Meat
Meat is the flesh of animals and provides much needed protein for teeth and bones. Animals also produce milk, honey and eggs for human consumption as well, though these products are produced without killing the animals; Though one might note that a fertilized egg will never hatch into a chicken. Eggs we eat are generally unfertilized.
Since the fall of Adam, mankind has used animals for food. Adam and his righteous posterity also engaged in animal sacrifice. In all likelihood the meat was eaten by proper people in proper circumstances.
After the Exodus, part of the law of Moses was dietery restricions on what animals could and could not be eaten. Animals that had cloven hoofs and chewed there cud were allowed to be eaten but animals that did not chew there cud of have cloven hooves were forbidden. So CAttle and Sheep were permitted to be eaten while Hogs and horses were forbidden. Jews today still obtain from Pork.
Likewise there was a complex diet for Birds and fish as well. While Isreals neighbors ate animals forbidden by law of Moses Isreal themself abstained. A classic story is Daniel and his Three friends who refused to eat the kings meat but only ate what was allowed by law of moses and were greatly blessed. A modern parrelel would be Latter day Saints blessed with Wisdom for keeping present Word of Wisdom.
After the ressurection Peter was given a revelation saying to eat Unclean beast. Was at first reluctant too but it is understandable with what he has been taught. That would be the same as the lord telling prophet it's ok to go ahead and drink coffee understandably there would be some shock.
Since the ressurection of Jesus the flesh of all animals has been permitted to be consumed. Paul in a letter to Timothy said a sign of apostasy would be those that preach meat abstinence. Section 49 of the Doctrine and Coveneants says those that preach abstinence from meat are not ordained of God either. And he has ordained them that we may have in abundance.
A common claim by some animal rights groups and environmental groups is all the food we give to animals could be used to feed hungry people as not all the food animals eat turns into meat. However that scripture talking about to have in abundance debunks the idea of there not being enough food to go around if we feed animals.
In section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants the lord says meat is to be used sparingly and one scripture mentions in time of famine. 89:15 that quotes those scriptures though says things that creepeth the earth to be used for famine so that could mean wild game.
Church members are counseled not to waste flesh when they hunt however the decison to hunt of fish is a privat one. Members are also free to choose vegetarian diets if they wish. However are not free to use church doctrine to promote vegetarianism.
The church own's many animal ranches and animal welfare operations and many leaders have worked extensivly in the raising, slaughtering and marketing of animal products. Among them Joseph B Wirthlin of the Quorom of the twelve owner of a meat operating warehouse in Salt Lake.
Though we should treat animals kindly the lord provided meat for us to use with Thanksgiving and the animals give us food in abundance.
