Pineapple

Cats need no fruit, so a small piece of pineapple is at most a novel treat with a little vitamin C and water.

One small piece (about 1 cm) per serving, and never at the expense of the main diet.

Peel, core and dice small with no seasoning, sugar, honey or condensed milk.

Check for redness or drooling around the mouth after the first taste, since bromelain can irritate it; pineapple is both acidic and sugary enough to loosen the stool, and a complete cat food already covers every nutritional need.

A source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre, with juicy low-fat flesh that works as an occasional fruit treat.

1-2 small pieces (about a tablespoon) for a small dog, within about 10% of daily energy intake.

Peel and core, then cut the flesh into small pieces; canned pineapple in syrup, dried pineapple and candied pineapple all carry far too much sugar.

Pineapple contains bromelain, which can irritate the skin around the mouth and the gut, so sensitive pets get only a tiny amount while you watch; the core is coarse and hard to digest and must be removed, and a large serving usually means loose stools.