I have been searching without much result for information on the parasitic risk from trichinella, trematodes (flukes), ascarids (roundworms) and pentastomes and any correlation from raw feeding.

I'm wondering how easily dogs may contract them and how to deal with them if they do.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you

Most worms have zero to do with food.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/worms.html

http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/animaldoc/worms/index.php


http://www.leerburg.com/qaheal.htm#dan

Thank you for the links.

I continue to do research on feeding the raw alligator, even though I am currently giving it to the dogs and they love it. Maybe I'm putting the cart before the horse by feeding the meat before completing the research, or maybe I'm over thinking things.

The areas of concern that I have found on various web sites that are geared toward food borne disease as relates to humans list the items I cited in the opening post. They also cite a concern over mercury content. With the exception of the mercury, all of the other concerns can be dealt with by cooking the meat. Not an option when feeding raw to the dogs. The stuff I have read has mentioned that the above listed problems, including the worms, can be contracted by eatting the raw meat.

I believe that the Sentinel I give the dogs monthly may serve as some what of a safeguard in some of the areas. I am sure that freezing also doesn't hurt, although I doubt I will get to the point that the meat is being frozen for 20 or more days.

I'm just trying to get as educated as I can on this, as I would hate for my efforts to do better for the dogs to instead turn to something fatal for the dogs.

I do worry about mercury.

When I give fish (and of course no Pacific Northwest salmonids because of that parasite problem), I give only low-mercury fish (and salmon is one), and I never buy farmed fish.

I don't have access to wild meat, so I can't say I have done lots of research, but others here have and advocate 0-degree freezing for a week, I believe.

BTW, there's a huge different between most refrigerator freezer compartments and chest-type freezers (in terms of temperature).

I would check the temperature on either one, personally. Refrigerator freezer compartments are meant to be "frozen food storage" rather than "freezers." JMO.

I have access to wild game and have never had a problem. I've fed deer, squirrel, and dove. Thats the only wild I've fed so far. A lot of people here feed wild game with absolutely no problem.

Check with your local game and fish department about any diseases or parasites that might be a problem in your area. If I can eat it, I'll feed it to my dog.

 Quote: connie sutherland

BTW, there's a huge different between most refrigerator freezer compartments and chest-type freezers (in terms of temperature).

I would check the temperature on either one, personally. Refrigerator freezer compartments are meant to be "frozen food storage" rather than "freezers." JMO.

Both my refrigerator freezer and my deep freeze hold around 0. Should the deep freeze be colder? I thought most any freezer will stay around 0.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

Both my refrigerator freezer and my deep freeze hold around 0. Should the deep freeze be colder? I thought most any freezer will stay around 0.

I've read that many freezer compartments (in the 'fridge) are more like 20+ (even 30) degrees F.

When I bought a new 'fridge a couple of years ago, the freezer temp was above 20. I reset it in the 'fridge part (where it says "colder freezer") until I got a reading of zero.

My recent fridge was factory set on 0 freezer and 33 fridge.

Sorry for the derail. Back on topic.


I forgot, the only worm that you might worry about is tapeworm. Thats not even from the wild game, but from fleas that may be in the wild games fur. IMO, a small price to pay for raw meat that fed itself a species appropriate diet.

Edited by Michael_Wise (10/15/2007 04:13 PM)
Edit reason: heartworm meds don't treat tapeworm

 Quote: michael_wise

My recent fridge was factory set on 0 freezer and 33 fridge.

Sorry for the derail.

Yes, what I read is that there are two issues: high factory settings on a new one (frozen "storage" rather than "freezing"), and dead rubber gaskets on old ones.

Good to check.

And yes, back on topic. :>

 Quote: Michael_Wise

Back on topic.


I forgot, the only worm that you might worry about is tapeworm. Thats not even from the wild game, but from fleas that may be in the wild games fur. I believe some heartworm meds take care of tapeworms though. If not they are easily treated. IMO, a small price to pay for raw meat that fed itself a species appropriate diet.