Understanding the genetics of Labrador retriever obesity may help dog owners mitigate their best friend’s weight gain.

A gene linked to obesity in Labradors is the same one found in humans, scientists say. The discovery could help researchers understand how genes influence appetite and weight gain.

Dr. Eleanor Raffan from the University of Cambridge shared that “by studying dogs, we’ve honed in on some interesting new biology here.” UK scientists have learned that Labradors, in particular, tend to have a persistent appetite and are more susceptible to being under the category of “overweight” in their health,