BARF feeders: wild game?

[Triple]

In four weeks I'll be out of work. I'm looking to cut the cost of my dogs' raw diet by supplementing the usual chicken n' eggs with wild squirrels and rabbits. Easy to trap, they're EVERYWHERE, and they are small enough to chop up and run through the grinder.

Only real concern is the possibility of infectious diseases. Search results thus far include conflicting opinions on the matter.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by Triple

In four weeks I'll be out of work. I'm looking to cut the cost of my dogs' raw diet by supplementing the usual chicken n' eggs with wild squirrels and rabbits. Easy to trap, they're EVERYWHERE, and they are small enough to chop up and run through the grinder.

Only real concern is the possibility of infectious diseases. Search results thus far include conflicting opinions on the matter.

Hundreds of thousands of rednecks eat that shit every day... I wouldn't worry too much... Probably would make sure the area I was trapping in wasn't a former toxic waste dump or something...

[Triple]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

Hundreds of thousands of rednecks eat that shit every day...

Sure, but even the rednecks generally cook their varmints before eating...

I'm pretty sure most parasites die once frozen. That's why sashimi made from freshwater fish has to be frozen and thawed before served. I don't think worms will be an issue.

[Adeptus_Minor]

As long as you have your dogs on a good preventative medication, I imagine you'll be fine. (of course, if you're looking to cut costs, you may not be doing that)
Freezing for... I believe it's two weeks or more...will help as well.