Genetic mutation makes Labradors hungrier
“It’s very difficult to keep these dogs slim, but it can be done” – Eleanor Raffan.
Around a quarter of Labradors have a genetic mutation that makes them feel hungry all the time while burning fewer calories, according to a new study.
This combination means that owners of Labradors need to take extra care to prevent their dog from becoming overweight, say the researchers from the University of Cambridge.
The mutation, in a gene called POMC, also affects around two thirds of flat-coated retrievers. Previous work by some of the same researchers had shown that the mutation increases the risk of obesity.
During the new study, 87 adult pet Labradors, some of which had the genetic mutation, took part in a series of tests.
A sausage-in-a-box test, in which the dogs were offered an inaccessible sausage three hours after a normal breakfast, found that those with the mutation tried much harder to get to the sausage, suggesting they were more hungry.
In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. The test showed that dogs with the mutation burned around 25 per cent fewer calories.
Laboratory research also revealed that the POMC mutation blocked the production of beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin, two chemical messengers in the brain which appear to be important in controlling hunger and energy use.
Eleanor Raffan, who led the study, said: “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs, to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast.”
To help Labradors keep to a healthy weight, the researchers suggest that owners should spread their dogs’ food rations throughout the day and use methods such as puzzle feeders and scattering food around the garden to extend the amount of time it takes to eat.
Dr Raffan added: “People are often rude about the owners of fat dogs, blaming them for not properly managing their dogs’ diet and exercise. But we’ve shown that Labradors with this genetic mutation are looking for food all the time, trying to increase their energy intake. It’s very difficult to keep these dogs slim, but it can be done.”
The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust and Dogs Trust, has been published in the journal Science Advances.
Image © Shutterstock
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
