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The Surprising Dog Gene That’s Making You and your Pup Pack on Pounds

Author

Bryan Reisberg
July 24, 2025

Is Your Dog’s DNA Secretly Sabotaging Their Weight? Scientists Reveal the Shocking Truth

Ever wondered why your Labrador gives those puppy-dog eyes every time you open the fridge? A team at the University of Cambridge has sniffed out the answer—or at least part of it—in the pups’ DNA. By swabbing the cheeks of British Labradors and measuring their body fat, researchers pinpointed several obesity‑linked genes, with one superstar called DENND1B stealing the show. Turns out, dogs carrying the “greedy gene” pack on about 8% more blubber, and four other lesser players also tip the scales. They even watched how often dogs begged, munched, and fussed—and those with the high‑risk variants were bona fide food fiends.

Prevalence of Overweight Dogs
Recent surveys show that roughly 56–59% of pet dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese. For example, the American Kennel Club reports that 56% of U.S. dogs fall into this category American Kennel Club, and the 2022 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey found 59% of dogs to be overweight or obese Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

Health Risks of Overweight Dogs
Overweight and obese dogs face a significantly higher risk of numerous serious conditions, including:

  • Arthritis and joint degeneration – extra body weight accelerates wear on bones, joints, and muscles, leading to painful osteoarthritis VcaCornell Vet College

  • Diabetes mellitus – excess fat interferes with insulin regulation, increasing the chance of diabetes Vca

  • Heart disease and hypertension – carrying extra weight strains the cardiovascular system and can elevate blood pressure Vca

  • Cancer – obesity is linked to a higher incidence of certain cancers in dogs Vca

  • Respiratory compromise – fat deposits around the chest can make breathing more difficult, especially during exercise or heat PetMD

  • Urinary bladder stones – metabolic changes in overweight dogs can promote stone formation Vca

  • Pancreatitis – high-fat stores increase the risk of painful inflammation of the pancreas PetMD

  • Anesthetic complications – excess weight makes dosing more challenging and raises surgical risks VcaPetMD

  • Reduced quality of life and lifespan – overweight dogs tend to tire more easily, enjoy less activity, and often live shorter lives PetMD

The Human Dog Handshake 

Here’s the tail‑wagging kicker: humans also carry those very same genes. DENND1B isn’t just a doggie delight; it’s tied to our own leptin‑melanocortin brain circuit, the body’s internal thermostat for hunger and energy burn. So when your Labrador’s genetic code makes them extra snack‑hungry, it’s basically a furry mirror of what happens in our noggins. In both species, high genetic risk doesn’t doom you to perpetual weight-gain—but it does mean your willpower has to flex harder whenever donuts parade by.

Don’t worry—this isn’t a genetic death sentence for you or Fido. Armed with these insights, dog owners (and people) can outsmart their own biology. Try puzzle feeders that turn dinner into a sniffari, scatter meals around the yard, or tweak nutrient ratios so each bite feels more satisfying. And, of course, regular walks, games of fetch, and the occasional zoom‑around‑the‑living‑room dance party will keep those extra genes from calling the shots.

Why does this matter? Knowing which genes push us toward the cookie jar gives vets and doctors fresh targets for interventions—imagine appetite‑curbing treats or personalized exercise plans! It also reminds us that staying slim isn’t a character flaw but a daily decision, especially if your genetic deck is stacked. In short, whether you have paws or just walk on two feet, understanding the science behind your snack attacks is the first step toward a healthier, happier life—for you and your four‑legged best friend.

Today’s Last Laugh:

This on repeat until labor day…

@jodythecorgi

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