What Are Hot Dogs Made of and Should You Eat Them?

Americans consume approximately 20 billion hot dogs annually, but what are hot dogs made of, and should you eat them?

Hot dogs are made with a mixture of beef, pork, and chicken trimmings. However, some brands contain emulsified beef or chicken parts, excessive salt, and synthetic additives to prolong shelf life and improve flavor. 

Learn how hot dogs are made, and discover the difference between organic and conventional hot dogs.

What are hot dogs made of?

Most hot dogs are made of various processed meats, which can include a combination of beef, pork, chicken, or turkey muscle meat. However, some brands use higher-quality trimmings that come from a single source, such as beef muscle. 

In addition to muscle meat trimming, many conventional hot dog brands include cheap organ meats, head meat, and mechanically separated meat stripped from the bone. 

When these animal parts are used, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires food manufacturing companies to label them on the ingredient list as meat byproducts or variety meats.

In addition to meat trimmings, other hot dog ingredients can include beef stock, water, salt, spices, garlic puree, celery powder, or cherry powder. 

Hot dogs are often encased in sheep intestines and can contain various additives, including preservatives, artificial colors, and synthetic flavors.  

Watch the video below to learn more about hot dogs and what they’re made of.

How are hot dogs made? 

To make hot dogs, meat is mixed, seasoned, shaped, and cooked before it can be packaged and shipped to vendors and grocery stores. 

Here’s how hot dog manufacturers typically produce links:

1. Meat trimmings are ground to combine meats and create a fine texture.

2. Additional ingredients, including water, salt, and seasonings, are blended into the ground meat, and artificial additives may also be added depending on the brand. 

3. The batter-like substance is then stuffed into plant-based cellulose or natural casings made from animal intestines to achieve the classic hot dog shape.

4. Once in their casings, hot dogs are smoked in a commercial oven with wood or liquid smoke until cooked. 

5. Cooked hot dogs are cooled with water before the cellulose casing is removed. Hot dogs shaped in natural casings remain intact. 

Though there are many steps involved in hot dog production, it’s an efficient process. In some cases, one factory can produce up to half a million hot dogs daily.

Are hot dogs bad for you?

Hot dogs are considered processed foods and are often made with synthetic ingredients, including artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives linked to various chronic diseases. 

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a synthetic flavor enhancer, is a common ingredient in hot dogs and is associated with an increased risk of obesity.

A study published in Toxicology Letters states, “Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a suspected obesogen with epidemiological evidence positively correlating consumption to increased body mass index and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.”  

Organic hot dogs contain no artificial ingredients and fewer inflammatory additives, but it’s generally recommended to consume processed meats in moderation and opt for fresh cuts of meat. 

Research published in Diabetes Care found that regular consumption of ultra-processed meat increases the risk of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Are plant-based hot dogs healthier? 

Plant-based meats are marketed as a healthier alternative to conventional hot dogs. However, these products often contain ultra-processed ingredients, including seed oils, wheat, sugar, and maltodextrin, a highly refined starch powder.

The seed oils in plant-based hot dogs include canola, soy, and sunflower, which are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids linked to weight gain, metabolic imbalances, and poor immune function. 

Additionally, sugar, maltodextrin, and wheat are high on the glycemic index, which means they quickly spike blood sugar. This leads to blood sugar fluctuations, which are associated with mood changes, fatigue, brain fog, and other unwanted side effects. 

Another common ingredient in plant-based hot dogs is wheat, which contains gluten. This explains why plant-based hot dogs are a common trigger of allergies and intolerances that can inflame the gastrointestinal tract and lead to leaky gut, gas, and abdominal discomfort. 

Grass-fed, organic vs. conventional hot dogs

Regular hot dogs are made with meat from GMO-fed animals. Grain-fed beef is significantly higher in omega-6 fatty acids and contains less omega-3 fats than grass-fed and organic meat. 

An imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to chronic inflammation, which can lead to heart disease and autoimmune conditions.

These animals are also typically treated with antibiotics, which increases the risk of antibiotic resistance in humans. Additionally, conventionally raised livestock has raised animal welfare questions, prompting the push for alternatives. 

In contrast, organic meat originates from farms with stricter animal welfare regulations prohibiting certain practices, including GMO grain feed, growth hormone injection, antibiotic use, and overcrowded conditions. 

Pasture-raised, grass-fed, or grass-finished meat is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a critical role in various bodily functions, including sight, neuronal health, and immune cell activity. 

Can I have hot dogs on keto? 

Conventional hot dogs aren’t keto-friendly as they often contain high-carb ingredients that can kick you out of ketosis.  

“It’s vital to read the ingredients and avoid meats with added sugar,” explains Dr. Berg. “Hot dogs can contain hidden carbs in the form of dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, or beet sugar.” 

These ultra-processed meats are also often cured with sodium nitrite, a synthetic chemical linked to cancer. A study published in Foods found that regular nitrite consumption from cured meats can increase the risk of colorectal cancer in adults.

However, hot dogs can be safe on keto if they’re sugar-free, organic, and made with grass-fed meat, as they contain minimal carbs and no harmful ingredients. 

Opt for organic hot dogs naturally cured with salt and celery juice rather than those cured with sodium nitrates. 

It’s important to check nutrition labels and choose hot dogs with the lowest carb count possible, preferably less than two grams of net carbs per serving.

Keto-friendly hot dog recipes

Hot dogs on a bun can kick you out of ketosis, which can stall weight loss. However, grass-fed hot dogs used in non-conventional dishes can ensure you don’t exceed your daily net carb limit.

Here are three keto-friendly hot dog recipes.

1. Eggs and hot dogs

This eggs and hot dog recipe features fluffy scrambled eggs, grass-fed hot dogs, and ripe avocados for a wholesome, filling breakfast. It’s also served with a berry and kale shake to boost antioxidant intake.

Customize the eggs with heavy cream or grated cheese for a creamier texture.

2. Sauerkraut hot dog scramble

Create a traditional sauerkraut hot dog without the bun using this sauerkraut hot dog scramble recipe. 

This scramble is made with sauerkraut, eggs, grass-fed beef hot dogs, and sour cream for a delicious, high-fat keto meal.

3. Keto buns

Use this wheat-free buns recipe to make low-carb, keto-friendly hot dog buns in 30 minutes. Top hot dogs with mustard and sugar-free, organic ketchup for classic hot dog flavor. 

These buns can also be used for hamburgers, making them a great low-carb option for summer cookouts. 

Key takeaways

Millions of Americans enjoy to eat hot dogs on National Hot Dog Day, at sports events, and at backyard barbecues. But what are hot dogs made of, and are they healthy?

Hot dogs are generally made with mixed trimmings from cows, pigs, and poultry meat. They often contain artificial ingredients linked to adverse health effects, such as artificial flavors, curing chemicals, and preservatives. 

However, sugar-free, organic, and grass-fed hot dogs can be incorporated into a Healthy Keto® diet as they are low in carbs, contain no added sugars, and are made with naturally sourced ingredients.

FAQ

1. Are there carbs in hot dogs?

While some hot dogs are low in carbs, others are sweetened with sugars or corn syrup, increasing the carb content. 

Plant-based hot dogs are typically made of wheat, seed oils, and sugars and can be high in carbohydrates, containing five or more grams of carbs per link. 

2. What are hot dogs made of?

Hot dog ingredients include mixed meat trimmings from poultry, beef, and pork. However, some hot dogs are sourced from 100 percent beef. 

In addition, hot dogs often contain spices, salt, and curing ingredients and may include preservatives and artificial flavors or dyes.

3. Are hot dogs considered dirty keto?

Yes, conventional hot dogs are considered dirty keto. However, organic, grass-fed beef hot dogs are suitable for a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto®. 

Certified organic brands typically only include 100 percent beef, spices, salt, and water in their hot dogs. However, reading the ingredients list is essential to avoid added sugars or hidden carbs.

4. What hot dog is the healthiest? 

100 percent grass-fed, grass-finished beef hot dogs are the healthiest option. These hot dogs are made with meat not treated with antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans. 

Organic hot dogs also contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, are cured naturally with salt and celery juice, and often have no added sugar. 

5. Are hot dogs more unhealthy than burgers?

Yes, hot dogs are ultra-processed and less healthy than burgers. Conventional hot dogs contain low-quality meats and additives such as flavor enhancers, colors, fillers, and preservatives. 

In contrast, burger patties typically only contain beef trimmings and are minimally processed. 

6. What are skinless hot dogs?

Skinless hot dogs are shaped with a cellulose hot dog casing, which is removed before packaging. 

In contrast to natural casing hot dogs made from animal intestines, skinless options tend to have a softer bite and smoother texture. 

Sources

1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation 

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6971786/ 

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654915/