The Retriever Study

Join our Labrador and Golden Retriever Overweight Research Project.

Are you the proud owner of an adult Labrador or Golden Retriever? Whether your dog is on the curvy side or already at a perfect weight, we invite you and your furry companion to take part in our research project.

About the project

We're investigating how obesity and being overweight affects the health and happiness of dogs, focusing on metabolism, gut health, body fat distribution and brain function.

Your participation could help us understand these connections better and help prevent and manage this condition in the future.

What's involved?

Health assessments

Your dog will undergo gentle health assessments by a veterinarian, including a thorough physical examination, measurements of body weight, body condition scoring and cognitive function tests. We'll also collect blood and stool samples to further evaluate your dog's gut bacteria and blood metabolites.

Dietary and exercise tracking

Your dog will receive a high-quality balanced diet from our sponsor, Hills Pet Food, known for its expertise in canine nutrition. This diet will be provided free of charge for the duration of the 28-week study as long as your dog stays enrolled. Our team of veterinarians will select the nutrition plan and exercise program based on your dog's individual requirements. Your dog will also wear a tracking activity collar to monitor daily activity levels.

Imaging

Ultrasonography is a minimally invasive technique that allows us to look inside the body using a simple probe on your dog’s skin and will provide insights into your dog's body composition by measuring fat content changes over time.

Surveys

We will ask you, the pet parent, to answer some questions about your dog. The surveys will help us better understand your dog's mind and find out how we can improve cognition and quality of life in canines through weight management and targeted nutritional and exercise programs.

Why participate?

Help science

Your Labrador or Golden Retriever could contribute to valuable scientific discoveries that will benefit the wider canine population.

Personalised health benefits

Your dog will be examined by a veterinarian free of charge at the beginning of the study to confirm inclusion in the study. Laboratory work, including haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, urine cortisol and thyroid hormone check will be performed free of charge (value of $500) to ensure the absence of overt underlying disease prior to enrolment.

Free high-quality food for your dog

Participating dogs will receive 28 weeks of high-quality, tailored nutrition provided by Hills Pet Food (total value of $1,000), along with a personalised exercise program, all at no cost to you.

Personalised exercise program

Participating dogs will have a tailored exercise program designed for them, and you will be able to track their activity throughout the day with an activity tracker borrowed for the time of the study.