The genetic clue that explains why Labrador dogs tend to gain weight – 03/07/2024 – Science

A genetic mutation causes some Labrador retrievers and flat-coated retrievers to be constantly hungry but burn fewer calories, scientists say.

This “double effect” means that owners of these dogs must pay special attention to keeping their pets slim.

The mutation was found in one in four Labrador retrievers and two-thirds of flat-coated retrievers.

“This shows us the power of our genes to change how we feel about food,” says the study’s lead scientist.

Dr Eleanor Raffan, from the University of Cambridge, says that dogs, like humans, have genes that influence both interest in food and metabolic rate.

“If we are given genetics that make us feel hungry or want to eat, it takes more effort to stay slim,” she told BBC News.

The study builds on previous research into a mutation in a gene known as POMC.

The POMC gene and the brain pathway it affects are similar in dogs and humans.

Dogs with this mutation are not only hungrier between meals, but they also use about 25% less energy when they are at rest, meaning they don’t need to consume as many calories.

“Dogs with this genetic mutation face a double effect: not only do they want to eat more, but they also need fewer calories because they don’t burn them as quickly,” says Eleanor.

More than 80 Labrador retrievers participated in the study.

They were given several tests, including the “sausage in a box” test, where they were tempted with a hidden freebie they could see and smell.

Dogs with the POMC mutation reached for the sausage much more than dogs without it, indicating greater hunger.

The flat-coated retrievers were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gas they exhaled, which revealed that those with the POMC mutation burn about 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it.

Kathryn Taylor has a “big black lab” named Leo who participated in the study.

She said he will eat anything, even a bowl of salad from the table, green beans from small gardens and has been known to dig up carrots.

“You can feed him and he’ll still want more food,” he said, adding that they struggle to keep him thin, including using a slow-feeding bowl.

About two in three dogs (34-59%) from rich countries are overweight.

The Labrador has the highest levels of obesity and has been shown to be more obsessed with food than other breeds.

They make great pet and working dogs because they are relatively easy to train.

We may have unconsciously chosen Labradors with the mutation because they love food and will do anything for a cookie.

The research, published in the journal Science Advances, was funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Dogs Trust.