Looking for healthier "hot dogs" - where can I find them?

Ask a local butcher. Sometimes they will make them for you. I am fortunate to have one close to me that makes a very healthy hot dog. (as far as hot dogs go)

Hippey's - Hot Dog
Servings:
1

Calories 130 Sodium 150 mg
Total Fat 11 g Potassium 0 mg
Saturated 4 g Total Carbs 0 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 0 g
Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 0 g
Trans 0 g Protein 8 g
Cholesterol 35 mg
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 2%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 4%

I second making your own.

It's inherently processed, but if you want something other than a traditional hot dog, there are lots of options for sausages that are of quite varying ingredients and calories and sodium/fat content and other additives and all that. I do sometimes get farm-made sausages from the local farm I get meat from, and that's not so different than just making it yourself (same with the some of the options available at my local meat market), although of course it will normally still be high fat and all that -- in fact, if calories are the issue there are far less caloric options in the packaged aisle.

Anyway, I eat them so rarely and for occasions -- maybe a 4th of July cookout or baseball or football game -- so for it being that rare I don't worry too much about it and will have Vienna beef or a regular brat or Polish if that's what's on offer. That's kind of what I associate with the event anyway.

Main thing is no ketchup!

(Just kidding, I don't judge.)

malioumba wrote: »

Hi,

I was wondering if a hot-dog alternative option was available out there (in Canada) - ones without nitrates/processed meats. Doesn't matter if it's 'uncooked', but basically some REAL meat in the more or less shape of a 'dog' for a typical "hotdog" cuisine.

I don't normally eat hotdogs, but every once a year or so, I'd like to have one, but I'd also LOVE to have a healthier "dog" if there are indeed wonderful alternatives out there (Canada)!
Does anybody know if these alternatives exist, and if they do, where can I find them?

A hot dog or sausage is by it's very nature a processed meat. You can get all beef or whatever, but it's still processed meat. Also, don't be fooled by "uncured"...all this means is that they aren't adding the pink sodium nitrate...they use celery juice or celery powder...which is sodium nitrate.

If you're going to have a hot dog once per year or something I really wouldn't fuss about it too much...just eat whatever hot dog you like...

Personally, I'd opt for a nice bratwurst, but that's just me.

Hot dogs are about the most processed meat you can get but I highly recommend finding a good butcher. But im just echoing other posters, carry on.

Edit: Im not saying processed is bad, lord knows I live on Pizza Rolls, but making a point.

littlechiaseed wrote: »

I like tofu pups or smart dogs...they have a fair amount of protein and aren't made out of entrails.

Offal is good for you.

Tofu dogs are junk and filled with garbage like soy.

Alatariel75 wrote: »

Do you guys have sausages?

*drool*

This is what gets my vote. If I'm going to eat a hotdog, I'm going to go all out, and it's going to be a good one.

I like to either get brats or sausages from the meat section at my grocery store and buns from the bakery. Sauté some onions/peppers and add some mustard and kraut, and I'm good.

I also like brats with a relish that I make from caramelized onions and fresh grapes sautéed together. It's good with honey Dijon mustard.

Lizarking wrote: »

littlechiaseed wrote: »

I like tofu pups or smart dogs...they have a fair amount of protein and aren't made out of entrails.

Offal is good for you.

Tofu dogs are junk and filled with garbage like soy.

Garbage is a relative term, but personally, I don't like eating intestines and connective tissue. Some people do.

I buy Hebrew National when I do buy hotdogs. I don't know how "healthy" they are, but they taste a lot better than a typical hotdog.