The PDSA has revealed which pets will be going on pet food diets over the next few months as part of its fit club.
In total, there are 11 chubby dogs, five porky cats and two fat rabbits. These animals have been put on a diet and exercise plan for the next six months to help them get healthier.
The combined weight of this year’s finalists is over 24 stone, equivalent to 35 cats or 50 Yorkshire Terriers.
Sean Wensley, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: "Excess pounds can contribute to a number of serious health conditions and, sadly, it does reduce life expectancy. But the good news is that it’s never too late to make positive changes to a pet’s diet and lifestyle."
In the UK, there are currently 2.9 million dogs and three million cats that are overweight. Despite this, 84 per cent of owners think their pets are the right weight, suggesting there is a misunderstanding about healthy weights of animals.
