In Jain Dharma, the answer is no – you should not feed an animal meat, even if it is starving.

Very simply:

1. Ahimsa (non‑violence) is the highest rule

- Killing an animal for its flesh, or using already‑killed flesh, is considered himsa (violence). - This applies in both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions. There is no allowance for meat as “necessary” food.

1. One violence to save from another violence is not accepted

- To “save” a starving dog by giving it meat means: - Another animal was killed, or its body is being used. - You support and continue that cycle of killing. - In Jain view, this does not reduce total himsa; it simply shifts it.

1. What can you do instead?

- Feed the animal non‑violent food (grain, roti, rice, vegetarian dog food, etc.). - Give water, shade, care, medical help if possible. - Do daan (charity) to organizations that feed animals with vegetarian food.

1. Spiritual principle behind this

- We are responsible for our own karmic bondage. - Feeling compassion (daya) is good, but it must be expressed in a non‑violent way. - Intention + act both matter: if the act itself is based on killing, it binds paap (bad karma), even if the intention feels “kind”.

So, according to Jain Dharma:

• Do help the starving animal
• But do not use meat to do so.