Dog Food Trending Down

Black Gold Explorer Mature 7+ Formula Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag

Item: Black Gold Explorer Mature 7+ Formula Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag
Rating: 3.3
Author: Furdio

By Black Gold 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2025 85% confidence

4.6 /10

Quality

4.0

Value

3.5

Design

5.0

Function

4.5

Durability

3.0

Buy on Chewy

In a Nutshell

Positive reviews mention improved health and vitality in older dogs.
Significant health issues and unpleasant odors are major drawbacks.
Careful consideration is warranted due to mixed feedback and potential risks.

Quick Verdict

While some dogs enjoy this food, significant reports of health issues and unpleasant odors are concerning.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9

Would Recommend 56%

Would Buy Again 0%

Avg Lifespan range

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs

Suitable

🐈 Cats

Caution

Critical Warnings

critical

Chemical smell that can cause dogs to refuse the food.

Prevention: Contact the manufacturer, it might be just something wrong with that bad, check out reviews. Preventative measures are what contamination guideline provided then result.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Health Benefits (2)
Some users report health improvements in their senior dogs.
Palatability (2)
Many dogs enjoy the taste and texture.
Durability (2)
Directions for ingredient mixes.

Cons

Unpleasant Smell (4) critical
The product has a strong chemical odor that dogs dislike.
Digestive Issues (2) major
Some dogs experience digestive problems after consuming the food.
Expense (2) minor
Combining this food with wet food to make it palatable, add additional costs.

Quality Trend: Declining

Quality has declined with complaints about smell and ingredients over time.

Older Reviews Said:

Mixed, but with more positives.

Newer Reviews Say:

Overwhelmingly negative.

Who Is This For?

✓ Best For

• Owners of picky eaters — Many dogs seem to enjoy the taste and texture of this food.
• Owners of aging dogs — High-quality ingredients, which claim to benefit older dogs.

✗ Skip If

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs — Given reports of digestive issues and vomiting.
• Budget conscious owners — Because the costs to mix additional wet food

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 0-3 Months

Factors: Consistency in use, Health over time to refine intake

Cleaning Methods

✓ Machine wash

✓ Hand wash

✓ Spot clean

Floor Compatibility

✓ Hardwood

✓ Tile

✓ Carpet

✓ Vinyl

✓ Laminate

Rating Distribution

3.3

9 reviews

5★

56%

4★

3★

2★

1★

44%

Health benefits (4) Dog Enjoyment (3) Longevity (1) Smell (7) Digestive (3) Expensive (3)

Common Questions

Is this food suitable for senior dogs?

Based on reviews, it appears suitable, however due to myriad issues populace OVX/orinzable X???

What are some common issues with this dog food?

Users reported issues of low price and health problems in higher frequency.

Highlighted Reviews

— Remarked reviews 5 found helpful

"My 3 Doodles really like this. They are a bit picky but seem to do well on it, Exciting, however, they can be iffy."

— Francis

"He ate the first bowl. I thought he liked it ordered another bag unfortunately, he would not touch it again after that. I have just a little bit mixed in with his Inukshuk and he has a hard time eating that. It has some kind of a foul smell to it. I gave it to the Humane Society. Hopefully, somebody..."