Blessing pets food?

[newcalling]

Many people, including me, say a prayer of thanks and asking for blessing of our food before we eat. Does anyone bless their pet’s food before feeding them? Are there sanctioned prayers for the purpose? Maybe something frfrom Saint Francis of Assisi? I know that there is an annual blessing of the animals in many places. I don’t know, but would a prayer of thanks for our animal friends and the ability to feed them quality food be appropriate? If not at every feeding, maybe when a new bag or bunch of cans is brought home? I’m a new Catholic, still going through rcia, and I was just curious if anyone does anything like that and if it is appropriate to do so at all. I’m incredibly grateful for my cat, and I do thank God for him and for all pets.

 

[johnnyt3000]

I have never heard of that. I myself have a dog. I guess before we our pets eat we can pray something like “God, please bless (pet’s name)'s food”.

 

[thistle]

Many people, including me, say a prayer of thanks and asking for blessing of our food before we eat. Does anyone bless their pet’s food before feeding them? Are there sanctioned prayers for the purpose? Maybe something frfrom Saint Francis of Assisi? I know that there is an annual blessing of the animals in many places. I don’t know, but would a prayer of thanks for our animal friends and the ability to feed them quality food be appropriate? If not at every feeding, maybe when a new bag or bunch of cans is brought home? I’m a new Catholic, still going through rcia, and I was just curious if anyone does anything like that and if it is appropriate to do so at all. I’m incredibly grateful for my cat, and I do thank God for him and for all pets.

No I don’t bless the food of my dog and cat and have no intention of starting to do it.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

No I don’t bless the food of my dog and cat and have no intention of starting to do it.

Same with me, but I don’t see why you can’t ask blessing for anything you consider important.

I might even say a prayer of thanksgiving for the companionship afforded by the pets the Lord created, whether coincident with meal times or not.

 

[NeedsMercy]

Considering the garbage that is put into most commercial pet foods, I would say that a blessing would definitely be in order. That being said, I have not heard of a formal blessing per se, but I can’t see why an invented one wouldn’t work just as well. And I don’t see why saying any blessing would be objectionable.

Here are a couple of prayers asking for God and the saints to bless our pets. Maybe you could tailor them for the express purpose of making them prayers before mealtimes.

O Lord,
Every creature,
in every forest, field, and home,
belongs to you, and is under your loving care.
May your blessing be upon this dog,
and, in your great kindness,
Keep (him, her) safe from all harm.
We pray that you would show forth
your eternal love and mercy,
in the companionship and friendship
that this dog provides. Amen

(David Bennett)

Dearest God, Heavenly Father, Maker of all living creatures, I ask You to bless my pet…By the power of Your love, enable…to live according to Your plan. I thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for the love, compassion and joy that I receive each day from…We give praise and thanks dear God for all creatures that You give us here on earth. Amen.

Good St. Francis, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you, they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness.

St. Francis, patron saint of all animals, watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.