If you’ve ever owned a Labrador retriever, you’re familiar with one of the breed’s most famous characteristics: an insatiable appetite. The dogs will eat anything from socks to pebbles, and if given the opportunity, they can easily become obese. According to one study, approximately 60% of Labradors are overweight or obese. Here we will discuss some of the important factors that play an important factors in Labrador obesity.
Obesity in Labrador Retrievers Could Be Caused by Genes
According to study, the Labrador retriever, which is known as one of the greediest canine breeds, is hard-wired to overeat. Because of its genes, the dog is more likely to develop obese than other breeds, according to Cambridge University scientists.The gene in question is thought to play a role in how the brain detects hunger and the sensation of being full after eating.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a genetic mutation linked to obesity and appetite in Labrador retrievers, the most popular dog breed in the United Kingdom and the United States. The discovery could explain why Labrador retrievers are more prone to obesity than other dog breeds.
“Because this is a frequent genetic mutation in Labradors and has a large effect on those dogs that carry it,” says first author Dr Eleanor Raffan of the University of Cambridge, “it is probable that this helps explain why Labradors are more vulnerable to being overweight in contrast to other breeds.” “However, it’s not a simple picture because the mutation is even more frequent among flat coat retrievers, a breed that hasn’t previously been associated with obesity.”
Factors related to way of life
Obesity in dogs is similar to the human obesity crisis, with lifestyle variables such as lack of exercise and high-calorie diet – as well as heredity – all playing a role.
The Labrador Retriever is the breed with the highest prevalence of obesity and has been demonstrated to be more food oriented than other breeds. The variance was more frequent in Labradors functioning as support dogs, which the researchers believe is due to the fact that these dogs are simpler to teach using food rewards.
Obesity in Labrador: What’s Causing It?
As per the study, Labrador retrievers are more food stimulated than other dog breeds and have a higher rates of obesity than in other dog breeds. In affluent countries, the prevalence of dog obesity ranges from 34% to 59 percent, and canine obesity has been linked to a shorter lifespan as well as particular morbidities similar to those seen in people.
As per the study, all humans and dogs have similar connected environmental factors, such as having more high-calorie food easily available and doing less exercise. Environmental considerations, however, are not the only issue at play here. Here are some major causes:
- POMC gene
- Excessive food consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Illness that lasts a long time
Obesity in Labrador Retrievers: What to Do
- Examine your health
- Diet for weight reduction
- Exercise
Famous dog food brands for Labrador weight reduction
l Taste of the Wild Grain-free Wetlands Formula
l Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Trim
l Hill’s Prescription Diet
Conclusion
Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being both calm and lively dogs. Despite this, Labrador obesity has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
To sum up, Labrador obesity has a negative impact on our canine companions’ quality and duration of life. Obesity raises the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other chronic diseases in Labradors. For more information, click here.