Mary Allen
Does your Labrador do anything for food? Researchers have been able to identify a genetic defect that makes some Labrador Retrievers particularly obsessed with food. But that doesn’t mean your dog has to be fat!
If you eat a lot, you will eventually be full. But some feel full quickly, while others eat and eat until their stomachs tense. We know that from humans and dogs alike.
Labrador Retrievers are considered to be above average gluttons and are unfortunately very often overweight. Researchers have now been able to determine the reason for dog cravings: It is a defect in the POMC gene, which is important for the production of messenger substances that signal “I’m full!”. Not every Labrador carries this genetic defect, but it was found particularly frequently in overweight representatives of this breed and in dogs that were trained as service and guide dogs. Labradors with the POMC gene defect are apparently particularly motivated to work for food and can be trained accordingly.
However, not every Labrador with a POMC defect is overweight. The key risk factor for obesity is still the dog owner because he decides how generously he fills the food bowl and how often he gives in to the begging of his four-legged friend. Admittedly, owners of a particularly greedy Labrador have to be more steadfast than other masters and mistresses. However, obesity is avoidable and even a Labrador with a POMC gene defect can remain or become slim, as can be seen in most service dogs. After all, it is easy to encourage him to exercise too much with little food. And if you love to eat, you won’t turn up your nose at low-calorie food…
For helpful tips on how to keep your dog lean or lean back, see Dr. Hölter’s nutritional information (see below).