A former fat dog has won the UK's largest pet slimming competition after shedding a quarter of his bodyweight in six months.

Borris, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel from Deal, had weighed in at 28kg (4st 6lb), 85% over his ideal weight of 12kg (2st 13lb).

His monstrous appetite had once seen him dangerously eat a set of false teeth and PDSA vets warned that his health was at serious risk.

Owner Annmarie Formoy, took action by cutting out his excess food and taking him on plenty of walkies.

He has now reduced to 20.9kg (3st 4lb) and has become joint winner in the PDSA Pet Fit Club contest.

Ms Formoy, 46, had admitted that the family had fed him too many treats and his loveable nature meant that even strangers would give him titbits.

His love of food also led to several mishaps over the years - including once raiding a cupboard full of chocolate Easter eggs, which could have poisoned him. He also once even ate Ms Formoy's father's false teeth.

But he has transformed after six months on his Pet Fit Club diet.

Ms Formoy said: “Borris’ weight loss has been amazing. In the past his belly used to be touching the ground and he would refuse to walk. Now he loves his walks – even when it’s raining.

“The best part was the first time that I saw Borris taking his first few running steps, it made me want to cry, I was so happy. He hadn’t run in years.

“It has also helped show me just how bad his life must have been before, carrying around all that extra weight.”

A bonus is that Borris is no longer taunted by family cat Charlie.

Ms Formoy explained:“She used to creep up and hit Borris with a paw and he was too fat too fight back. Now she thinks twice about it as he will chase her up the stairs.”

Borris’ weight-loss has been supervised by Louisa Carey, head nurse at Margate PDSA Pet Clinic.

She said: “Borris is unrecognisable from the dog that waddled into our hospital for his first weigh-in.. He’s healthier, happier and will be able to enjoy a much better quality of life.

“Annmarie and her family have been very dedicated, changing his lifestyle for the better. They are a testament to what can be achieved with determination.

“Anyone worried about their pet’s weight should seek advice from their vet, who can work with them to get them on the right diet and increase their pet’s exercise levels.”

PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan, who helped to judge the competition, added: “It has been hugely rewarding to see Borris’ weight decrease. His success is testament to the hard work of his owners and our PDSA veterinary team at the Margate clinic.

"His owners are also committed to continuing the diet to help Borris get down to his target weight, and keep him there."

Ms Anderson-Nathan said that pet obesity is a growing issue that affects millions of UK pets.

Around 40% of dogs and cats in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese.

The competition's joint winner was Sadie, a labrador from Basildon in Essex.

She also lost 25% of her bodyweight through the Pet Fit Club, reducing from 42.2kg (6st 9lb) to 31.5kg (4st 13lb).

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