Your beautiful retriever who loves running, swimming, and fetching has trouble staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight despite all the physical activity. Genetics may be the reason for this struggle. A variant in the genes associated with appetite and obesity in Labrador and Flat-coated Retrievers has been identified.

In Western civilization, the prevalence of obesity in dogs is 42%-56%, a comparable rate in humans. The lack of exercise, consumption of highly processed and calorie-dense foods, and exposure to toxins in the food and environment contribute to obesity in both species. But the Labrador Retriever and the Flat-coat retriever can also have genetics playing a role in obesity. 

A team of researchers at the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, found a variant on one gene, the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, that results in the disruption of b-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) and b-endorphin. The POMC gene variant is associated with increased body weight, fat storage, and food motivation in Labrador and Flat-coat retrievers. Up to 25% of Labrador and Flat-coat retrievers carry at least one variant copy.

Health Implications of the Genetic Variant

The POMC gene is vital for telling the brain when the body is hungry and has had enough food. Dogs with the variant tend to weigh more because their brain is not adequately regulated, and messages of hunger and fullness are not being conveyed. An insatiable appetite leads to the additional storage of body fat.

Until recently, fat was considered an inactive tissue that stored excess calories and added body mass. It is now known that fat tissue secretes inflammatory hormones and causes oxidative stress to body tissues, which contributes to chronic diseases and a decreased lifespan. 

The common chronic diseases associated with obesity in dogs  are cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, osteoarthritis ,  premature degeneration of joints, urinary bladder stones, and anesthetic intolerance. 

The ironic consequence of the POMC gene variant is the ease of training. Labradors make such wonderful pets and service dogs because of their intelligence and eagerness to please them. Both traits contribute to how easily they are trained. With most trainers using a small food reward during sessions, a lab carrying the POMC variant is more motivated to learn for a treat. Because of the link between the POMC variant and trainability,  76% of Labradors are service dogs carrying the mutation!

Pica is Another Concern in Dogs with the Gene Variant

Pica, ingesting non-food items such as rocks, clothing, and toys, is another concern if your dog has this genetic disorder. Because your dog's appetite is not regulated correctly, it may seek out items to eat to satisfy its hunger. Pica can lead to intestinal blockage or gastric dilatation-volvulus   (bloat).

Other Health Problems Seen in Labs and Flat-Coat Retrievers

Both breeds are prone to several conditions, including osteoarthritis and dysplasia in the hip and elbow joints, eye diseases, and allergies. Skin and ear infections often occur in dogs with allergies. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition of both breeds that affects the eyes and can lead to vision impairment or blindness. Cataracts and retinal detachment are also seen in flat-coat retrievers. 

Labradors are prone to exercise-induced collapse (EIC), a genetic condition that causes a loss of muscle control during intense exercise or excitement. They are also more susceptible to developing fatty tumors (lipomas) under their skin, which are generally benign but should be monitored by a veterinarian.

Unfortunately, Flat-coated Retrievers risk developing cancer more than other breeds. Lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma are among the types of cancer seen more frequently in this breed.

Large, deep-chested breeds like Labrador and Flat-coated Retrievers are more prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if bloat is suspected.

Ideal Diet for Labrador and Flat-Coat Retrievers 

With all potential medical conditions linked to the Labrador and Flat-coated retrieves, it is imperative to provide a species-appropriate to prevent or delay the onset of the diseases. The Mars Company has ventured into creating breed-specific kibble under the brand names Advance and Royal Canin. The ideal diet for your lab, the Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food, according to the nutritionists at Royal Canin, contains the following ingredients:

Chicken by-product meal, brown rice, oat groats, corn gluten meal, brewers rice, natural flavors, chicken fat, pork meal, dried plain beet pulp, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten, fish oil, vegetable oil, sodium silico aluminate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, psyllium seed husk, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, salt, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], glucosamine hydrochloride, choline chloride, GLA safflower oil, marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), L-carnitine, green tea extract, monocalcium phosphate, chondroitin sulfate, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.

To figure the carbohydrate content, we use the following calculation:

100% - Crude Protein 28.0% - Crude Fat 11.0% - Ash (standard is 8%) -  Moisture (max.) 10.0% = 43% carbohydrates.

As with all kibble, the Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is loaded with carbohydrates, despite dogs having zero requirements for carbs to meet their daily nutritional needs. The excess energy consumed as carbohydrates will convert into fat. Your dog's body is overworked trying to process the unnecessary carb load while not getting the level of animal protein and fat needed for her body to thrive, leaving your dog feeling hungry and dissatisfied.

The diet also contains synthetic vitamins and minerals that are not nearly as bioavailable for your dog's body. The glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate added to address joint issues are products of a laboratory rather than natural compounds in real food. 

A species-appropriate diet consisting of raw meat bones, muscle meat, seafood, liver, other organ meat, and fur or fiber will meet your retriever's nutritional needs and prevent many common diseases in the breeds.

A balanced and species-appropriate diet with minimal carbohydrates is ideal, as carbohydrates contribute to chronic inflammation and weight gain. It will support your dog's nutritional needs and provide a satisfying, easily digested meal, helping her feel satiated.

Muscle meats from organically pasture-raised animals comprise 63-65% of your dog's meal—high-quality protein sources to support your dog's overall health and immune function. Feed a variety of protein sources, with the majority being red meats. Appropriate meat sources include

Red meat: Beef, bison, lamb, pork, goat, elk, wild rabbit, venison, elk, ostrich, and wild birds

White meat: Chicken, turkey, farm-raised rabbit, partridge, pigeon, quail

Muscular organs and animal parts: Heart, trachea, aorta, gizzard, tongue, lungs, green tripe

Whole raw eggs, with or without the shell, up to three times per week

Read Understanding Protein In Your Dog's Diet for more details about adding muscle meat to your dog's bowl.

Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are critical to meeting a dog's nutritional needs. On average, dogs need about 10% bone in their diet, but some dogs may require up to 12%. Bone supplies a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace minerals that support the immune system. RMBs include beef short ribs, pork ribs, poultry feet, necks, and wings. 

RMBs aid with natural dental care, provide mental stimulation, and supply your dog with glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, all of which contribute to healthier joints!

Seafood should make up about 10% of a dog's diet in the form of small, oily fish to supply Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that will help calm your dog's skin issues and joint pain. Small oily fish and seafood to feed include anchovies, herring, smelt, sardines, mackerel, sprats, mussels, and oysters. 

When feeding grass-fed beef , the seafood requirement can be reduced as there is more Omega-3 in grass-fed meat. Grass-fed beef is more nutrient-dense than grain-fed beef.

Organ meat, often known as offal, is essential for a dog's diet as it provides nutrients that may be deficient in muscle meat and raw meaty bones. Organs have high levels of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and B12. Minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium are abundant in organ meats. They also contain small levels of vitamin D and crucial fat-soluble vitamin A. 

The Real Ancestral 6X Diet™ calls for 5% of the bowl to be liver and 5% to be another secreting organ like kidney, spleen, pancreas, or testicles. 

Adding fur and fiber to your dog's bowl is another boost for your dog's immune system. It has been discovered that fiber is essential to colonocytes to maintain the health and proper operation of the entire GI tract. Fur also contains manganese, an essential trace mineral for joint and ligament health. Feeding furred animal parts, the ears of cows, rabbits, and lambs or rabbit feet, or low-glycemic vegetables as 5% of your dog's meal will provide insoluble fiber to benefit the gut microbiome. 

A balanced, fresh diet will give your dog's body all the essential nutrients easily digested and utilized. Providing a Real Ancestral 6X Diet™  will address all potential ailments commonly affecting the retrievers. 

A logical first step for dealing with an overweight Labrador or Flat-coat retriever is determining if a genetic abnormality exists. You can order a test kit at https://embarkvet.com. 

A common mistake is providing high-caloric treats without factoring them into the total calories a dog needs daily. Keeping track of the number of treats given allows the dog parent to adjust the daily food portions.

Use natural treats such as blueberries or small pieces of meat for training sessions. Beef liver treats, especially air-dried beef liver from Real Dog Box, are high value to most dogs, but you must limit the amount of beef liver given to your dog to prevent a copper overload. Beef liver contains a higher copper level than the liver of other species. If you intend to use it as a training treat, use the liver from other animals for your dog's meal. 

Eliminating any opportunity for a dog to ingest foreign objects is the best way to prevent pica. Pica can lead to severe and often life-threatening intestinal blockage or bloat. Crate training a dog can keep it safe when left unsupervised.

The weight problem for Labrador and Flat-coated retrievers may be caused by a genetic mutation of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene.

A genetic test can verify if the dog has the gene variant.

Your beautiful retriever who loves running, swimming, and fetching has trouble staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight despite all the physical activity. Genetics may be the reason for this struggle. A variant in the genes associated with appetite and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/obesity">obesity</a> in Labrador and Flat-coated Retrievers has been identified.

Why Labrador and Flat-coat Retrievers are Prone to Obesity

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