Watercress
12 foods contain this ingredient
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About Watercress
Watercress is a leafy aquatic plant occasionally added to pet foods or toppers in small amounts for its vitamin and mineral content.
Watercress is a nutrient-dense leafy green sometimes included in pet foods or as a fresh topper to provide small amounts of vitamins A, C and K, minerals like calcium and iron, fiber and antioxidants that can support general health in dogs and cats when offered in moderation. As a cruciferous vegetable it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals and contains oxalates and glucosinolates that may be problematic for pets with kidney/bladder stone risk or thyroid issues, so it should be well-washed, used sparingly, and avoided in large or concentrated amounts.
- Derived from
- watercress leaves (Nasturtium officinale)
- Primary role
- minor vitamin and mineral contributor
Why it's used
Watercress supplies vitamins A, C and K along with calcium and iron, and formulators sometimes include small amounts for a nutrient boost or as a fresh-food topper ingredient. Its inclusion levels in commercial pet food are typically low relative to the main protein and carbohydrate ingredients.
Common concerns
- Listed as toxic by ASPCA Animal Poison Control The ASPCA's plant database lists watercress (Nasturtium) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, identifying gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhea as the associated clinical signs.
- Glucosinolate content As a cruciferous plant, watercress contains glucosinolate compounds that are discussed as a source of gastrointestinal upset in larger amounts, similar to other plants in this family.
- Repeated large exposures Thyroid effects (interference with iodine uptake) have been associated with repeated or excessive intake of some glucosinolate-containing plants, an association that would be relevant mainly outside the small quantities used in formulated pet food.
Also relevant
A veterinarian should be consulted about any individual pet with kidney, bladder stone, or thyroid conditions before adding fresh watercress to a diet.
Common Questions
What category is Watercress?
Watercress is categorized as a vegetable ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Watercress part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Watercress in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Watercress?
12 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Watercress, including Dr. Tim's, NutriSource, Solid Gold.
Foods with Watercress
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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