread. The reality is that Jewish folks can’t eat, own or benefit from chametz. Since many types of pet food contain chametz-which includes wheat, barley, oats and yeast-families with pets must come up with ways to follow the law.

While canines are not required to keep kosher the same way humans do, they must be fed using stricter guidelines. Non-kosher (treif) foods include any meat from a pig or shellfish. All-beef hamburgers are fine, but they’ll never get their paws on a cheeseburger in a kosher home-because meat and dairy cannot mix.

There are kosher pet foods and treats for those who want to keep kosher. This takes the guesswork out of breaking any Jewish traditions or laws and it’s convenient and easy. Among some of my favorite brands are Acana, Evanger’s, Fromm and Weruva.

Quite simply, any pet food that doesn’t have grains qualifies as Passover-friendly. Though there’s no direction by Jewish law decreeing pets must observe kosher restrictions, if you do so, it’s best to feed dogs and cats grain-free foods that are highly recommended for quality, healthfulness and taste.

If your pup wants to partake in a Passover Seder, grab a water bowl and circle it with six little plates. Here’s what you’ll need, doggie style:

Maror (bitter herb): Bitter herbs signify the bitterness of the slavery of the Jews. If you want your dog to still love you at Seder’s end, replace the herbs with fresh romaine lettuce. Chomping on leafy greens can fulfill this mitzvah.

Charoset (sweet apple & nut paste): The tasty mix represents the mortar and brick used to build in Egypt. But nuts can be harmful, so fill the plate with chopped apples. They’re a good source of vitamin A and C and have lots of fiber!

Karpas (green herb): Parsley dipped in saltwater symbolizes the tears of the Israelites. Noshing this can also treat bad breath!

Z’roa (lamb shank): The Z’roa is placed on the plate to represent an offering to the temple. Dehydrated treats are a tasty alternative for this symbol.

Beitzah (roasted egg): Eggs are a symbol of rebirth, and a safe, delicious way to celebrate life.

Matzo (unleavened bread): Matzo is the bread of freedom, but a mouthful can upset a tummy. Just a nibble is enough to retell the tale.

It’s interesting to note dogs actually play a significant role in the Jewish faith. It’s said that during the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, not a single dog barked. So, it’s tradition to reward dogs with leftover meat or kosher treats during the Passover celebration.

Chag Pesach Sameach!