I think every child is different and age isn't so much a factor as when they are ready. My now 4 yr. old began asking questions when she was 3 about hunting and why do I have "those". I told her in an age appropriate way about loving my family and wanting to protect her from some people who may not be nice people. I told her, much like you did, that God gave us the animals to take care of and for food. I also try to instill in her TV and movies are pretend and in real life things are different. For instance, Raccoons aren't going to stand on their hind legs and clap for her if they get cornered while she's trying to pet them. I try to be as honest as she can understand and not tell "lies" to protect her. In the end those "lies" will cause more harm than they prevent IMO.