Meet Luigi – our 2019 PDSA Pet Fit Club Champ!

Weighing in at a whopping 29.1kg (4 stone 5lb), Luigi ate his way to become 39% overweight. His unhealthy lifestyle left him needing to lose a colossal 9.1kg (1 stone 6lb) to reach his ideal weight of 21kg (3 stone 4lb).

Before Pet Fit Club

PDSA Pet Fit Club is the UK’s biggest and most successful pet slimming competition. Since 2005 it has helped 143 pets (89 dogs, 44 cats, eight rabbits and two rats) lose 513kg (80st 12lb)!

Pet participants are placed on a six-month diet and exercise programme, individually tailored to their needs and overseen by PDSA vets and vet nurses.

Discussing Luigi, his owner Perrie Eedy, said: “The weight steadily crept on over the years. He would find food anywhere. He even managed to find his way into the recycling, despite it having a ‘secure’ lid!

“He’s always loved all food, especially human food, especially if we’re eating. Pork is his favourite. On Sundays, he used to get carrots with his biscuits and gravy on top while we have our Sunday roast.”

Perrie admits that Luigi has never been fan of exercise and his weight meant him to struggle to keep up with her when out on a walk.

She added: “He would always potter around and take his time. I wanted him to be able to enjoy his walks, run, chase a ball and have more energy like other dogs so I signed him up for Pet Fit Club.”

After Pet Fit Club

Thanks to his new diet and exercise regime, Luigi lost a third (30%) of his bodyweight and 8 inches off his waist, reaching a much healthier 20.40kg (3st 3lb).

Perrie said: “Since overhauling Luigi diet and exercise regime, the change we’ve seen in him have been unbelievable, he’s a different dog! At first the weight came off slowly, but after a couple of months of being strict and really sticking to it, we noticed a big difference in him and his body shape.”

“The diet has impacted all of our lives for the better; we take him out for a walk without question first-thing in the morning which is a great kick-start to our day. We spend more time outdoors exploring new places with him now, and it’s helped me with my exercise too as I go out on runs and long bike rides with him. He has totally transformed from the dog we used to drag out on walks before, he’s often running well ahead of us now.”

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Luigi's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for dogs like Luigi without your support. Please consider donating today.

Where to next

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