Mr O’Grady and The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green are working together to support rescue centres around the country. The fundraising effort is part of a campaign by a dog food company to make the biggest ever donation of dog food to rescue centres in the UK.

Dog owners can help by buying Pedigree dog food in the Buy One, Feed One promotion – one meal will be donated to centres for every pack bought.

The Mayhew Animal Home was part of a research project which showed that nearly half of rehoming centres have seen a growing number of malnourished dogs.

Chief executive Caroline Yates said: “We have had some dogs come into our care that have evidently not had the best start in life, and the good quality diet provided by Pedigree, has greatly aided their recovery. A consistent, good-quality diet not only reduces their stress levels but also the instances of upset stomachs, leaving us with more time to care for the dogs and give them the love they need.”

The company has committed to donating one million meals this year, which is an estimated 324 tonnes of dog food, including 26 tonnes of treats.