OC Raw (the ‘OC’ stands for ‘Olivia’s Canines’) is a family-owned business dedicated to producing nutritious, natural pet food. The company originated from the founders’ passion for their rare breeds of miniature English Bulldogs and Spanish Mastiffs. Initially, they prepared homemade dog food for their litters, but as demand grew among puppy owners, friends, and family, they transitioned to larger-scale production. This evolution led to the establishment of a commercial kitchen certified and inspected by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Dr. Stephen Lindsay, the family’s patriarch and a vascular surgeon, played a pivotal role in formulating OC Raw’s recipes. His expertise in chemistry guided the development of balanced and complete diets for dogs. The company’s formulations emphasized from the start the importance of rotational feeding and variety to minimize allergy risks and promote overall pet health.
Over the years, OC Raw Dog expanded its product line to include cat diets, and a variety of protein options and formulations catering to the the diverse needs of both species. Their commitment to quality ingredients and nutritional integrity has positioned them as a trusted name in the raw pet food industry.
OC Raw’s reputation for high quality, nutrition-forward raw pet food gives it a unique status in the raw pet food world. Why?
1. High-Quality Ingredients: OC Raw uses premium cuts of meat and organ meats sourced from USDA-certified facilities. Their formulations are free from grains, potatoes, peas, and lentils, focusing instead on natural, whole-food ingredients.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Each recipe is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables to deliver essential vitamins and minerals. This approach ensures that pets receive a diet that closely resembles their ancestral eating habits.
3. Variety and Rotation: OC Raw offers a diverse range of protein options, including beef, chicken, turkey, duck, and fish. This variety allows pet owners to rotate proteins, which can help minimize the risk of developing food sensitivities and provide a broader spectrum of nutrients.
4. Minimal Processing: By keeping their ingredients raw and minimally processed, OC Raw retains vital nutrients, enzymes, and moisture, providing optimal nutrition for pets. Currently, OC Raw still does not use HPP, a process that makes raw food safer from pathogens, but can also alter its appearance and cellular composition. However, with increased pressure from the FDA particularly in regard to concerns of H5N1 avian flu, OC Raw has recently announced they will be using HPP in some of their formulas.
5. Transparency and Safety: OC Raw emphasizes transparency in its sourcing and manufacturing processes. They implement stringent safety measures to ensure product quality and provide pet owners with confidence in the food they are feeding their pets.
6. Convenient Formats: OC Raw is available in various forms, such as frozen patties and freeze-dried options, catering to different feeding preferences and lifestyles.