AN OVERWEIGHT dog from Penarth has reached the finals of the UK’s largest pet slimming competition.

The heavyweight retriever has achieved success in the PDSA Pet Fit Club and is set to lead the way for millions of overweight pets across Britain.

Two-year-old Kaspa has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets – including dogs, cats and even a rabbit.

Weighing in at 7st 7Ib (49.3kg), the curvy Labrador should be nearer 4st 10lb (30kg)

His weight-gain has been caused by scavenging including stealing Chelsea buns from the kitchen worktop and raiding the bin, where he eats whatever he finds. Lack of exercise has also been an issue as Kaspa was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

Owner Maria Daley,50, is at her wits end with the ravenous retriever and is committed to improve his mobility issues by helping him shed those excess pounds.

She said: “I’ve had dogs all my life but Kaspa is the most food-obsessed pooch I’ve ever come across.

"He will eat absolutely anything, from falling crumbs to cardboard and socks.

"He even begs for my five-month-old granddaughter’s milk when she is being fed her bottle."

Kaspa will embark on a strict six-month diet and exercise programme, specially tailored by the vets and nurses at Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital on Trident Park.

Karen Jones, PDSA Veterinary Nurse who will be helping to oversee Kaspa’s diet, said: “Pet obesity is a serious issue that affects millions of UK pets.

"Like humans, pets carrying excess weight are at risk from developing serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

"It can even shorten their lives.

"With the help of PDSA Pet Fit Club, Maria is making the necessary lifestyle changes to help get Kaspa down to a healthier weight.

"We will support her every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed."

Kaspa will be competing against six dogs, five cats and a rabbit.

PDSA Pet Fit Club was launched in 2005 and has already helped 74 dogs, 32 cats and six rabbits lose a total 63 stone 11lb - equivalent to over 400 bags of sugar, 6,500 tins of tuna, 7,000 sausages or four heavyweight boxers.

Participants will receive free diet pet food for the duration of the competition, courtesy of Dechra.

The overall Pet Fit Club Champ will be crowned at the end of 2016 and win a year’s free supply of Dechra pet food and a holiday courtesy of cottages.com.

For more information about this year’s pet finalists and to follow their progress visit www.petfitclub.org.uk