With animals facing their own obesity epidemic (43% of American dogs and half of older cats), a British charity that provides vet services to the poor, hosted a kind of Biggest Loser for animals and crowned a hefty Labrador retriever the winner. Keano, a black lab from Plymouth, weighed 101 pounds (53% overweight) when he was adopted six months ago. After going on the 100-day weight loss program from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Keano weight loss was about 20 pounds and nine inches around his waist.
The Pet Fit Club, started in 2004, gives owners professional advice on helping their dogs and cats lose weight to avoid health problems. Other big losers included a 21-pound cat, named Tinks who was 96% overweight. Tinks lost two pounds. The pet food company Hills used to run a similar contest. You won't be surprised to learn that Labradors, infamous for their hearty appetites, were also big losers there, too.
Your Reaction
