Watercress is a peppery aquatic leafy green (Nasturtium officinale) with small rounded leaves and hollow stems, grown in cool running water and sold in salad blends or bunches. It is used in soups, sandwiches, and garnish mixes. Despite its culinary use for people, it is not a good pet food choice.
This plant contains mustard-oil compounds that may irritate the mouth and GI tract in pets, and many toxic plant references classify watercress as unsafe. Mixed spring greens may include watercress leaves, so exposure may occur from shared salads. Garden-grown beds near ponds or streams can also create access.
For pets, do not offer watercress raw or cooked. Remove watercress from shared plates and choose pet-safe greens for vegetable tastes. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is followed by drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Watercress is sometimes sold with roots attached in hydroponic packs and may carry soil or standing-water residue. Green juices and herb blends may list it among mixed ingredients. Check labels before sharing greens.
Bagged salad kits may hide small watercress sprigs among other greens.
