Seven overweight dogs and one cat are to embark upon a diet and fitness regime in an effort to shed the pounds.
The eight animals from across Britain were picked by veterinary charity PDSA in a search for the nations' fattest pets.
PDSA vets and nurses will put the animals on a specially-tailored 100-day programme to help them battle the bulge.
The pet w
ith the biggest percentage weight loss which has best followed the regime will be crowned PDSA Pet Fit Club champ.
PDSA statistics show around 30% of the nation's dogs are overweight or obese, amounting to around 1.95 million fat dogs across the UK.
The charity said this figure leapt by 9% between 2006 and 2007.
Sean Wensley, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, said the charity was "extremely concerned" about the rising number of obese pets.
He said: "Many owners admit to spoiling and over feeding their pets.
"Alongside their daily portions of pet food, owners often show their affection by giving unhealthy human treats such as cheese, buttered toast and biscuits. They don't realise they are actually killing their pets with kindness.
"This, combined with a lack of, or not enough, exercise, is causing the growing number of obese pets, many of which face a lifetime of serious health problems because of their weight."
The eight finalists and their current weights are:
- Seven-year-old German Shepherd Alfie, from Broadway, Edinburgh, 57.3kg (126lb)
- 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Paddy, from Bradmore, Wolverhampton, 6kg (13lb)
- Two-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bo, from Hebburn, Gateshead, 19.75kg (44lb).
- Five-year-old Beagle Toby, from Southport, Merseyside 22.8kg (50lb)
- Five-year-old Labrador Keano, from Plymouth, 46kg (101lb)
- Five-year-old Cocker Spaniel cross Sam from Llandaff, Cardiff, 20kg (44lb)
- 13-year-old cat Tinks, from Walderslade, Gillingham, Kent 9.8kg (22lb)
- Six-year-old Jack Russell Roxy, from Croydon, 9.35kg (21lb)
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