Skip to content 
Choosing the right food for a large breed dog can be challenging. Bigger dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds, especially when it comes to maintaining healthy muscles, supporting joints, managing weight, and keeping energy levels steady. Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food is formulated specifically for adult large breed dogs and is designed to provide balanced daily nutrition.
According to the manufacturer, this recipe contains 23% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 348 calories per cup. It is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.
What Is Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe?
Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe is a dry chicken-based dog food made for adult large and extra-large breed dogs. The formula focuses on several areas that are important for bigger dogs, including muscle maintenance, healthy weight, joint support, digestion, skin and coat health, and immune support.
The recipe uses chicken meal as its primary ingredient and includes brown rice, oatmeal, barley, sorghum, chicken fat, flaxseed, dried egg product, and salmon oil. It also contains ingredients such as taurine, L-carnitine, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and prebiotics.
Key Nutritional Benefits
Supports Healthy Muscles and Weight
Large dogs need enough protein to maintain lean muscle as they age. Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe provides 23% crude protein and includes L-carnitine, which the manufacturer says helps support muscle maintenance and healthy weight.
The food provides 348 calories per cup, making portion control important, particularly for dogs that spend much of their day resting.
Helps Support Joint Health
Joint health is especially important for large and giant breed dogs because their bodies place more stress on their hips, knees, and other joints.
This recipe includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, nutrients commonly used in dog foods designed to support healthy joints. Chicken meal also provides a natural source of these compounds.
Supports Skin and Coat Health
A healthy coat is often connected to good nutrition. Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from ingredients including flaxseed and salmon oil.
The manufacturer’s guaranteed analysis lists at least 2.0% omega-6 fatty acids and 0.4% omega-3 fatty acids.
Digestive Support
The formula contains prebiotics and oatmeal. These ingredients are included to support digestion, while oatmeal may be useful for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The manufacturer specifically identifies prebiotics for digestive support and oatmeal as part of the formula’s sensitive-stomach considerations.
Immune and Heart Support
The recipe includes TruMune technology, which Black Gold describes as providing mobility and immunity support. It also contains taurine, which the manufacturer includes for heart health.
Ingredients in Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe
The ingredient list begins with chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, brewers rice, pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, and chicken fat.
Other ingredients include flaxseed, dried egg product, salmon oil, beet pulp, vitamins and minerals, taurine, L-carnitine, inulin, sweet potatoes, carrots, chicory root, spinach, blueberries, cranberries, and rosemary extract.
One notable feature is that the formula does not contain corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives, according to Black Gold.
Guaranteed Analysis
The published guaranteed analysis includes:
| Nutrient | Minimum or Maximum |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 23.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4% min |
| Calcium | 0.9% min |
| Vitamin E | 175 IU/kg min |
| Glucosamine | 350 mg/kg min |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | 500 mg/kg min |
| L-Carnitine | 70 mg/kg min |
The food provides approximately 348 kcal per cup.
How Much Black Gold Explorer Should You Feed?
The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s weight, activity level, breed, environment, appetite, and body condition. The manufacturer’s feeding guide gives the following daily amounts:
- 3 to 5 lb: 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- 5 to 15 lb: 1/2 to 1 1/4 cups
- 15 to 25 lb: 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 cups
- 25 to 40 lb: 1 3/4 to 2 3/4 cups
- 40 to 60 lb: 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 cups
- 60 to 80 lb: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups
- 80+ lb: 4 1/2 cups plus 1/3 cup for each additional 10 lb
These quantities are guidelines rather than strict rules. Very active or working dogs may require significantly more food, while less active dogs may need less. Fresh, clean water should always be available.
How to Switch Your Dog to This Food
Changing dog food suddenly can cause digestive problems such as loose stools or stomach discomfort. Black Gold recommends gradually replacing the old food with the new food over about 10 days. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from taking longer to complete the transition.
A gradual transition gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust to the new ingredients and nutrient profile.
Is Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe a Good Choice?
For many adult large breed dogs, this recipe offers several useful nutritional features. It provides a moderate protein and fat profile, joint-support ingredients, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, taurine, and L-carnitine.
It may be particularly appealing to owners looking for a large-breed formula that avoids corn, wheat, and soy while also avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
However, every dog is different. A food that works well for one dog may not be ideal for another. Dogs with allergies, chronic digestive problems, special nutritional requirements, or medical conditions should be evaluated with guidance from a veterinarian before changing diets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Formulated for adult large breed dogs
- 23% crude protein
- 12% crude fat
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Includes L-carnitine for muscle and weight support
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Includes prebiotics for digestive support
- Contains taurine
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Formulated to meet AAFCO adult maintenance nutrient profiles
Cons
- Chicken is the main animal protein, so it may not be suitable for dogs that need to avoid chicken
- Some dogs may prefer a different flavor or protein source
- Feeding amounts need to be adjusted according to activity and body condition
- Dogs with specific medical or dietary needs may require a veterinary diet
Customer Experience
Customer feedback is generally positive, although individual experiences vary. Chewy currently shows a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 117 ratings, while Tractor Supply lists the product at 4.3 out of 5 from 27 reviews.
Some customers mention that their dogs enjoy the taste and that they appreciate the ingredient profile. As with any pet food review, these experiences are individual and should not replace professional nutritional advice.
Who Is This Dog Food Best For?
Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe may be a good option for owners of adult large or giant breed dogs who want a dry food focused on everyday maintenance.
It can be worth considering if your priorities include:
- Healthy muscle maintenance
- Joint support
- Weight management
- Digestive support
- Skin and coat nutrition
- A formula without corn, wheat, or soy
- A chicken-based dry food
It may not be the best choice for dogs with chicken allergies or dogs that require a specialized veterinary diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe good for large dogs?
Yes. The recipe is specifically formulated for adult large breed dogs and is designed to support areas such as muscle maintenance, healthy joints, digestion, immunity, and skin and coat health.
How many calories are in Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe?
The food contains approximately 348 calories per cup.
Does Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe contain glucosamine?
Yes. The guaranteed analysis lists at least 350 mg/kg of glucosamine and 500 mg/kg of chondroitin sulfate.
Does this dog food contain corn or wheat?
No. Black Gold states that the Large Breed Adult Recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy.
How should I transition my dog to Black Gold Explorer?
The manufacturer recommends gradually increasing the amount of Black Gold Explorer while decreasing the previous food over approximately 10 days. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need a longer transition period.
Final Verdict
Black Gold Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food is a thoughtfully formulated option for adult large breed dogs. Its combination of chicken meal, moderate protein and fat levels, L-carnitine, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and taurine gives it a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Its 23% protein, 12% fat, and 348 calories per cup make it suitable for many adult dogs when fed according to their individual needs. The absence of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives may also appeal to owners who prefer a simpler ingredient profile.
Still, the best dog food depends on the individual dog. Consider your dog’s age, weight, activity level, allergies, digestion, and overall health before making a final choice. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
