Nowadays dogs, like humans, are eating better and better, resulting in them becoming increasingly overweight. According to surveys, the obesity rate of pet dogs is as high as 45%, especially large breeds like Labradors that seem more prone to gaining weight. But scientists have found that it is actually due to a mutation in a certain gene.

Overweight Labrador

　　Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK reported in the latest issue of the American journal Cell Metabolism that a gene called POMC, when mutated, can cause Labradors and some other dog breeds to be more obsessed with food and easily become obese. This is the first time a gene mutation related to canine obesity has been identified.

　　The lead researcher, Raffan, said that in the collected obesity reports of Labradors, analysis showed that about one quarter are due to this gene mutation. Because of this internal genetic change, these dogs become obsessed with food.

　　The report states that among Labradors trained as police dogs, narcotics detection dogs, and other assistance dogs, the POMC mutation is more common. This may be because they are more sensitive to food and more easily accept food as a reward during training.

　　Researchers selected 33 Labradors, including 15 obese and 18 lean dogs. After conducting genetic analysis, they identified a mutation on the POMC gene. In the obese dogs, the DNA sequence at the end of this gene is disordered, causing a specific chemical in the brain that controls satiety signals to be inhibited, so even when they are full, they still cannot control overeating.

　　When the research sample was expanded to 310 Labradors, both pets and assistance dogs, researchers found that Labradors with the POMC gene mutation are more prone to obesity, beg for food more frequently, and are more engaged while eating. Weight comparisons showed that Labradors with the POMC gene mutation weigh on average 2 kilograms more than their normal counterparts.

　　After analyzing different dog breeds, it was found that the gene effect of POMC only exists in Labradors and Golden Retrievers, affecting their weight and eating behavior. Therefore, current research suggests that the POMC gene does not affect all dogs. We dog owners still need to pay more attention in daily life, feed scientifically, and not let obesity trouble our dogs.