Pets: Research suggests that Labrador puppies tend to be overweight thanks to a genetic mutation

Pets: Research suggests that Labrador puppies tend to be overweight thanks to a genetic mutation
Illustrative image,

The mutation is found in one in four Labrador retrievers and two in three flat-leaf retrievers.

  • author, Helen Briggs
  • scroll, Environment correspondent

Scientists say a genetic mutation makes some Labrador retrievers and flat-leaf retrievers feel constantly hungry but burn fewer calories.

This “double effect” means that owners of these dogs must pay special attention to keeping their pets slim.

The mutation is found in one in four Labrador retrievers and two-thirds of flat-faced retrievers.

“This shows us the power of our genes to change how we feel about food,” says the study's lead scientist.

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