GUNNER Food Crate vs Bumper: Which Kennel Add-On First?

Two add-ons, two different jobs

The GUNNER Food Crate and GUNNER Bumper are both kennel add-ons for hunting dogs, but they solve unrelated problems. The Food Crate is a storage container for dry dog food. The Bumper is a retrieval and scent-training tool. Choosing which to buy first comes down to whether your immediate gap is keeping kibble fresh on the road or building a training routine with your dog.

Neither product depends on the other, so you can buy them in either order. The useful question is which one removes a daily friction point sooner.

Food storage vs. training tool: side-by-side

• Primary purpose: Food Crate: airtight kibble storage for home, truck, or camp. Bumper: retrieval training, scent work, and bird-dog preparation.
• Who it serves: Food Crate: the handler managing food supply. Bumper: the handler training the dog.
• Capacity or size: Food Crate comes in 30 lb and 50 lb capacity versions. Bumper is a single standard size with dimensions of 10.5" x 2.55".
• Cleaning: Food Crate has a wide-mouth U-Pour opening for easy filling, pouring, and cleaning. Bumper should be scrubbed with soap and water.
• Key limitation: Food Crate is storage only; it does not train the dog. Bumper is a training tool, not a chew toy, and must not be left unattended with pets or small children.

When the Food Crate should come first

If you are still scooping kibble from a bag that splits, spills, or absorbs moisture in the truck, the Food Crate solves a problem you face every feeding. The airtight thermoplastic rubber gasket seals out moisture, and the waterproof design protects against moisture intrusion. The secure draw-lock latch keeps curious critters out, and raised feet help reduce heat transfer from hot or cold surfaces.

The 30 lb version has exterior dimensions of 17.5" L x 13.5" W x 17" H and an empty weight of 7.6 lb. The 50 lb version measures 23.75" L x 13.2" W x 17.5" H and weighs 10.5 lb empty. Both are built in the USA from heavy-duty rotomolded construction.

One practical note: an oversize shipping charge of $30.00 applies for delivery in the Continental U.S., and international orders are restricted for this product. Factor that into the total cost before you order.

Food Crate details that affect the decision

• GUNNER® Food Crate: Capacity: Holds up to 30 lb. of dry dog food (30 lb version) or up to 50 lb. (50 lb version). Match capacity to your dog's consumption and trip length; a single-dog household may only need the 30 lb size.

  

• GUNNER® Food Crate: Airtight thermoplastic rubber gasket seals out moisture and helps preserve food freshness. This is the core reason to choose a dedicated crate over an open bag or bin.
• GUNNER® Food Crate: Wide-mouth U-Pour opening for easy filling, pouring, and cleaning. Reduces mess during everyday feeding and simplifies cleanup between fills.
• GUNNER® Food Crate: Oversize shipping charge is $30.00 for delivery in the Continental U.S.; international orders restricted. The delivered cost is higher than the listed price, and some buyers outside the U.S. cannot order it.

When the Bumper should come first

If your dog needs structured retrieval practice or scent work, the Bumper addresses a training gap that no storage container can fill. The removable cap opens an interior cavity where you can introduce bird wings, feathers, or other scented items, which helps develop your dog's natural tracking instincts. The tapered body design trains dogs to grasp in the middle of the target, promoting a proper hold during bird and hunt dog training.

The Bumper is made of DuraTrieve, a proprietary rubber compound built for durability and reliability. It resists dirt and dries quickly, and cleaning is as simple as scrubbing with soap and water. The removable rubber throw rope can be adjusted in length or removed completely to assist with various training methods.

Two colors serve different training scenarios: the Flasher (black and white) gives visibility against both light and dark backgrounds for marks in all scenarios, while the Orange option mimics blind retrieves because it is low visibility for the dog and high visibility for the trainer.

Bumper details that affect the decision

• GUNNER® Bumper: Removable cap with interior cavity allows you to introduce bird wings, feathers, or other scented items. This is the Bumper's distinctive training feature and the main reason to choose it over a plain dummy.

  

• GUNNER® Bumper: Tapered body design promotes proper hold positioning; vented design ensures maximum airflow for your dog. Supports correct grip during retrieval work and keeps the dog more comfortable in intense sessions.
• GUNNER® Bumper: Dimensions: 10.5" x 2.55"; weighted (.58 lbs) for accurate throws and resistance to wind impact. A compact, weighted bumper is easier to throw accurately and less affected by wind during marks.
• GUNNER® Bumper: This is a training tool not a chew toy. Do not leave unattended with your pet or small children; small parts are a choking hazard. Sets a clear safety boundary: supervise all sessions and store it away from dogs and children.

Cost and commitment trade-offs

At catalog prices, the Food Crate is the larger upfront purchase, and the $30 oversize shipping charge adds to the delivered cost. The Bumper costs less and ships without that surcharge, so it is the lower-risk entry point if you are unsure about training.

The Food Crate is a one-time storage solution that protects food every day. The Bumper is a training tool that requires consistent, supervised sessions to produce results. If your dog is not yet doing retrieval or scent work, the Bumper may sit unused; if you are still hauling kibble in a torn bag, the Food Crate pays off immediately.

A simple decision rule

• Buy the Food Crate first if...: You travel with dry food, deal with moisture or pests, or want one container that works at home, in the truck, and at camp.
• Buy the Bumper first if...: Your priority is training retrieval, scent work, or bird-dog skills, and you want a durable tool with a cavity for scent articles.
• Buy both if...: You need reliable food storage for trips and a structured training tool; they do not overlap in function, so there is no redundancy.