If you own a Labrador Retriever, you’ll know they’re the eternal optimists of the dog world, full of energy, loyalty, and a endless appetite. Unfortunately, their love of food, coupled with a unique genetic makeup and a slower metabolism, make Labradors especially prone to gaining extra weight and even becoming obese. Managing canine obesity isn’t just about appearance; it’s about protecting your dog from serious health risks like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for keeping Labradors trim and healthy, from portion control and exercise to recognising the early warning signs of weight gain.
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Why Labradors Are Prone to Obesity
Unlike some breeds, many Labradors carry a mutation in the POMC gene, which plays a role in regulating appetite and satiety. This mutation can lead to increased food motivation and a diminished ability to feel full – meaning many Labs are almost always hungry. Combine that with soulful eyes at mealtimes, and it’s no wonder so many Labradors tip the scales.
According to the 2023 PDSA PAW Report, over 30% of UK dogs are overweight or obese based on owner reporting, and veterinary professionals estimate the true number may be even higher. Labradors consistently rank among the breeds most prone to weight issues. Source
Spotting the Signs of an Overweight Labrador
Not sure if your Labrador has gained a little too much? Here’s a quick test you can do at home:
- Rib check: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visibly sticking out.
- Waistline test: Viewed from above, your Lab should have a noticeable waist behind the ribs.
- Side view: A slight tummy tuck (an upward slope behind the ribcage) should be visible.
If your Labrador has a rounded shape with no defined waist, it may be time to take action.
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The Health Risks of Canine Obesity
Excess weight in Labradors is not just a cosmetic issue. It can lead to:
- Joint and mobility issues – Extra weight accelerates arthritis and hip dysplasia, both common in Labs.
- Diabetes – Obesity may contribute to insulin resistance in dogs, particularly in breeds already at risk. However, most cases of canine diabetes are insulin-dependent and thought to be autoimmune in origin, unlike the more common Type 2 diabetes in humans.
- Reduced lifespan – Studies suggest obese dogs may live up to two years less than their healthy-weight counterparts.
- Heart and lung strain – Carrying extra kilos puts additional stress on cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
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With the right diet and portion control, a Labrador should be a bundle of joyful energy
How to Manage Your Labrador’s Weight
1. Portion Control is Key
Labradors typically don’t self-regulate their food intake, so owners must take control:
- Follow feeding guidelines on your chosen food as a baseline – but remember, these are averages.
- Reduce portions if your Lab is sedentary or gaining weight.
- Use a kitchen scale – estimating scoops often leads to overfeeding.
- Feed twice a day – smaller, regular meals help regulate hunger and energy.
2. Choose the Right Diet
Diet plays a huge role in weight management. Choose a food that is:
- High in protein, moderate to low in fat, and calorie-controlled for weight management.
- Designed for your dog’s age and activity level – consider veterinary-approved "light" or weight-control diets.
- Cut out high-fat table scraps and even the ‘cheese-tax’ – A small cube of cheese may seem harmless, but for a medium-sized dog, it can represent 10–15% of their daily caloric needs, comparable to a human eating an entire chocolate bar between meals.
- Supplemented with vegetables like carrots or green beans as low-calorie fillers.
3. Exercise that Works for Labradors
Labradors are naturally energetic and thrive on physical and mental stimulation.
- Most healthy adult Labs need 1–2 hours of daily exercise.
- Mix up off-lead runs, structured walks, and fetch games.
- Swimming is ideal – it’s low impact and burns calories while being gentle on joints.
- Use puzzle feeders and scent games indoors on rainy days to engage both body and brain.
4. Regular Weigh-Ins and Monitoring
Tracking your Lab’s weight is essential:
- Use vet-approved scales or weigh during routine vet visits.
- Track progress in a notebook or pet health app.
- Look for steady, gradual weight loss – Vets recommend aiming for 1–2% of body weight loss per week. For a 35kg Labrador, that’s roughly 350–700g per week.
5. Treats – Handle with Care
Treats should be occasional and healthy:
- Make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
- Use low-calorie training treats or even pieces of their regular kibble during sessions.
- Swap edible treats for play, praise, or attention – Labs aren’t nicknamed Luvradors for nothing and a game of tug or fetch makes a great reward.
Helping Senior Labradors
As your Labrador ages, their metabolism slows, and they may become less active – increasing the risk of weight gain.
- Adjust portion sizes to reflect reduced activity.
- Choose senior-specific diets that are lower in calories but rich in nutrients.
- Look for foods with joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Replace long runs with shorter, more frequent walks to support mobility without strain.
Labradors may be famously food-motivated, but with the right care, they don’t have to be overweight. By practising portion control, choosing balanced diets, and ensuring plenty of exercise, you’ll add not only years to your Labrador’s life, but also quality to those years.
Have you tried a feeding or exercise strategy that worked wonders for your Labrador? Share your experiences in the comments below – your story may help another owner facing the same challenge with a hungry (and slightly rotund) Labrador!
⚠️ Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet or exercise regime.
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