Explorer Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a dry puppy food designed for growth, including large-breed puppies, with chicken meal as the primary protein source and rice and oatmeal as the main carbohydrates. It provides relatively high protein and fat for growing, active pups, with added DHA from salmon oil for brain and eye development and controlled calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. The recipe also includes fiber sources and prebiotics to support digestion, along with glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal for joint support.
This is a well-formulated dry food suitable for puppies of all sizes, including large breeds, and it also meets standards for adult dogs. It uses a concentrated animal protein source (chicken meal) with moderate fat, appropriate calcium and phosphorus for growth, and added omega-3s and taurine. It should work well for many healthy puppies, as long as they tolerate chicken and grains.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides dense, high-quality animal protein appropriate for growth.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, with calcium and phosphorus in a suitable range.
- Includes DHA from salmon oil to support developing brain and vision, plus added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat.
- Contains prebiotic sources like beet pulp, inulin, and chicory root, along with moderate fiber, which can help support healthy digestion.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common triggers for food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
- Uses grains such as brown rice, brewers rice, and oatmeal; these are very acceptable ingredients, but may not suit dogs on a strictly grain-free plan for specific medical reasons.
- Calorie density is fairly high at 444 kcal per cup, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid excessive weight gain, especially in rapidly growing large-breed puppies.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
04
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.
05
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
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 Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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