President Lai tastes dog treats at pet expo; official calls it common affection

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to a pet expo included an unusual gesture: sampling dog treats. This action has drawn commentary from political figures, highlighting differing perspectives on pet ownership and public engagement.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Su Chiao-hui defended Lai's action, stating that "fur babies are also our children." She explained that tasting pet treats before giving them to animals is a common practice to ensure safety and quality, akin to parents tasting baby food. Su characterized it as an act of love and affection, suggesting it should not be overanalyzed.

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Fur babies are also our children. When we buy new treats, we taste them to ensure they don't have excessive seasoning and are safe for pets. It's not about snatching food from children, but an expression of love. I think this is very common and doesn't need to be made a big deal.

In contrast, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Li Chuan-chuan offered a more lighthearted response when asked if he would follow suit. He humorously advised against "competing with fur babies for food," implying that such treats are intended solely for pets.

The incident occurred during the "2026 Taipei Pet Products Expo." Lai's participation and subsequent sampling of the treats have become a talking point in the political landscape, with supporters viewing it as a relatable display of care for animals and critics potentially seeing it as an odd or unnecessary act.

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Let the fur babies eat them, don't compete with fur babies for food.