Question:
Where in the Torah is it stated that I must feed my dog before I feed myself?
Answer:
We are indeed commanded to feed our animals before feeding ourselves. The Talmud (Gittin 62a) writes, "Rabbi Judah said in the name of Rav, 'It is forbidden for a person to eat before feeding his animals, as it is written (Deuteronomy 11:15), 'I will give grass in your fields for your animals,' and only afterwards does the Torah say, 'And you will eat and be sated.'"
This law is only one of the regulations enacted -- both by the Torah and by the Sages -- to protect and safeguard our four-legged friends. We praise G‑d for having mercy on all His creatures (Psalms 145:9.), and it is incumbent upon us to emulate His compassionate example.
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