Since most pet foods are made with non-kosher meats, meat by-products, or flavorings, it is important to keep pet food away from kosher utensils and dishes.
It is not, however, forbidden for Jewish individuals to feed their pets non-kosher food; the laws of kashrut specifically apply to human beings, not to the animals they own. For practical reasons, however, one should maintain a special set of utensils for opening, scooping, and serving pet foods.
The situation on Passover is different.
Concerned pet owners should consult with their rabbis about the use of pet foods on Passover, as many are made with ingredients that may not be permitted in Jewish homes on Passover regardless of whether they are ingested only by pets.
Adapted with permission from The Observant Life.
