Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and boundless energy—but if you own one, you’ve probably noticed another trait: their never-ending appetite!
Many Lab owners wonder, Will my dog ever stop eating?
The Genetic Secret Behind Your Lab’s Endless Hunger
Labradors are well known for their big appetites, but new research reveals that one in four carries a genetic mutation that tricks their brain into believing they’re constantly hungry.
This mutation, found in the POMC gene, doesn’t just make them obsessed with food—it also slows their metabolism, making them more prone to weight gain.
What This Means for Your Dog
🐾 Labs with the mutation crave food more intensely and may beg or steal more often.
🐾 They burn calories more slowly, making weight management a challenge.
🐾 Their ancestors—St. John’s water dogs—needed extra fat for survival, but today, that trait can lead to obesity-related health issues.
The Science Behind the Hunger
In one study, researchers tested how food-focused these dogs were using a “sausage in a box” experiment. Labradors with the mutation spent twice as much time trying to get to the sausage, showing an extreme level of food motivation. In another test, dogs were allowed to eat as much as they wanted—some consumed up to 6.5 pounds of food!
Read more here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/many-labrador-retriever-dogs-really-are-hungry-all-the-time-its-in-genes/
Keeping Your Labrador Healthy
Labs with this gene can maintain a healthy weight, but it requires careful management:
✅ Stick to a strict feeding schedule to prevent constant begging.
✅ Measure portions carefully—extra treats add up fast!
✅ Increase physical activity to burn off excess calories.
✅ Provide mental stimulation to distract them from food cravings.
Even though we can’t change their DNA, we can help our Labs stay healthy and happy. So next time those puppy eyes beg for a snack, remember—it’s not just greed, it’s genetics! 🐕❤️
