The 2007 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Competition finalists were announced on Tuesday, revealing some seriously weighty competition for the annual title. The top 50 contenders have lost more than 300 kgs between them, and the eight finalists have lost a combined 50.95kgs. Several have lost more than half their bodyweight.
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Over a thousand cats and dogs in South Africa and Namibia registered for the Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme this year; those that reached their goal weight by end August were eligible to enter the competition. The Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme combines regular weigh-ins and professional advice with a specially prescribed therapeutic diet (Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d) that helps the animal lose weight humanely and healthily; it contains a fibre that helps make the pet feel fuller for longer, thus preventing hunger pangs.
According to South African vets, about half the animals they treat weigh more than is healthy. Yet research by Hill’s suggests that less than 20% of owners believe their pets to be overweight. “Many owners show their pets how much they love them with food and treats,” said Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “But excess weight causes major health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It can also negatively affect the outcome of surgery.”
The Hill’s Pet Slimmer competition started in SA ten years ago to address the high levels of pet obesity. “The competition puts a fun spin on a serious issue, raises awareness of the health implications and provides additional incentives for owners to put their pet on a weight loss programme,” said Rina Cronwright, one of the competition judges and managing director of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
The winner will be announced in late November, once the judges have met each finalist. They will be assessing the animal’s health, condition, weight loss story and the bond between pet and owner. The top dog or cat wins a tropical island holiday for its owners and a three month supply of Hill’s pet food. The 2006 winner was George, a Dachshund from Durban North, who lost 46.7% of his bodyweight.
The finalists are:
Katie Bouwer, a Fox Terrier from Randburg (Gauteng), who went from 16.2kgs to 10.4kgs (losing 35.8% of her bodyweight)
Tossie Gower, a Fox Terrier from Worcester (Western Cape), who went from 25kgs to 13.4kgs (46.4%)
Mitzi Kruger, a Miniature Pinscher from Secunda (Mpumalanga), who went from 5.6kgs to 3.3kgs (41.1%)
Tazzy Lawson-Craig, an Australian Cattle Dog from Cape Town (Western Cape), who went from 29.2kgs to 16.85kgs (42.3%)
Micky Oosthuizen, a Jack Russell from Pinetown (KZN), who went from 17kgs to 8kgs (52.9%)
Stitch Parsons, a Miniature Dachshund from Randburg (Gauteng), who went from 15.7kgs to 7.6kgs (51.6%)
Blompot Steyn, a cat from Cape Town (Western Cape), who went from 6.6kgs to 4.8kgs (27.3%)
Entries for the 2007 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year are now closed but overweight pets can register on the Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme at any time of the year. Call Hill’s toll free on 0800 228 783 to find a participating practice in your area. – (Health24, October 2007)
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