Explorer Original Performance Formula 26/18 Dry Dog Food
Verified May 25, 2026
This is a high-protein, high-fat dry food designed for active adult dogs who need extra calories for stamina and endurance. It uses beef meal and chicken by-product meal as the main animal protein sources, with corn, wheat, and brown rice providing carbohydrates, and added taurine, joint supplements, and probiotics for additional nutritional support. The formula is AAFCO-complete for adult maintenance and suits dogs with higher energy demands, such as working or very active companions.
Nutritionally, this is a solid performance-style diet for healthy, active adult dogs who burn a lot of energy. It offers a respectable protein level, fairly high fat for extra calories, added omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-support ingredients. It does rely heavily on corn, wheat, and corn gluten meal for calories and some protein, and it contains both beef and chicken, so it’s not ideal for dogs with food allergies or very sensitive stomachs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef meal and chicken by-product meal provide concentrated animal protein to support muscle maintenance and activity needs.
- Higher fat level (18%) and calorie density are well-suited for working, sporting, or very active adult dogs that need extra energy.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and flaxseed to support skin and coat health.
- Added taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotic cultures offer extra nutritional support for heart, joint, and digestive health beyond basic requirements.
Considerations
- Contains both beef and chicken (including chicken by-product meal), which can be problem ingredients for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities to these proteins.
- Corn, wheat, and corn gluten meal are major components; while nutritious, some dogs with sensitive digestion may not do as well on grain- and gluten-heavy diets.
- The relatively high calorie content per cup may lead to unwanted weight gain in less active dogs if portions are not carefully controlled.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
03
Wheat
Wheat is a common cereal grain used in pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrates, some plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and it also helps with kibble texture and binding. It provides energy and fiber for many dogs but can cause food allergies or gluten sensitivities in a minority of pets and is generally less ideal as a primary ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, so pets with known grain or wheat sensitivities should avoid it and calorie intake should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
04
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Black Gold Pet is a premium dog food brand offering performance-oriented and nutritionally balanced formulas designed for active dogs, sporting breeds, and working canines. Acquired by ProPet, LLC, the brand focuses on using quality ingredients to support energy, stamina, and overall health.
Visit Black Gold PetManufacturer
ProPet operates modern production facilities that comply with AAFCO and FDA regulations. The company implements strict quality control measures including ingredient testing, product traceability, and adherence to HACCP and GMP standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Black Gold Pet Explorer Original Performance Formula 26/18 Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Black Gold Pet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Black Gold Pet. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook