Why do Labradors always seem hungry

Science Explains Why Your Lab Is Always Hungry

Dogs love food. Some love it more than others, and some of those are Labrador retrieversthe bottomless pits of the canine world. Scientists announced today that theyve found a gene variant in labs that may explain that constant state of "Please Feed Me." The findings were published last year in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Dog obesity isn't something we talk about a lot, but there sure is a lot of it. In the U.S. and other wealthy countries, between 34 and 59 percent of dogs are overweight. And yes, fat dogs are cute, but theyre also in danger of some serious health problems. Canine obesity can cause heart disease, strain on a dogs joints, diabetes, and can even shorten a dogs lifespan.

Some breeds, like black labs, chocolate labs, and golden retrievers, are more obesity-prone than others. This is likely because, like many of us, they are highly motivated by food. Labs human companions learn quickly that a treat is the trick to getting their dog to behave. But those treats add up.

The domesticated dog, Canis familiaris, is a single species with a lot of variations. Great Danes and Chihuahuas are both dogs, but their bloodlines, and therefore their genes, are dramatically different. And all those differences within a single species make dog breeds a great resource for scientists studying genetics.

Researchers recruited nearly 400 adult Labrador participants. Of those dogs, 310 were pets recruited through an email invitation from the UK Kennel Club, and 80 were part of an assistance-dog breeding colony. Some of the dogs were fat, while others were not, but all of them were healthy, with no pre-existing conditions.

First, the dogs were weighed. Then the scientists collected drool samples from 33 of the dogs and sequenced the DNA within. The dogs owners then completed a survey about their labs eating habits.

As relatives, of course, the labs had a great deal of genetic material in common with each other and with other dog breeds. But they also had one gene variant that stood out: the deletion of 14 base pairs from a gene called pro-opiomelanocortin, or POMC. Previous studies of this POMC variant have shown a relationship with appetite and a feeling of fullness.

Each dog could have one copy of the POMC variant, two copies, or none. The more copies a dog had, the fatter and more food-motivated it was. And about 23 percent of labs are carrying at least one copy of the variant.

"People who live with Labradors often say they are obsessed by food, and that would fit with what we know about this genetic change," Cambridge University metabolism expert and lead author Eleanor Raffan said in a press statement.

Her co-author, Stephen ORahilly of the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Science, says these findings have implications beyond kibble. "Common genetic variants affecting the POMC gene are associated with human body weight and there are even some rare obese people who lack a very similar part of the POMC gene to the one that is missing in the dogs. So further research in these obese Labradors may not only help the well-being of companion animals but also have important lessons for human health."

Why Are Labradors Always Hungry? The Science Behind Satiety

Its long been said that Labradors are always hungry and seem to be bottomless pits when it comes to food. Some breeds, like the Labrador, are very food-motivated, while others, like border collies, are more task- and people-oriented. So why do Labradors spend their time seeking food and why are they more prone to becoming obese because of this? There could be a few reasons your Labrador constantly appears ravenous, so lets have a look at what those might be.

Are labradors genetically hungrier?

In 2016, a study in the journal Cell Metabolism found that Labradors and some closely related Flat Coat retrievers have a specific gene mutation that is absent from other dogs. This gene mutation affects their motivation for food, increases the likelihood of storing fat and makes them more prone to obesity. The study also found that this mutation was more common in dogs that were being selected as assistance dogs than those becoming pets.

The POMC gene, which is the affected gene, is also linked to obesity in humans and is involved in satiety. Satiety means feeling full. It seems that the mutation in Labradors means that they dont seem to realise when they are full, so never feel satiated and will continue to look for food.

Other causes of hunger you should rule out

If you have a dog that constantly seems hungry, it may not just be their genes. When your dog looks at you with those pleading eyes, it can be really tempting to give in, but this can become a very vicious and unhealthy cycle. Dogs that are overweight as puppies go on to become overweight adult dogs and can be obesity-prone for life. With this in mind, if you do have a Labrador, its a good idea to be disciplined right from the word go when it comes to food and meal-time behaviour.

Talk to your vet about body condition score (BCS). This is a way to make sure your dog is an ideal weight for their size, breed and age. Keeping your dog slim throughout life has many health benefits.

Avoid bad feeding habits with your dog

Get into good habits when it comes to your food. Dogs that are allowed to scavenge can become a real nuisance at mealtimes and it can be a hard habit to break once its ingrained. They may appear hungry, but they are just playing the game because they know it works. Make sure everyone in the family, including visitors, knows that feeding the dog from the table is not allowed.

Weigh out your dogs ration of food so you dont leave it to guess work. If your Labrador, or any dog for that matter, seems hungry during the day, split the daily ration into three or four meals. If this doesnt help, speak to your vet about whether a more filling, lower-calorie food might be appropriate to help with the hunger pangs.

Dog parasites

Make sure your dogs worming treatment is up to date. Although heavy worm infestations are not very common these days, worms can still be an issue, especially if your greedy dog is eating all sorts of unsavoury bits and bobs when out on walks. The difference here is that dogs that are hungry because of worms wont gain weight, and may even lose weight.

Medical issues

Labradors are more prone to certain diseases, which might also make obesity more of a problem. Elbow and hip issues are pretty common in the breed, and if your dog cant exercise they will need fewer calories. With orthopaedic problems, its especially important to keep them slim to keep the stress on their joints to a minimum.

Labradors are also prone to hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid controls the metabolism, so dogs affected by this tend to be lethargic, hungry and prone to easy weight gain. If your vet suspects hypothyroidism, they will need to do certain blood tests to confirm or rule it out.

In summary

Although your Labrador might have a genetic excuse for being a greedy guts, its still really important that you control their weight. Obesity is very bad for your dogs health and is proven to shorten their lifespan. For maximum time with your furry friend, stay strong and dont give in to those big, hungry eyes!

Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA

Why are dogs always hungry?

If your dogs always hungry, youll be well aware of how difficult it can be to keep refusing them snacks, especially when they pull out their secret weapon those large puppy dog eyes! But is every dog like this, or is it just yours who melts hearts for a morsel or torments you for a tasty treat? Every dog is different, which means that there are many complex reasons why some dogs are forever famished. Lets delve into the reasons why your dog may always want food and what you can do to help them.

Should I be worried if my dog is always hungry?

Some dogs are fussy eaters, while others seem to be a bottomless pit on legs. Apart from bothersome begging for food, is having a hungry dog a problem? Well, potentially, yes!

If you always give in to your dogs request for food then their daily intake of calories increases, along with their waistline. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from other health complications, which can shorten their lifespan too. Understanding if and why your dog is hungry is really important, not only to make sure that theyre getting the right type and amount of food but to rule out any underlying health issues.

Why is my dog always hungry?

Dogs can be hungry because: its genetic, theyve exercised a lot, they have health issues (such as diabetes or worms), its a side-effect of medication, theyre stressed, theyre bored or because theyre not getting enough of the right type of food. It can also be a learned behaviour, so theyre not in fact truly hungry at all. If youre concerned about your dogs appetite, always talk to your vet.

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Stress and boredom

Sometimes, dogs that dont get enough mental stimulation may become food-focused. Providing your dog with more mental stimulation and physical exercise could help to stop them from being so snack-orientated. Try giving them puzzle feeders, playing obedience games with them or taking them for longer or more stimulating walks.

Their personality

Some dogs only eat what they need, while others will eat all that is given to them, and then some! Each dog is a complex mix of genetics and learned behaviours and some dogs are just more food-focused than others.

Genetics

Although any dog can become overweight, research has found that some dogs from certain breeds may be more prone to being overweight and hungrier than others, suggesting a possible genetic component.

Breeds said to be predisposed include:

About one in four Labradors, for example, carries a variant of a gene called POMC which affects how their brain perceives hunger and fullness after a meal.* Although some dogs in these breeds may have genes linked to obesity, it doesnt mean that all dogs in these breeds are more susceptible.

Exercise

How active your dog is plays a big part in how many calories they need, which in turn determines how hungry they are. Its important that your dog gets enough exercise so that they can burn up the calories they eat during the day. Similarly, its just as important that your dog gets enough food to replace the energy theyve burnt.

Medications

Certain medications, such as prednisone, can cause dogs to have an increased appetite. For some medicines, these effects can gradually improve over time, as your dog gets used to it. These effects should stop after your dog stops taking the drug but talk to your vet if youre concerned about any effects from your dogs medication.

Habit

Its easy for certain habits to creep into your daily life, like giving your dog treats whenever they show their sad eyes face. But dogs are smart, and theyve learnt that pulling on your heartstrings can get them a tasty snack. When your dog asks for food, they may not even be hungry but may be doing it out of habit and also dont want to pass up the chance for a tasty treat.

Health concerns

Some dogs may eat because theyre bored or because they have large appetites, but sometimes certain health conditions could make your dog hungrier. These include:

The amount of food you give them

Its important to try to find the Goldilocks zone of how much to feed your dog. Feeding them too much can lead to weight gain, while not feeding enough can lead to weight loss and a very hungry dog. How much you feed them depends on their:

• Age
• Neuter status
• Breed
• Level of activity
• How often you feed them
• The calorie content of the food
• Whether they need to lose or gain any weight

The type of food you give them

Typically, food thats high in protein and fibre is good to help your pet feel fuller for longer. Combined with a lower fat content, this type of food can help keep weight down in pets prone to weight gain. Some working dogs will need more energy in their diet, which can be helped by providing more calories through fats. Your vet will be able to help you work out a diet thats right for your dog.

When to speak to your vet

A trip to the vet is usually sparked by a change in a dogs health or behaviour. If your dog has always been a hungry hound, then it might be worth mentioning it at their next vet check-up. If you notice a sudden change in your dogs appetite, contact your vet. Its especially important to contact your vet if their insatiable appetite is accompanied by other signs, such as:

• Changes in how thirsty they are
• Being sick or having an upset stomach
• Eating things that arent food
• Changes in their weight

Sudden changes to your dogs feeding habits can also be caused by stress or anxiety. Take your dog to your vet as your first port of call but try speaking to an animal behaviourist if you think your dog is unhappy or if the vet has ruled out any illness.

Tips on dealing with a hungry dog

If your dog often begs for food or tries to hypnotise you with a please feed me look, you could:

• Offer them some fresh water - sometimes quenching their thirst may distract them
• Take them for a walk, as this may help to take their mind off food
• Give them a healthy snack, such as carrot sticks or slices of apple. Alternatively, you could give them a small amount of kibble, but make sure if you give any treats these are taken into consideration when calculating your dogs total calorie intake for the day. Remember that some healthy fruits that we eat, such as grapes, can be dangerous to dogs, so make sure the food you give them is suitable for dogs.
• Give them some attention, such as petting them or playing with them
• Give them small meals throughout the day to keep them feeling full
• Time your dogs meal so that you feed them before you prepare your own meal or before you eat
• Try giving them their food in a puzzle feeder or any treats in a Kong to keep them mentally stimulated
• Make sure that everyone in the house is aware not to give in to begging for food
• It may be tough for your dog if you suddenly cut off their supply of treats, so try gradually reducing the amount you give

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Think your dog may be affected?

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We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice, but if you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information