When it comes to feeding our fur-fam, we want nutrition that’s both scientifically sound and genuinely wholesome. That’s just what OC Raw (short for Olivia’s Canines) is about. They are a family-owned California company that’s been quietly revolutionizing raw pet food since its humble beginnings on a driveway.

The OC Raw Story: From Backyard to Commercial Kitchen

OC Raw has an origin story that resonates with many pet parents. The founding family, passionate enthusiasts of miniature English Bulldogs and Spanish Mastiffs, started making raw food for their own breeding dogs. What began as family “grind fests” on the driveway grew organically through word-of-mouth among puppy owners, friends, and family who saw remarkable results in their pets.

Today, OC Raw operates from a commercial kitchen certified and inspected by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Dr. Stephen Lindsay, the family patriarch and a vascular surgeon, played a pivotal role in formulating the recipes, bringing his chemistry expertise to develop balanced and complete diets. This unique combination of personal passion and scientific knowledge sets OC Raw apart from many commercial brands.

What Makes OC Raw Different?

Premium Muscle Meat Focus
While many raw brands tout “95% meat” formulas, OC Raw takes a different approach. They use approximately 90% animal content but focus on premium muscle cuts like chicken drumsticks rather than relying heavily on ground bone. This means higher protein content derived from actual muscle meat—not just hitting numbers through bone content. It’s a subtle but important distinction for nutrient bioavailability.

Small-Batch, Made-to-Order Production
Every batch is made fresh to order with thoughtful attention to quality. The food is produced with machine help but packed by hand, ensuring consistency and care that’s hard to achieve with mass production.

No Filler Philosophy
OC Raw products are completely free from grains, potatoes, peas, and lentils. Every recipe includes a foundation blend of nutrient-dense produce: carrots, apples, broccoli, spinach, acorn squash, beets, parsley, and blueberries to meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines. These ingredients are in consistent ratios, making protein rotation easy without digestive upset.

Sourcing Standards
All meat and produce (except lamb and goat, which typically come from New Zealand or Australia) are sourced from the USA. Chickens and turkeys are raised without hormones or antibiotics. Beef comes from Midwestern farms. The company doesn’t source anything from China or Mexico, giving peace of mind to ingredient-conscious pet parents.

The Complete OC Raw Product Line

Complete & Balanced Frozen Raw for Dogs

This is the cornerstone of the OC Raw lineup, available in multiple protein options:

• Chicken & Produce – The most cost-efficient option and one of the top three most popular proteins
• Chicken, Fish & Produce – Same as above but with added fish for increased Omega-3/6/9
• Beef & Produce – Slightly higher fat content, similar calories to turkey
• Turkey & Produce – Very high protein (22%), low fat content for lean feeding
• Lamb & Produce – Highest in protein and fat (18%), serves as a weight-gainer formula
• Duck & Produce – Rich option for variety
• Fish & Produce – Low fat, high-quality protein
• Rabbit & Produce – Lean novel protein, excellent for dogs with allergies
• Goat & Produce – Novel protein option
• Venison & Produce – Newest protein for rotation

Available in multiple formats: 1-lb patties in 6-lb, 7-lb, and 18-lb boxes, plus 2-oz “sliders” in 3-lb and 4-lb bags, and “Meaty Rox” for faster thawing.

Complete & Balanced Freeze-Dried Raw for Dogs

For those who want raw nutrition with shelf-stable convenience, OC Raw offers freeze-dried versions in the same protein varieties (Beef, Chicken, Chicken/Fish, Duck, Rabbit, Turkey). These come in slider formats (14-oz and 20-oz bags) and are perfect for travel, backup feeding, or mixing with frozen raw.

Complete & Balanced Frozen Raw for Cats

Cats get their own specially formulated complete diets:

• Chicken + Fish – Zero ground bone, 94% animal content
• Beef + Fish – Novel protein combination

Both come in convenient 2-lb bags with individually wrapped, vacuum-sealed 1-oz portions (32 portions per bag). These mini patties can be served frozen or thawed and make portion control incredibly easy for feline feeding.

Complete & Balanced Freeze-Dried Raw for Cats

OC Raw also offers freeze-dried cat food options with the same formulations, providing shelf-stable convenience for cat owners.

Supplements and Additions

To complement complete diets, OC Raw offers:

• Totally Meat options – 100% meat, organ meat, and bone (great for cats or supplementing meals)
• Single-protein additions – Beef hearts, chicken hearts, beef liver, chicken liver for targeted supplementation
• Goat Milk – Available in plain or with added superfoods, providing probiotics and moisture
• Pumpkin – For digestive support

Bones and Treats

• Raw Bones – Whole chicken necks, duck necks, turkey necks for natural teeth cleaning
• Freeze-Dried Treats – Single-ingredient options like beef hearts, chicken hearts, venison, mahi mahi, and minnows

Cost Per Day: What to Expect

Let’s break down the realistic daily feeding costs for OC Raw:

For a 50-lb Dog

A moderately active 50-lb dog typically needs about 2-3% of body weight daily in raw food, which equals approximately 1-1.5 lbs of food per day.

Using Chicken & Produce (the most cost-efficient option):

• 18-lb box costs approximately $85-$93 (prices vary by retailer)
• Cost per pound: $4.72-$5.17
• Daily feeding amount: 1.25 lbs (average for a 50-lb dog)
• Estimated daily cost: $5.90-$6.46

For comparison, premium proteins like Rabbit or Duck will cost more ($7-8+ per day), while Turkey and Beef fall in the middle range.

For a 10-lb Cat

A typical 10-lb cat needs about 3-5% of body weight daily (cats have higher metabolic needs), which equals roughly 3-5 oz per day.

Using Chicken + Fish for Cats:

• 2-lb bag (32 oz) costs approximately $17-$21
• Cost per ounce: $0.53-$0.66
• Daily feeding amount: 4 oz (average for a 10-lb cat)
• Estimated daily cost: $2.12-$2.64

Is OC Raw Right for Your Pet?

OC Raw excels for pet parents who:

• Want raw nutrition with trusted sourcing
• Appreciate the transparency of a family-owned business
• Need multiple protein options for rotation (especially helpful for allergy-prone pets)
• Value convenience (pre-portioned patties, individually-sealed cat portions)
• Seek AAFCO-compliant complete diets without DIY balancing
• Want both frozen and freeze-dried options

The brand is particularly popular among owners of dogs with allergies, as customer testimonials frequently mention dramatic improvements in skin conditions, digestion, and overall vitality. The variety of novel proteins (rabbit, venison, goat, duck) makes OC Raw an excellent choice when common proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb don’t work.

The Bottom Line

OC Raw represents what many of us want from a pet food company: genuine care, quality ingredients, scientific formulation, and a product born from personal dedication rather than corporate profit motives. While it’s priced slightly higher than grocery store options, it’s competitively positioned within the premium raw food market—and many customers report saving on vet bills thanks to improved pet health.

Whether you’re just beginning your raw feeding journey or looking to switch brands, OC Raw offers a reliable, well-balanced option that brings “the excitement back to meal time” for both dogs and cats.  Check out all of our OC Raw products here.

Prices mentioned are estimates based on average pricing as of January 2026 and may vary. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.