Feeding your pets on Shabbat TB Shabbat 155

Saturday’s daf is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz z”l

 We learned all the way back on TB Berakhot 40a that we are obligated to feed our animals before we sit down to eat. “Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: One is prohibited from eating before feeding his animals, as it is stated: “And I will give grass in your fields for your animals” first and only then: “And you shall eat and be satisfied” (Deuteronomy 11:15). In the verse, preparation of food for one’s cattle precedes preparation of his own food. Consequently, it is considered part of the preparation for one’s own meal.” (Sefaria.org translation) Since our animals depend upon us for their well-being, the Torah commands us to show them kindness and not be cruel in our interactions with them, צער בעלי חיים.

 The Mishnah on daf TB 155 discusses the Shabbat restrictions when feeding our animals. “One may untie peki’in of grain before an animal on Shabbat, and one may spread the kifin but not the zirin. These terms will be explained in the Gemara. One may not crush hay or carobs before an animal on Shabbat in order to facilitate its eating. He may do so neither for a small animal [daka] nor for a large one. Rabbi Yehuda permits to do so with carobs for a small animal, because it can swallow the hard carobs only with difficulty.” (Sefaria.org translation)

 Rav Huna and Rav Yehuda disagree on the meaning of the Mishnah. Nearly all the poskim decide Jewish law based on Rav Yehuda’s understanding the Mishnah. “What is the reason for Rav Yehuda’s opinion? He holds the opposite of Rav Huna’s opinion. He holds that with regard to rendering food edible, one may render it so; however, with regard to exerting oneself on Shabbat with food that is already in an edible state, one may not exert himself.” (Sefaria.org translation) We must take care of our animals’ needs first even on Shabbat. Nevertheless since we are commanded to rest on Shabbat, we should not over exert ourselves, tirkha yetayra - טרחה יתרה, while feeding them. (Shulkhan Arukh, Orekh Hayyim, 124:4)

 I’ll let you decide what constitutes tirkha yetayra when taking care of your pets on Shabbat.