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OC Raw, with the motto of bringing nature back, is a Southern California-based U.S. company that produces and manufactures raw dog food. They have a selection of products, including freeze-dried, dehydrated, and frozen raw dog food.
While feeding your dog raw food may be concerning, the company promises satisfaction with its raw dog food products, declaring that it uses high-quality, human-grade ingredients and recipes that provide balanced and nutritious diets.
This article will give you a brief overview of OC Raw and its history of recalls. Then, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of its products and provide you with an exhaustive analysis of the popular ones. So, read on to learn more!
OC Raw Overview
OC Raw is a family-owned business that was founded in 2008. The company, understanding that the conventional commercial dog food diets laden with artificial ingredients go against dogs’ ancestral diets, set out to create complete and balanced preservatives-free products with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients to improve dog health and well-being.
A common concern raised when considering raw dog food as a diet is its nutritional unbalance and risk of causing your dog’s health to deteriorate. Normally, you’d need to diversify your dog’s diet and offer them different sources of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Thankfully, OC Raw understands this. Its food is made fresh to order and uses quality ingredients and a variety of protein sources. Each recipe contains fruits and vegetables and a combination of meat, bone, and organs. They also cater to the needs of dogs with food sensitivities and add oils such as cod liver oil to boost the fat content of their foods.
Is OC Raw Dog Food Good?
OC Raw dog foods use all-natural ingredients, opting for organic and pasture-raised meats instead of conventionally-raised ones.
Their recipes follow a primary ingredient and boost their nutritional value with fruits, vegetables, and other animal products. For example, their beef recipe contains beef meat, bone, and organs. Similarly, their raw chicken consists of chicken bone, organs, etc. (more details on food ingredients later).
To help preserve their nutritional value, OC Raw’s raw dog foods use minimally processed grass-fed beef, cage-free poultry, and wild-caught fish. Additionally, their supplements are unrefined and considered natural, such as kelp powder. This ensures your dog maintains its digestive system health and remains well.
OC Raw dog food reviews are very positive, with pet owners praising the variety of products and the steps OC Raw takes to accommodate food sensitivities and needs. All their recipes work on a calorie-content feeding guide to best meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Their products have also been included in several top ten dog food lists.
The Pros & Cons of OC Raw’s Raw Dog Food
Like any other brand, OC Raw’s products have their pros and cons. Here’s a list:
Pros
- The use of quality ingredients ensures your pet meets all of its nutritional needs with minimal risk of foodborne diseases.
- Minimal processing techniques ensure that its products retain their nutritional value, further benefitting your dog.
- OC Raw offers a variety of raw dog foods, including freeze-dried foods, treats, and frozen products. This way, the different flavors ensure finding a product that best meets your dog’s taste and needs. This also guarantees that there’s something for all dog breeds.
- OC Raw does its best to maintain an affordable price point for all its products.
- The recipes don’t contain preservatives or harmful additives.
- The recipes are also created in an AAFCO-certified kitchen.
- OC Raw values customer satisfaction. All products contain an easy-to-read ingredients list, and their website has a feeding guide for first-time customers.
Cons
- OC Raw’s products are limited to the United States and are hard to find in retailers. Often, you’ll need to order them via their website.
- There are a few instances where OC Raw recalled its products due to the potential risk of Listeria and Salmonella contamination. Furthermore, they were issued a warning by the FDA once.
OC Raw Dog Food Review: The Popular Choices
OC Raw’s freeze-dried food scores are high among its competitors. It has received 5-star reviews from several popular reviewers and has been included in many lists of the top 10 raw dog food products. Some of its popular recipes include:
1. OC Raw Turkey & Produce
OC Raw’s freeze-dried and frozen turkey recipe features free-range turkey and includes its gizzard, organs, and ground bones. It also consists of unrefined supplements and organic fruits and vegetables, making it easy for your dog to digest.
The product is also higher in protein, ensuring your dog can build healthy lean muscle while feeding them less.
Nutrient Content
Method | Min. Crude Protein | Min. Crude Fat | Max. Crude Fiber | Max Moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis* | 43% | 22% | 3% | 10% |
Reconstituting or Rehydrating Analysis** | 21% | 7% | 1% | 69% |
**Calorie Content (calculated; ME): 1,575 kcal/kg and 357 kcal/8oz and 44 kcal/oz.
Ingredients List: Turkey, ground turkey bone, turkey gizzard, carrots, apples, broccoli, spinach, acorn, squash, beets, cod liver oil, parsley, blueberries, calcium carbonate, and kelp powder.
Minerals | Count | Measurement | ||||
Calcium | 1.68 | % | ||||
Phosphorus | 1.62 | % | ||||
Potassium | 0.98 | % | ||||
Sodium | 2.06 | % | ||||
Taurine | 0.77 | % | ||||
Iron | 226 | mg/kg | ||||
Copper | 16 | mg/kg | ||||
Magnesium | 0.077 | % | ||||
Zinc | 399 | mg/kg | ||||
Omega 3/Omega 6 Ratio | 1:7 |
Ingredient | Percentage | ||||
Meat | 76% | ||||
Bone | 16% | ||||
Organ | 8% |
Vitamins | Count | Measurement | ||||
Vitamin A | 15,699 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin B1 | 8.0 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B2 | 5.4 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B3 | 30.6 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B6 | 3.1 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B12 | 0.55 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin D | 685 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin E | 64 | IU/kg | ||||
Choline | 1408 | mg/kg |
Ingredients Analysis
As you can see, compared to other dog products, OC Raw’s products’ ingredients lists are fairly short.
The primary ingredient is turkey meat. OC Raw uses U.S.-raised and processed birds without hormones and antibiotics. Turkey and chicken are nearly similar in their macros, with their breasts containing about 44 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat per ounce. It’s also rich in ten essential amino acids.
Ground turkey bone is a great source of calcium and phosphorous necessary to strengthen your dog’s bones. Turkey gizzard, on the other hand, is a delicacy for dogs. It’s a great source of protein and iron, and it helps your dog build muscle, maintain healthy skin and coat, and promote their immune system.
The secondary ingredients are all vegetables and fruits with varying benefits. Carrots are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins A and K. Apples and blueberries provide vitamin C, while beets and broccoli are rich in folates and potassium.
Cod liver oil promotes heart and joint health and regulates dogs’ moods, but it should be fed in moderation. Calcium carbonate is an essential mineral that aids bone growth, teeth strength, and eyesight and prevents blood clotting. Kelp powder, on the other hand, is a powerful supplement that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, calcium, and amino acids.
- Controversial Ingredients: –
- Estimated Meat Content: Organic turkey
2. OC Raw Rabbit & Produce
This product features organic rabbit sourced from a local farmer and includes its meat, bone, giblets, and other organic fruits and vegetables. Rabbit meat is ideal for dogs with allergies due to its novel nature, and this formula was designed with diabetic dogs in mind.
Nutrient Content
Method | Min. Crude Protein | Min. Crude Fat | Max. Crude Fiber | Max Moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis* | 56% | 12% | 3% | 10% |
Reconstituting or Rehydrating Analysis** | 15% | 4% | 1% | 75% |
**Calorie Content (calculated; ME): 1,312 kcal/kg and 298 kcal/8oz and 37 kcal/oz.
Ingredients List: Rabbit, ground rabbit bone, rabbit giblets, carrots, apples, green beans, broccoli, spinach, acorn squash, beets, parsley, blueberries, cranberries, olive oil, cod liver oil, and calcium carbonate.
Minerals | Count | Measurement | ||||
Calcium | 1.72 | % | ||||
Phosphorus | 1.62 | % | ||||
Potassium | 2.81 | % | ||||
Sodium | 1.38 | % | ||||
Taurine | 0.61 | % | ||||
Iron | 142 | mg/kg | ||||
Copper | 12 | mg/kg | ||||
Magnesium | 0.061 | % | ||||
Zinc | 120 | mg/kg | ||||
Omega 3/Omega 6 Ratio | 1:3 |
Ingredient | Percentage | ||||
Meat | 80% | ||||
Bone | 13% | ||||
Organ | 7% |
Vitamins | Count | Measurement | ||||
Vitamin A | 10,298 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin B1 | 8.0 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B2 | 6.4 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B3 | 54.9 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B6 | 3.9 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B12 | 0.53 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin D | 974 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin E | 206 | IU/kg | ||||
Choline | 1,520 | mg/kg |
Ingredients Analysis
Rabbit & Produce and Turkey & Produce are similar in their ingredient list, so we’ll focus on the differences.
The main ingredient in this product is rabbit meat. Rabbit is a great choice for dogs with allergies because it’s high in protein and iron and low in fat. It’s a novel protein. Most dogs will not have eaten rabbit meat previously, which means that it’s ideal for dogs with severe dietary allergies or sensitivities.
This product also contains ground rabbit bone, an excellent source of calcium. It also contains rabbit giblets, including the heart and liver, which can provide your dog with great amounts of vitamins and proteins, including vitamins E and D.
The differentiating ingredients in this product are cranberries, olive oil, and green beans.
Green beans are low in calories and high in insoluble fiber, great for improving your dog’s digestive system’s health and regulating blood sugar. They’re also full of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, C, and A.
Cranberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which can promote your dog’s overall health by alleviating allergies and improving its cognitive function. They also contain many essential vitamins.
Finally, olive oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are great for skin, immune function, normal reproduction, and growth.
- Controversial Ingredients: –
- Estimated Meat Content: Organic rabbit
3. OC Raw Beef & Produce
This recipe features grass-fed beef, added vitamins and minerals, and fruits and vegetables. Not only is it healthy for your dog, but dogs prefer the taste of beef over other meats, so mealtimes will become exciting. It contains a slightly higher fat content than the turkey product, which makes it ideal for daily feeding.
Nutrient Content
Method | Min. Crude Protein | Min. Crude Fat | Max. Crude Fiber | Max Moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis* | 41% | 37% | 3% | 7% |
Reconstituting or Rehydrating Analysis** | 18% | 11% | 1% | 68% |
**Calorie Content (calculated; ME): 1,590 kcal/kg and 360 kcal/8oz and 45 kcal/oz.
Ingredients List: Beef ground, beef bone, beef tripe, beef liver, beef heart, carrots, apples, broccoli, spinach, acorn squash, beets, blueberries, basil powder, kelp powder, and alfalfa powder.
Minerals | Count | Measurement | ||||
Calcium | 1.07 | % | ||||
Phosphorus | 0.85 | % | ||||
Potassium | 0.95 | % | ||||
Sodium | 0.66 | % | ||||
Taurine | 0.86 | % | ||||
Iron | 178 | mg/kg | ||||
Copper | 143 | mg/kg | ||||
Magnesium | 0.086 | % | ||||
Zinc | 250 | mg/kg | ||||
Omega 3/Omega 6 Ratio | 1:6 |
Ingredient | Percentage | ||||
Meat | 70% | ||||
Bone | 15% | ||||
Organ | 15% |
Vitamins | Count | Measurement | ||||
Vitamin A | 30,469 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin B1 | 4.0 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B2 | 9.4 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B3 | 40 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B6 | 1.8 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B12 | 0.99 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin D | 783 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin E | 280 | IU/kg | ||||
Choline | 1,642 | mg/kg |
Ingredients Analysis
OC Raw is consistent with its ingredients. So, once more, we’ll only explain the newly introduced ones.
Beef is a high-quality protein and amino acid source. It contains zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamins B12, B3, and B6. It also contains more fat compared to other meats, helping your dog feel full and keeping them healthy.
It also contains beef bone, an excellent source of calcium, and beef tripe, a dietary supplement that contains probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Similarly, the liver and heart are high in proteins and essential vitamins, including vitamins D and E.
Basil powder has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It protects your dog from diseases and enhances its overall health. On the other hand, alfalfa powder is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also used to treat arthritis in dogs and balance the pH of their urine, helping ward off irritation and urinary issues.
- Controversial Ingredients: –
- Estimated Meat Content: Organic beef
4. OC Raw Chicken, Fish & Produce
The Chicken, Fish & Produce product is the least expensive in OC Raw’s line of products for daily feeding, featuring minimally-processed fish and chicken for maximum nutrient retainment. Chicken is a great source of protein, while fish adds essential omega fatty acids to promote your dog’s health.
Nutrient Content
Method | Min. Crude Protein | Min. Crude Fat | Max. Crude Fiber | Max Moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis* | 44% | 22% | 3% | 10% |
Reconstituting or Rehydrating Analysis** | 16% | 6% | 1% | 74% |
**Calorie Content (calculated; ME): 1,321 kcal/kg and 300 kcal/8oz and 37 kcal/oz.
Ingredients List: Chicken ground, chicken bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pollock filet, carrots, apples, broccoli, spinach, acorn squash, beets, parsley, blueberries, apple cider vinegar, calcium carbonate, kelp powder.
Minerals | Count | Measurement | ||||
Calcium | 1.49 | % | ||||
Phosphorus | 1.46 | % | ||||
Potassium | 2.22 | % | ||||
Sodium | 1.05 | % | ||||
Taurine | 0.77 | % | ||||
Iron | 205 | mg/kg | ||||
Copper | 11 | mg/kg | ||||
Magnesium | 0.070 | % | ||||
Zinc | 214 | mg/kg | ||||
Omega 3/Omega 6 Ratio | 1:7 |
Ingredient | Percentage | ||||
Meat | 73% | ||||
Bone | 18% | ||||
Organ | 9% |
Vitamins | Count | Measurement | ||||
Vitamin A | 19,776 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin B1 | 7.0 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B2 | 5.6 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B3 | 43.9 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B6 | 2.8 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin B12 | 0.13 | mg/kg | ||||
Vitamin D | 577 | IU/kg | ||||
Vitamin E | 175 | IU/kg | ||||
Choline | 2203 | mg/kg |
Ingredients Analysis
Turkey and chicken are nearly similar in their macros. The main difference is that chicken is higher in protein and lower in fat.
The two primary types of meat are chicken and fish, with pollock filet being the choice of fish. Pollock is easier to digest than red meat, which makes it ideal for senior dogs or dogs with digestive issues. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Chicken bone is rich in calcium, its gizzard is an excellent source of protein and iron, and its liver is rich in vitamins. This recipe stands out for including apple cider vinegar, which is great for your dog’s skin and gut health thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Controversial Ingredients: –
- Estimated Meat Content: Organic chicken and fish
OC Raw’s History of Recalls – Multiple Recalls
There were a few instances where OC Raw voluntarily recalled certain lots of its products or was warned about its state of affairs.
2015
In September and May 2015, OC Raw issued a voluntary recall for specific products due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The lots in question were OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen, and Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen formulated into doggy dozen patties, sliders, and meaty rox.
2018
In April 2018, OC Raw voluntarily recalled some lots of its raw frozen dog food products due to potential listeria contamination. The recall was initiated after the Colorado state’s agricultural department tests revealed that a sample of the products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Again, a separate recall on April 2018 targeted the freeze-dried sardine recipe due to the higher risk of botulism poisoning potentially caused by the larger fish they used, which didn’t meet the FDA’s compliance guidelines.
2022
In February 2022, following an inspection of the manufacturing facility, it was found that, according to the FDA report, the company had failed to meet the FDA’s hazard analysis and risk-based preventative control requirements for animal foods. This led to the FDA issuing the company a warning.
There could be more instances of recalls or the FDA issuing a warning letter to the company.
However, it should be known that OC Raw continues to value the quality of its products by using USDA-certified ingredients and employing strict food safety protocols to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. The products are regularly tested to prevent any contamination issues, and the recalls are few and far in-between.
Related: You may also like to read our reviews of 5-star dog food brands like Nulo and Annamaet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are OC Raw Products Approved by the AAFCO?
OC Raw’s products meet AAFCO standards and are prepared in an AAFCO-certified kitchen. All products, except the treats, are complete and balanced.
Should I Be Feeding My Dog Raw Meat?
Feeding your dog raw meat is only a concern if you provide them with a single source of protein or improperly prepare it. OC Raw’s products contain a combination of proteins, fats, and fibers and are safely prepared to ensure your dog’s safety and health.
Wrap Up
While feeding your dog raw meat may be concerning, OC Raw’s mission is to transition dogs to a healthy, ancestral-like diet consisting of raw meat supplemented by a variety of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your dog remains healthy and happy.
The company was launched in 2008. Since then, it has garnered a reputation for its accommodations for allergies and illnesses, making it an ideal option for dog owners looking for a customized diet for their furry friend. Its reviews are highly positive, and customers report an increase in their pets’ happiness and well-being, so give OC Raw a try!