Hill’s Pet Nutrition™ in association with Weight Watchers® are working together to raise awareness about the benefits of people and pets exercising together. A ground breaking 12 month study (PPet^) demonstrated that exercising with your pet not only benefits your four-legged companion, but gives you the confidence and motivation to exercise and obtain greater weight loss success for longer.

Just as Australians are becoming heavier, so are our pets. Obesity rates for Australians have doubled in the past twenty years, with 62% of men and 45% of women now deemed overweight or obese.   It is estimated that approximately 41% of all dogs and one-third of cats are either overweight or obese1-2-3.

Obesity is now the most common form of malnutrition in pets4.  In tackling this epidemic, the nation’s premier pet slimmer competition, the Hill’s Pet Slimmer of The Year, is now calling for contenders. Now in its 10th year, the annual Pet Slimmer Competition runs in conjunction with local veterinary clinics across Australia.

Launched by world leader in pet nutrition, Hill’s aims to raise awareness of the health problems associated with pet obesity and to assist pets to lead happier lives, longer. Pets that join Pet Slimmer, such as last year’s national winner, J-Joxter, a Devon Rex cat from Adelaide who shed over 40% of his body weight, attend regular weigh in sessions, are provided with professional nutritional advice, exercise tips and are supported throughout their weight loss journey by their local veterinary clinic staff.

Every contender enters the running for a state title, with winners battling it out later this year for the 2008 Hill’s National Pet Slimmer of the Year crown.  In light of the PPet Study findings, this year the competition has been extended to include a new category for owners and their pets, along with the existing pet only category.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Veterinarian, Dr Elissa Kadar, says “The correlation between pet and owner obesity is becoming better understood, with pet obesity linked to owner’s busy lifestyles, inactivity and tendency to over indulge. Weight management is an important part of looking after your pet and should be every owner’s responsibility. Just as with people, obesity has serious health implications for pets such as arthritis, heart and respiratory problems and even cancer.” 

State winners each receive a year’s supply of Hill’s pet food, and the national winner also collects $1,000 worth of travel vouchers and a pet shopping spree valued at $150 (terms and conditions apply). 

“Everyone benefits from having a slim pet that is more healthy, energetic and happy. So by entering the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Programme, both pets and owners can now achieve greater weight loss success together,” Dr Kadar said.

To register your pet in the 2008 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Competition or enquire about the new owner and pet category, visit or phone one of the following participating clinics. Entries close on 31st October 2008 and Hill’s will announce the State and National Winners in November. Please see participating clinics for the full terms and conditions.

4. Gentry SJ. Results of the clinical use of a standardised weight loss program in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 199.3.

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Elizabeth   | | 06-06-2008 04:45:02 Thanks so much for this article. I agree that this is such an important topic. I don't actually have a dog yet but am thinking about getting a Labrador. But I see so many obese Labs around that I am concerned about an inherent tendency toward obesity in the breed. My partner and I both work long hours and so regular daily exercise might be an issue. Should I consider another breed, perhaps? Reply | Quote 0   0

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