I'll have to defer to some more knowlegable people here, but aren't all of the parasites being talked about here visible under a relatively (speaking) cheap microscope? Compare it to dropping off a fecal sample once and awhile at the vet. I don't know do the math, number of dogs owned, etc.
My biggest worry would be the mercury. The alligator is an end of the food chain animal. I'd call the wild life services and if they didn't have any info they should be able to give some references to some study or another. If they blow you off, try the university system. Somebody is researching that corner, bet on it.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

I'm waiting on a reply from Florida Fish and Game regarding my questions. One problem is they base everything on human consumption. In all of their on-line information they talk about cooking all of the meat thoroughly.

Interesting link saying that freezing is as good as cooking:

http://www.chow.com/grinder/tag/raw+fish

I have taken many biochemistry and chemistry classes at the U of A. The reason it is very hard for any scientists to remove mercury from fish, Hg(mercury) binds to sulfur atoms strongly. I'm not trying to send a panic, but mercury can be found in seafood, vaccines, and thermometers. Thermometers can be made of Hg, alcohol, or water, but in 50s many old thermometers were make of mercury. People who lived in the 50s might broke a thermometer and played with it. They didn't bother to clean after it, a good chance that it is still in there only if it has a crack on the floor.

Today, scientists still use mercury thermometers in the lab because they are more accurate than water or alcohol. If anyone who is working in the lab breaks a thermometer, it needs to inform the TA. They can be very hard to remove if they got stuck between the crack. If no one bothers to remove the Hg, people can breath in Hg air. It will bind to S groups in our lungs and there's no way to remove it. It happens a lot to scientists who work in the lab for years.

I assure you that all people and dogs do have Hg in them. People who like to go to the beach can be contained with mercury. Sea animals are affected badly with methyl mercury because industry is everywhere. You guys have no idea how bad it is.

http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/introtocoastalpollution.htm

"

Am I wrong that I would worry more about the fact that an alligator is not exactly a prey animal? I thought it was kind of a bad idea to feed that type of animal to a carnivore. I guess I'm thinking of a thread a while back about not feeding bear, mountain lions, etc. I personally would stick to ruminants, poultry, etc.

Well I know some people in New Orlean eat alligators. Humans do prey on them for food. I've seen on Discovery Channel when alligators were a baby, animals(birds, fish, etc) do eat them for food. In my opinion, I think it is bad idea to feed any wild animals. We have a problem with people feeding raccons because they think they are so cute. They are dangerous and do have sharp teeth.

Connie is right about parasites and raw feeding.

The further back they share a common anscestor, the less you have to worry.

Yes, practically speaking it's a carnivore, but it's so far removed (genetically, metabolically, historically) from relationships with our friendly furry mammals, that they probably don't share any common ground with opportunistic vermin.

Taxonomically, they aren't even in the same order (carnivora), or even class.

Only thing they really have in common is a spinal cord.

 Quote:

In my opinion, I think it is bad idea to feed any wild animals. We have a problem with people feeding raccons because they think they are so cute. They are dangerous and do have sharp teeth.

If one doesn't want to take a little time to differentiate between "wild animals", fine.

If one doesn't care to know the applicable parasites to the species one decides to harvest, fine.

But, selective harvesting and proper handling of wild game yields exquisite food for dogs. In fact, given the considerations I just explained, feeding wild game is GREAT idea.

Grass fed, free range, and if you play your cards right, totally free.

Yes, I've waded through articles and journals reading about issues with deer and bunnies (the things I have the most access to). LOTS of parasites these guys can pick up. But when all was said and done, I came away with two kinds of tapeworms which may be passed on to dogs. Big deal. An occasional worming.

Edit: what does feeding raccoons have to do with anything?

 Quote: Lindsay Janes

In my opinion, I think it is bad idea to feed any wild animals. We have a problem with people feeding raccons because they think they are so cute. They are dangerous and do have sharp teeth.
Connie is right about parasites and raw feeding.

Lindsay, I think you misunderstood me. I was wondering about feeding alligators TO a carnivore. I'm torn between the facts Steve presented and reservation b/c they do eat other animals.

It's a little encouraging to my ego that you people who are a lot more educated on this subject than I are having difficulty giving a definitive concensus.

I guess I shouldn't feel too embarrassed about my question.