Purina, Jenny Craig collaborate to fight pet obesity

St. Louis --

Nestlé Purina and Jenny Craig are collaborating on a program to help pets and their owners lose weight.

The program, called Project Pet Slim Down, is billed as a first-of-its kind to help battle the epidemic of pet obesity. A study by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 55 percent of dogs and 54 percent of cats are either overweight or obese.

The program offers pet owners tools to help including an online system to track weight loss, record activities and upload progress photos. Educational materials include facts about feeding and exercise.

According to Nestlé Purina, veterinarians can obtain clinic materials to promote pet weight loss. The program also includes educational materials like a Body Condition System and other offers for dog and cat owners, the company reports.

This is the second year for the Nestlé Purina campaign. For more information, visit

projectpetslimdown.com

.