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Black Gold Explorer

Original Performance Formula 26/18

Original Performance Formula is rated 5.0 out of 5 by 93.
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With high protein and high fat promoting stamina and endurance, and now with Taurine for heart health, you can continue to trust that he’ll be protected both inside and out for all of your adventures together.

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26.0% Crude Protein
18.0% Crude Fat
428 KCals/Cup
  • Guaranteed Analysis

    Nutrient Levels
    Crude Protein Min. 26.0 %
    Crude Fat Min. 18.0 %
    Crude Fiber Max. 3.0 %
    Moisture Max. 10.0 %
    Calcium Min. 1.2 %
    Phosphorus Min. 1.0 %
    Zinc Min. 150 mg/KG
    Vitamin E Min. 100 IU/KG
    *Omega 6 Fatty Acids Min. 3.0 %
    *Omega 3 Fatty Acids Min. 0.3 %
    *Taurine Min. 0.1 %
    *Glucosamine Min. 300 mg/KG
    *Chondroitin Sulfate Min. 150 mg/KG
    Calorie Content 428 KCAL/cup

    * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.

  • Ingredients

    Beef Meal, Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Chicken By-Product Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Brown Rice, Natural Flavors, Flaxseed, 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), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Inulin, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

  • Feeding Directions

    Adult Dogs: The daily amount of food that adult dogs require is influenced by their environment, activity, size, and breed. The amount fed should be adjusted according to the dog’s appetite and body condition. Extremely active or hard-working dogs may require and consume 1 ½ to 3 times the amount of food indicated for their weight on the chart. Once per day feeding is adequate for adult dogs.

    Remember to provide plenty of fresh, clean water in a clean container at all times. For your pet’s health, see your veterinarian regularly.

    Feeding instructions for an average dog with normal activity:

    Dog Weight (lbs) Cups Per Day*
    3-5 1/3 – 1/2
    5-15 1/2 – 1
    15-25 1 – 1 1/2
    25-40 1 1/2 – 2 1/4
    40-60 2 1/4 – 3
    60-80 3 – 3 3/4
    80+ 3 3/4 + 1/3 cup
    for each additional 10lbs

    *Amount per day is measured in cups. 1 cup = 8-ounce dry measuring cup.

    Statement of Nutritional Adequacy
    Black Gold Explorer Original Performance Formula 26/18 Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.

    Calorie Statement
    Metabolizable Energy (ME) = 3759 kcal/kg or 428 Kcal/cup (Calculated)

    Transition Instructions
    When transitioning your dog to Black Gold Explorer dog food, substitute a small amount of your dog’s current food with Black Gold Explorer dog food. As shown in the chart below, gradually increase the amount of new food over a 10-day period. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider extending the transition period.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Icon Protein dog jumping

    PROMOTE STAMINA & ENDURANCE WITH HIGH PROTEIN & ENERGY LEVELS

  • icon dog healthy joints

    SUPPORTS HEALTHY JOINTS WITH GLUCOSAMINE & CHONDROITIN SULFATE

  • icon of dog digestive system

    PREBIOTICS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY DIGESTION

  • Dog icon with gold halo around

    SUPPORT HEALTHY SKIN & COAT WITH OPTIMAL LEVELS OF OMEGA 6 AND OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

  • icon heart shield

    TAURINE FOR HEART HEALTH

  • Icon no Artificial

    NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS, FLAVORS, OR PRESERVATIVES

TRUSTED FOR YEARS TO GIVE YOUR DOG JUST WHAT THEY NEED.

Rated 5 out of 5 by from Jade’s favorite food After switching my Golden Retriever to , I noticed a major difference in his endurance and recovery during long rides with my Missouri Fox Trotter gelding. We regularly do 25–30 mile conditioning and trail rides, and this food has held his weight and energy far better than standard maintenance formulas. Before switching, he would start fading toward the end of longer rides, especially during hot weather or back-to-back riding days. On the 26/18 formula, his stamina stayed much steadier throughout the ride and he recovered noticeably faster afterward. The 18% fat content seems to make the biggest difference for sustained energy during distance work. My golden maintains good muscle tone without getting overly heavy, and his coat stays healthy and glossy even with frequent miles on the trail. His feet and joints also seem to handle conditioning better since getting him onto a more performance-oriented feed. The formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support along with taurine and added nutrients aimed at active dogs. One thing I appreciate is that it gives working-dog level calories without being so rich that it upsets his stomach during exercise. His digestion has stayed consistent, stools are firm, and he eats it eagerly even after hard rides. Other owners mention similar improvements in coat condition, digestion, and maintaining condition in active dogs. For anyone using a dog as a true riding companion — especially alongside gaited horses covering real mileage — I think Black Gold Explorer 26/18 is a solid choice. It has done well fueling long-distance trail and endurance-style rides while keeping my golden lean, energetic, and ready to go again the next day.
Date published: 2026-05-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great I love black gold is the best, thank you very much!
Date published: 2026-04-29
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WHERE TO BUY

Black Gold products are available at select in-person retailers and online.