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Article History

Received: 29 May 2022

Accepted: 12 September 2022

First Online: 20 September 2022

Declarations

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: The study protocol was approved by the University of Liverpool Veterinary Research Ethics Committee (RETH000353 and VREC793) and the Royal Canin Ethical Review Committee (RCWMC_2021_01_V1). Enrolled dogs, were client-owned pets referred for weight management and all clinical investigations performed, other than non-invasive echocardiography and electrocardiography, were routine investigations (deemed standard of care) for such patients. All diagnostic procedures were clinically indicated, were to the benefit of the patient and were performed to the highest standards of veterinary practice. The intervention (therapeutic diet) was clinically necessary to improve the health and welfare of the patients. Owners of all participating animals gave written, informed consent.The authors confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and veterinary regulations, and that although the study involved clinical cases (not experimental animals) methods were reported in accordance to the ARRIVE guidelines as applicable.

: N/A

: The study was funded by a grant from Royal Canin, a division of Mars Petcare, and this company manufactured the diets fed in this study. Vincent Biourge and John Flanagan are employees of Royal Canin. Alexander J. German and Georgia R.T. Woods are employees of the University of Liverpool but their positions are funded by Royal Canin. Both have received financial remuneration and gifts for providing educational material, speaking at conferences, and consultancy work. Joanna Dukes-McEwan and colleagues in the cardiology service have also participated in a study funded by Royal Canin investigating a nutritional management for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.