Healthy Hot Dogs, Could it Be?

I have barely eaten any hot dogs my entire life.

Fortunately, from a young age, my Mom never fed me hot dogs because she knew they were unhealthy, so I never developed a taste for them.

Nowadays, as a dietitian, I know how unhealthy they really are.

But, millions of Americans love them, so how can we make this popular cultural icon a little healthier?

Why Traditional Hot Dogs are Unhealthy

• Nitrites and Other Preservatives : This nasty preservative has been linked to cancer repeatedly in research. Still, we add it to our processed meats to preserve the color. Eating processed meats occasionally will not cause you harm, but eating it everyday will. This includes most deli meats as well.


• Sodium : One hot dog contains about 500 to 700 mg sodium. That’s just for the hot dog. By the time you add extra condiments, you are moving closer to 1000 mg sodium.


• Strange Ingredients: Mechanically separated turkey or beef. What does this mean? Bits and pieces of leftover meat like snouts, organs, and feet!

Healthier Brands to Consider

• Applegate Farms: This company makes an organic, grass fed, antibiotic free, natural beef hot dog. No nasty preservatives and only 330mg sodium per hot dog! Also makes a turkey hot dog.


• Trader Joe’s: Makes some beef and chicken hot dogs with no nitrites or fillers.


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• Tofurky: Vegan brand for those who like their fake meat products. Made with wheat gluten, pea protein, and soy. All fake meat products like this contain some wheat gluten and soy, so it is hard to avoid. I like that this brand uses a good amount of pea protein to help use less of the others.


• Oscar Meyer Selects Angus Franks: A newer hot dog by Oscar Meyer with no nitrites or artificial preservatives.


• Prescott Frost: Makes organic beet hot dogs. More expensive and harder to find.


• Organic Prairie: Supports family farms. If you can’t buy at Whole Foods, you can easily order online.


• Homegrown Meats Grass Fed Beef: These hot dogs are made from cows that had the most humane treatment possible and were grass fed their whole life. You can also order online, but again, it will be a little more expensive.

Did you know fact: If you eat more grass fed beef, you will intake some omega-3’s! Who knew? Just another added benefit to buying from a more farmer friendly company that feeds their cows well.

Do you eat hot dogs?