Was brought up in a dispute between film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert on their syndicated television show Siskel & Ebert & the Movies (1986). The same week, the critically acclaimed Full Metal Jacket (1987) was released, and Ebert gave it a mixed review. Meanwhile, Ebert gave "thumbs up" to Benji the Hunted, which Siskel gave thumbs down. Siskel claimed that Ebert liked Benji the Hunted more than Full Metal Jacket. Ebert's favorable review of Benji the Hunted was again brought up when Siskel and Ebert appeared on the animated sitcom Profession: critique (1994).
Benji is played by a female dog names Benjean
The black timber wolf in this film was portrayed by Dimitri. He was a German Shepherd-Alexander Archipelago wolf hybrid in reality.
Despite being uncredited, two employees of Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife were also involved in this cinematic production due to being Bart the Bear's trainers.
The main theme song "Too Many Yesterdays" was sung by the talented, gorgeous soulful voiced Guy Hovis, who was once known for singing as the husband-and-wife singing duo Guy & Ralna, whom were featured performers on "The Lawrence Welk Show".