I think it's much more tangible a reason--to limit offending Jewish Christians' sensibilities as the 'wall of separation' between them and the Gentiles was coming down, and as the 'old' (Mosaic system) was passing away. 🤙

There was at least plant death before the fall, and unless there were post-fall genetic changes in some predators, there was likely purposeful animal death as well...

https://www.upper-register.com/papers/animal_death_before_fall.html