Royal Canin has announced the winner of its second annual Weigh In Club initiative: a 32kg 12 year old Beagle called Amber that lost 12.5kg, or 39% of her bodyweight.

The dog lost weight with the help of Veterinary Nurse Gabby Taylor from Wilson Vet Group in Bishop Auckland, and won a year's supply of Royal Canin food along with £500 of gift vouchers for her owner. Gabby also won £500 of vouchers for her efforts, as well as £1000 of equipment vouchers for her practice.

Gabby said: "Amber was referred to my weight clinic and we quickly started her on Royal Canin's Satiety Support diet. Over the course of six months, Amber lost weight healthily and reached her target weight of 19.5kg, making her a much happier dog."

117 dogs took part in the initiative, with the 12 finalists invited to appear in a Royal Canin 2013 'Weigh In Club Winners' calendar.

The competition, which is due to be repeated in 2013, was open to all vet practices which run weight clinics and use Royal Canin  'Obesity Management' and 'Satiety Support' diets as part of weight loss programmes run by Veterinary Nurses.

Ian Williams BVSc MRCVS, Royal Canin's Veterinary Support Manager, said: "With canine and feline obesity on the increase, Veterinary Nurses have an important role to play in educating pet owners and supporting the weight loss process. Choosing the right nutrition for the individual pet is a key part of a successful weight management programme, along with a tailored exercise plan, regular monitoring and commitment from the owner."

For more information about Royal Canin's diets, call the company's veterinary helpline on 0800 717800 or visit www.royalcanin.co.uk

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