Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food scores higher on KibbleLab, 8.3 to 8.1. Compare ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and AAFCO nutritional adequacy, side by side.
Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food and Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food compared
| Attribute |
Verified Jul 26, 2026 |
Verified Aug 2, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
KibbleLab scoreThe KibbleLab expert rating, 0 to 10, based on published veterinary science. |
8.3 / 10 | 8.1 / 10 |
| Guaranteed analysis (as fed) | ||
ProteinGuaranteed analysis gives label minimums and maximums, not measured values, shown as fed. |
23.00% | 22.00% |
| Fat | 12.00% | 12.00% |
| Fiber | 3.50% | 4.50% |
| Calcium | 0.90% | 1.00% |
| Phosphorus | 0.70% | 0.80% |
| Omega-3 | 0.40% | 0.20% |
| Omega-6 | 2.00% | 2.20% |
| Taurine | 0.10% | 0.12% |
MoistureHigher moisture means a wetter food; it dilutes the other percentages above. |
10.00% | 10.00% |
| Calories | 3586 kcal/kg | 3480 kcal/kg |
| Calorie density | Moderate | Moderate |
| Ingredients | ||
Full ingredient listEvery ingredient on each label, in order of weight. |
Chicken Meal (Source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Brewers Rice, Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Yeast Culture, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, L-Carnitine, Inulin, Choline Chloride, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Pea Protein, Dried Carrots, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Rosemary Extract. Show full list Show less |
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Canola Meal, Rice Bran, Brown Rice, Poultry Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Turkey Meal, Natural Flavor, Salt, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid (Source Of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract. Show full list Show less |
| Limited ingredient | No | No |
| Health focus | Immune support, Joint care, Weight management, Skin coat health, Digestive health, Sensitive stomach, Probiotic support, Heart care | Digestive health, Joint care |
| Format & suitability | ||
| Food type | Dry | Dry |
| Texture | Kibble | Kibble |
| Processing | Not listed | Not listed |
| Life stage | Adult | Adult |
| Breed size | Large | All Breed Sizes |
| AAFCO nutritional adequacy | ||
Complete & balancedWhether the manufacturer's label claims the food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for a life stage. Not an independent test. |
Yes | Yes |
| Life stages | Adult Maintenance | Adult Maintenance |
SubstantiationHow adequacy was established. Feeding trials are the higher bar; formulation means the recipe is calculated to meet the profile. |
Formulation | Formulation |
| Maker standards | ||
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
| Recalls & where to buy | ||
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | ||
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Shared ingredients
Both foods list these among their top ingredients, by label weight.
- Chicken
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Brewer's Rice
- Barley
- Mixed Tocopherol
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Common Questions
Which food scores higher on KibbleLab?
Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food scores higher, 8.3 to 8.1 out of 10. Scores reflect published veterinary science.
Do these two foods share ingredients?
Yes. They share these top ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Brewer's Rice, Barley, Mixed Tocopherol.
Are both foods AAFCO complete and balanced?
Yes, both foods are labeled AAFCO complete and balanced.
See the full profiles: Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food and Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food .
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either product. A food's guaranteed analysis gives legal minimums and maximums for a few nutrients, not measured values. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Product details are compiled from public sources and may not reflect the latest formulation. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us.