Obesity in Labradors: Why They Gain Weight So Easily

Labradors are famous for loving their food, and research shows there's more to it than habit. Being overweight was the most commonly recorded health problem in a large UK study of Labradors [3], and genes play a part [1]. Here's what to know. For your own dog's weight, see a licensed vet.

What counts as overweight in a dog?

Merck's Veterinary Manual gives a simple guide [4]:

• Overweight: 10–20% above the dog's ideal body weight.
• Obese: more than 20% above it.

Over half of the dogs seen by vets in the US fall into one of these groups [4]. Your vet can tell you what your own dog's ideal weight is.

Are Labradors prone to obesity?

Yes. Merck names the Labrador among breeds prone to obesity, alongside breeds such as the Beagle, Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer [4].

In a UK study of Labradors under vet care, being overweight or obese was the most commonly recorded problem, at 8.8% in one year [3]. Yet the breed standard describes a "very active" dog, which "precludes excessive body weight" [5].

Why do Labradors gain weight so easily?

Part of the answer is a gene called POMC, which helps control hunger and energy use in the brain [1]. Some Labradors carry a small missing piece in this gene [1]:

• In one study, about 20% of Labradors carried one copy of the change, and about 2% carried two [1][2].
• Each copy was linked to about 1.9 kg more body weight on average, and a stronger interest in food [1].
• The research team explains that these dogs tend to feel hungry again sooner between meals [2].

Did you know? The same gene change was found even more often in the Flat-Coated Retriever, a close relative of the Labrador, but was largely absent in most other breeds tested [1].

Does neutering make a Labrador gain weight?

In the UK study, 11.4% of neutered males were recorded as overweight or obese, against 4.1% of entire males [3]. This is one factor among several. Talk to your vet about neutering and weight; this is not advice for or against neutering.

Other risk factors apply to all dogs: too little activity, older age, some hormone disorders and some medicines [4].

What health problems does extra weight cause?

Merck links obesity in dogs to [4]:

• A shorter life and a lower quality of life.
• Arthritis and joint problems, and less ability to exercise.
• Heart and lung complications, ongoing inflammation and weaker immunity.
• A higher risk of pancreatitis.

For more on joints in this breed, see our page on hip and elbow dysplasia in Labradors.

How can I keep my Labrador at a healthy weight?

There is no one plan for every dog, and we don't give diets or amounts here. These general points help [1][3][4][5]:

• Know the risk early. Plan feeding and exercise with your vet from puppyhood, based on body condition, not on how hungry your dog seems [1][3][4].
• Check body condition with your vet regularly [4].
• Keep the bond. Weight management doesn't have to mean the end of treat time and the moments you share. Ask your vet which treats and routine suit your dog [4].
• Keep it active. Daily exercise suited to your dog's age and health fits this active working breed [5].

When should I see a vet about my dog's weight?

See a licensed vet if:

• Your dog seems to be gaining weight, or you're not sure what its ideal weight is [4].
• It tires faster on walks or seems less keen to exercise [4].
• It moves stiffly or struggles with stairs or jumping [4].

FAQ

Is my Labrador always hungry because of its genes?

It may be part of it. A POMC gene change linked to a stronger interest in food was found in about 22% of Labradors in one study, so not every Labrador carries it [1][2].

How do I know if my Labrador is overweight?

A dog 10–20% above its ideal weight counts as overweight, and more than 20% as obese [4]. Your vet can assess your dog's body condition properly.

Does neutering cause weight gain in Labradors?

In a UK study, neutered males were recorded as overweight more often than entire males [3]. Ask your vet how to plan for it.