Labradors weight gain

[hollysh]

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I'm a dog boarder and have looked after a few labs that are overweight. Have one currently who was taken to the vet before coming here for a check up of vaccines etc and he was concerned. he apparently suggested a hydrotherapy pool and a treadmill. He always asked me to cut down her food intake.
She's 11. Do you know why this is such a common problem in labs? Is it just what the owner feeds them or is it a genetic factor?

 

[JudyN]

A combination, I guess. They have a voracious appetite so seem to be perpetually starving. But if a dog is overweight then it is, almost by definition, being fed too much. The 'right' amount of food can look quite measly, both to owner and dog.

 

[Buddy1]

An interesting question. I admit quite of a few of the older Labradors where we live are overweight. Not really sure why but possible suggestions could be a combination of:

There is research which shows that some labs (and flatcoats) carry a mutant gene which can lead to obesity. Apparently, when present the dogs never feel full even after having eaten. I imagine if dogs carry this gene, they will be prone to being overfed by their owners.

I also think that some breeds are more inclined to put on weight after they have been neutered. The entire Labradors I have met have not been overweight.

Lastly, I think Labradors can become quite sedentary in later life as they are quite chilled out dogs (although quite the opposite when puppies).

 

[JoanneF]

The two lines are quite different - working lines seem to be more lean and athletic while show lines can become a bit sideboard-ish

 

[Josie]

An interesting question. I admit quite of a few of the older Labradors where we live are overweight. Not really sure why but possible suggestions could be a combination of:

There is research which shows that some labs (and flatcoats) carry a mutant gene which can lead to obesity. Apparently, when present the dogs never feel full even after having eaten. I imagine if dogs carry this gene, they will be prone to being overfed by their owners.

I also think that some breeds are more inclined to put on weight after they have been neutered. The entire Labradors I have met have not been overweight.

Lastly, I think Labradors can become quite sedentary in later life as they are quite chilled out dogs (although quite the opposite when puppies).

Your last point is spot on with my boy! He’s so slow on walks now sniffing something every 2 meters. However, he seems to suddenly pick up the pace when he sees a cat!!

 

[Mad Murphy]

I think its a 50/50 thing they have those big soulful eyes that say feed me so people do and I think they do have a tendency to be overweight.

I was once told that all beagles get fat.. Benny was 15 but by good diet and a lot of walking he did stay in shape... Its a tough job and they make you feel proper mean but it is possible.

 

[excuseme]

We have neighbors with 2 Beagles, that were once very fat!!
Owing to a health issue one was put onto a raw diet, so to make life easier they both went raw. The result was astounding, both dogs look fantastic, they have no excess weight and they are full of life. Lucky doggies

 

[hollysh]

Thanks for your thoughts. I don't want to push her too hard but I'm going to follow the advice of the owner and the vet and reduce her food intake and take her on longer walks. She does get tired but when she's off lead down the beach she really enjoys herself. Hopefully after 2 weeks she may seem a bit fitter. I thunk walking her with other dogs encourages her to play/exercise as well as she gets excited to be with them.

 

[Janer]

Too much food because they look at you as if they are being starved! Spikes a Jack Russell but did weigh in at a very unhealthy 12.9 kg because he does pathetic really well. He now weighs a better 8.4

 

[merlina]

Really interesting thread...I've only ever had a lab x so never lived with whole one! I've noticed that choccy labs are almost always fat so maybe the gene goes with the colour. But they are working dogs who are also wonderful family dogs- because they're so laid-back I think they are under-exercised and then crave food out of boredom. As for dieting/keeping the weight off an always hungry dog, try substitution. Mine ( a spaniel) gets raw bones which at least tire him out wrestling and chewing- then for his meals to a modest amount of meat or fish and some carb- it can be cooked potato or non-grain kibble- I add veg for bulk. Tonight he'll get a raw finely grated carrot or a raw grated cauliflower stalk plus a little left over cooked cabbage. It looks an enormous amount! And he doesn't feel badly done to.

 

[excuseme]

I agree that vegetables are great belly fillers, raw or cooked

 

[hollysh]

she turned her nose up at a carrot. I've left it in her bowl just in case she gets hungry later.

 

[Josie]

Dennis always has those ‘But my family starve me’ eyes!

It’s actually got to the point now that when we go to either of my grandparents house they say to him ‘Oh I know what you want, you want your bowl of milk!’

My grandad says ‘ aw look Jos, he didn’t want it when the bowl just had water in it’



Luckily he’s a leggy Lab and although the vet would most likely say he needs to lose a few I think he looks pretty good for 11!

 

[excuseme]

she turned her nose up at a carrot. I've left it in her bowl just in case she gets hungry later.

Try grating some carrot over her food or gently steam a little before putting it on top of her food. Maybe use small chunks and include them with her treats. You may just have to introduce the different vegetables in a "sneaky" way! but not too much at any one time until she gets used to them.