What is the direct object in he used kindness with his animals?

The direct object in the sentence "He used kindness with his animals" is kindness.

Here's why:

* Direct objects receive the action of the verb.

* In this sentence, the verb is "used".

* He (the subject) is using kindness (the direct object).

The phrase "with his animals" is a prepositional phrase that modifies the verb, but it's not the direct object.