Rethinking What Belongs in a Raw Dog Bowl
Raw feeding has grown beyond a trend—it’s a return to ancestral nutrition. But as more dog owners in Cornwall and Eastern Ontario embrace biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diets, they’re also discovering a new category of ingredients: the unusual ones.
Chicken backs and pigs’ feet might not sound like premium fare, but these cuts are quietly becoming staples in the raw-feeding community. Affordable, accessible, and loaded with natural nutrients, they’re reshaping how breeders, pet parents, and holistic feeders plan their dogs’ diets.
So, the big question is—are they safe? And if so, how should they be fed?
What Are “Unusual” Raw Cuts, and Why Are They Trending?
Unlike muscle meat or organ blends, unusual cuts like chicken backs and pigs’ feet fall under the category of whole-prey components. They’re often overlooked in human food production, making them inexpensive yet incredibly valuable for dogs on a raw diet.
Let’s break down what they bring to the table:
Chicken backs: The spine section of a chicken, including ribs, cartilage, small bones, and residual meat.
Pigs’ feet: The lower leg and hoof, rich in connective tissue, skin, and natural collagen.
While these might seem like scraps to us, they’re biological goldmines to a canine digestive system.
Are Chicken Backs Safe for Dogs?
In a Word: Yes When They’re Raw
One of the most common concerns from first-time raw feeders is bone safety. And rightfully so—cooked bones can splinter and cause injury. But raw chicken backs are soft, flexible, and digestible, especially when portioned correctly.
At All Raw Dog Food, we source chicken backs from MAPAQ-regulated suppliers in Quebec, ensuring each batch is clean, fresh, and frozen. This eliminates the risks associated with bacterial contamination, poor handling, or inconsistent supply.
That’s what makes us a trusted source for raw chicken backs for dogs in Cornwall, Alexandria, Embrun, and the surrounding townships.
The Real Benefits of Feeding Raw Chicken Backs
1. Affordability That Doesn’t Sacrifice Nutrition
For breeders or households with multiple dogs, feeding raw can get expensive quickly. That’s where chicken backs offer a win-win: low cost and high value.
They’re rich in:
Calcium and phosphorous from soft bone
Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Meat scraps and marrow for protein and fat
Feeding chicken backs can reduce your reliance on supplements and lower your total food cost without compromising your dogs’ nutrition.
2. Improved Joint Health and Mobility
Thanks to their high content of cartilage and connective tissue, chicken backs naturally support:
Puppies during growth spurts
Large breeds prone to hip issues
Seniors needing mobility support
And because the nutrients are naturally derived, they’re more bioavailable than synthetic additives.
3. Dental Hygiene Made Simple
The chewing action on raw bones like chicken backs helps scrape away plaque, strengthen jaw muscles, and stimulate gums. Many of our Cornwall customers report visible dental improvement after just a few weeks of feeding.
No brushing. No dental chews. Just instinctive cleaning.
What About Pigs’ Feet?
While less common than chicken backs, pigs’ feet are another safe and nutritious raw option—when served properly.
They’re especially rich in:
Collagen (great for skin, coat, and joint health)
Natural fat for energy
Tough connective tissue that encourages slow chewing and engagement
That last point is important. Pigs’ feet are more of a raw chew than a meal component, so we recommend them as a weekly enrichment treat—not a daily staple.
Safety Considerations: Serving Chicken Backs or Pigs’ Feet the Right Way
1. Always Feed Raw, Never Cooked
Cooking bones hardens them and increases the risk of splintering. Keep it raw, and always thaw slowly in the fridge before feeding.
2. Portion Based on Dog Size
Chicken backs can be too bone-heavy to serve on their own. Pair them with:
Ground meat or organ mix (to balance the bone ratio)
A rotating protein schedule (duck, beef, turkey) to diversify nutrients
At All Raw Dog Food, we provide bundled protein packs, making it easy to feed balanced meals without doing the math.
3. Supervise and Adjust
Like any new food, introduce slowly. Monitor stools for changes—too much bone can cause constipation, while too much fat (like in pigs’ feet) can trigger digestive upset in sensitive dogs.
Start with one or two pieces per week, and adjust based on your dog’s response.
Why Local Sourcing Matters More Than Ever
Chicken backs and pigs’ feet can be amazing additions to your dog’s diet—but only if they’re sourced and stored correctly.
Unlike shelf-stable kibble, raw ingredients require rigorous temperature control and reliable supply chains.
That’s where All Raw Dog Food stands out:
Cold-chain logistics ensure your food arrives frozen, not thawed or spoiled
Consistent inventory means you’re not scrambling to replace your core ingredient
Transparent sourcing builds trust—no “mystery meat” or filler-based surprises
We serve Cornwall and nearby communities like Russell, Hawkesbury, and North Glengarry, delivering safe, fresh raw food weekly.
Final Thoughts: Are Chicken Backs and Pigs’ Feet Worth It?
For pet owners and breeders looking to feed affordably, naturally, and safely, the answer is yes—raw chicken backs and pigs’ feet are worth considering.
They’re nutrient-dense, budget-friendly, and—when handled properly—completely safe.
Just make sure you’re sourcing them from a trusted raw food supplier who understands how to protect your dog’s health from sourcing to storage to serving.
Want to Add Chicken Backs to Your Dog’s Diet?
Explore our chicken back bundles, custom meal plans, or weekly delivery routes serving Cornwall and beyond.
Whether you’re new to raw or ready to expand your dog’s protein rotation, we’re here to help.



