Why do Labs Eat so Much?

Why do Labs eat so much? You’re watching your furry Labrador best friend devour everything and there seems to be no end in sight. He’s just had a full bowl of his favorite dog food, yet he is still harassing the family for scraps off the table and went as far as trying to consume the cat’s food, too. Why is he so hungry, though? Is his stomach truly a bottomless pit?

So, why do Labs eat so much? Labrador Retrievers are known for being big eats, but this is actually due to a faulty POMC gene. This gene is responsible for regulating appetite and making one register that he is full. Labs are either missing a major part of this gene or don’t have this particular gene at all.

It isn’t that your Labrador doesn’t want to stop eating; he just never really knows when he is full. This can obviously lead to an unhealthy and obese dog, so what can you do as the owner? We are going to discuss why your Lab is never satisfied and what you can do about it.

Why Your Labrador Eats So Much

For the longest time, it was rather puzzling. Sure, the Labrador is a larger dog, but that doesn’t mean he should try to consume the very shirts off our backs, right? No. There is a reason why your Labrador seems like he has a wasteland for a stomach, and that is why Cambridge University finally conducted a Labrador-specific study to give us the answers.

The results of the study were fairly shocking, and something we certainly did not consider before. Labradors are missing the POMC gene entirely, or are missing critical bits and pieces of it.

But what does that mean?

Essentially, the POMC gene is responsible for regulating appetite. It is the gene that alerts us that we are full and do not need to continue eating. And, as you might guess, without this gene than you will never feel completely full, and that is how your Labrador Retriever feels at all times.

Without feeling full, your Lab is put at a high risk of developing obesity.

This, of course, leads to a slew of health problems that can be very risky to your dog. Aside from obesity and health issues, your dog may also find himself munching on something that can cause problems, such as a poisonous plant or a stuffed animal that gets lodged in his throat.

So does that mean that there is no hope for the hungry Lab?

Of course, not. There are some easy ways you can help your Lab to take his mind off of food and reduce the chances of obesity.

Helping Your Lab to Not Eat So Much

Anyone with a Labrador needs to know these quick and easy tips to reduce how much food their Labrador consumes. After all, it can be somewhat overwhelming to watch your dog constantly beg for food and chew up half the house looking for relief.

Let’s take a look at the top 6 tips for reducing the amount of food your Lab consumes:

• Talk to your vet. Labradors have a high risk of developing hypothyroidism along with their lack of the POMC gene. This can result in your dog begging for food and acting as though she is starving 24/7. Medication can help with this problem, so talking with your vet is a great place to start.
• Feed him a diet rich in fiber. You need to make sure that the food you are feeding your beloved pet is high in fiber, which will help him to feel fuller for longer. You should also make sure that there is minimal additives as well as preservatives, as these are just empty calories that won’t fill his belly.
• Consider a puzzle ball. There are many types of toys and games on the market, such as a puzzle ball, that will keep him occupied and stimulate his brain. This will keep their minds off their desire for food for a good while. 
• Make a feeding schedule. This is hard for humans and Labs alike, but it’s something that needs to be done. While it is likely going to be a challenge and your Labrador won’t be too particularly happy about it at first, eventually, he will adapt and won’t be begging and scavenging for food all day long.
• Don’t tempt them. An easy way to keep your Labs mind off of food he doesn’t need to be eating, say your delicious spaghetti and meatball dinner, it’s best to keep him out of the kitchen and away from the dining room table. If he can smell it and see it, he is going to want it- so be mindful.
• Make sure he is getting enough exercise. Labradors were born to hunt and love a good chase, so making sure you’re playing fetch or another interesting game is a good choice for the Lab owner. However, keeping him active in general will ensure he does not become obese. Physical activity will also take his mind off of food for the time being.

When it comes to helping your Labrador not eat so much, the main goal is to try and take his mind off of it. If he is being redirected with something else regularly, then he won’t have time to worry about his next snack. It’s also important to start a feeding routine early and keep the good smells and foods away from him. 

Keep in mind that it isn’t all a bad thing, though. With their love for food, Labradors are incredibly easy to train- as long as they receive a tasty reward. This is why Labrador Retrievers are so widely used as assistance dogs, as they are almost always rewarded with food; and we all know how much a Labrador loves his food!

That being said, if you are going to use treats as a reward while training, don’t overdo it. There is a fine line between getting a little something special as a reward for being good and polishing off a whole bag of doggie biscuits in a day. Be mindful, knowing that your Lab does not have the ability to feel full and can become overweight rather quickly.

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