Thanksgiving is a joyful and delicious holiday for every family —
and for Labradors, it is the ultimate temptation.
Their love for food is legendary, but it’s not just personality.
Studies have shown that many Labradors carry a POMC gene deletion,
which naturally increases appetite and reduces the feeling of fullness.
That means Thanksgiving can easily become a dangerous season for weight gain —
and for Labradors, extra weight equals extra stress on the back legs.
What Should and Shouldn’t Labradors Eat on Thanksgiving?
✅ Safe in moderation
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Plain turkey breast
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Mashed sweet potatoes (no butter)
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Pumpkin puree
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Steamed green beans
❌ Avoid at all costs
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Turkey skin and fatty trimmings
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Gravy
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Butter-rich dishes
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Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic
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Sugary pies, cookies, desserts
These foods can cause stomach upset, pancreatitis,
and most importantly: rapid weight gain.
Why Weight Gain Is Dangerous for Labrador Back Legs
Labradors are genetically prone to:
✅ Hip dysplasia
✅ Elbow dysplasia
✅ Knee strain
✅ Arthritis
Every extra kilogram of body weight places 4–6 kg of force on the back legs.
So a “small holiday treat” may turn into a big problem for their joints.
Why Back-Leg Support Helps Labradors
During the holiday eating season, a rear-leg brace can:
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Stabilize the knee and reduce strain
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Protect the hips from excessive rotation
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Support overweight dogs during activity
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Reduce the risk of cruciate ligament injuries
A few days of overeating can lead to months of joint damage.
But with the right support, we can reduce the long-term impact.
Final Message
Labradors live for movement, play, and joy.
This Thanksgiving, protecting their weight means protecting their future steps.
