Blackberry

Cats need no fruit, so one or two blackberries are at most a novel treat with a little fibre and water.

1-2 berries per serving, and never at the expense of the main diet.

Rinse, remove the stems and cut in half with no seasoning or sugar.

Xylitol-sweetened berry products are just as dangerous for cats and must never be fed; a large serving can loosen the stool, and a complete cat food already covers every nutritional need.

A source of dietary fibre and antioxidants in small, low-sugar berries that make a handy fruit treat.

2-4 berries per serving for a small dog, within about 10% of daily energy intake.

Rinse well, remove the stems and serve whole or halved; no added sugar, yoghurt or jam coating.

Jam, candied blackberries and xylitol-sweetened berry products are off-limits, since xylitol can cause low blood sugar and even liver damage in dogs; the seeds are hard and the fibre is high, so a large serving tends to loosen the stool.