Explorer Sensitive Skin & Coat Ocean Fish Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jul 20, 2026
This is an all-life-stages dry dog food based on ocean fish meal and chicken meal, with oatmeal, brown rice, and other grains providing carbohydrates and fiber. It includes added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and supplemental taurine, along with glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal to support joint health. The formula is designed for puppies and adults, including large-breed dogs, who may benefit from a skin- and coat-focused recipe with moderate protein and fat levels.
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Strong Choice
Overall, this is a solid, well-rounded kibble suitable for most dogs, from weaning through adulthood, including large-breed puppies. It uses animal meals (ocean fish and chicken) as primary protein sources and a mix of whole grains for energy and digestive support, with added omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-supporting nutrients. It’s a good everyday option for dogs who tolerate chicken and grains and may need extra support for skin, coat, and joints.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Ocean fish meal and chicken meal as early ingredients provide concentrated, high-quality animal protein rather than relying mainly on plant proteins.
- Balanced all-life-stages formulation, including growth of large-breed dogs, which means it meets stricter calcium and nutrient requirements for puppies as well as adults.
- Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA from salmon oil) plus flaxseed can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal, as well as yeast culture, inulin, and chicory root that may help support joint and digestive health.
Considerations
- Contains chicken meal, chicken fat, and dried egg product, so it’s not a fit for dogs with known chicken or egg allergies.
- Moderate protein level (24% as-fed) is appropriate for most dogs but may be on the lower side for very high-performance or working dogs that need extra protein.
- Includes pea protein further down the list; while not a primary ingredient here, owners specifically avoiding legumes should be aware of its presence.
- Multiple grain sources (oatmeal, brown rice, barley, sorghum, brewers rice) are generally well tolerated, but dogs with true grain allergies would need a different type of diet.
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
Ocean Fish
Ocean fish is commonly used in pet food as a high-quality animal protein and flavor ingredient and is valued for providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus minerals like iodine and selenium that support skin and coat, joint, heart, and cognitive health in dogs and cats. While it offers important nutritional benefits, fish can be an allergen for some pets and may carry environmental contaminants (mercury, PCBs) depending on source, so responsible sourcing, proper processing, and variety in protein choices are recommended.
02
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
03
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.
04
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.
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05
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
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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.
Manufacturer
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
No recall is listed for Black Gold Pet Explorer Sensitive Skin & Coat Ocean Fish Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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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 track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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