While America was taking advantage of a slew of National Hot Dog Day deals on Wednesday, some of them may have been wondering just how unhealthy it is to gobble down a dog at cookouts, sporting events or as part of a quick meal at home.
As with many things in life, experts recommend eating them in moderation due to the high levels of sodium and preservatives.
Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic, says that making hot dogs a regular meal can lead to health problems later in life.
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“Hot dogs are a processed meat,” Zumpano said in a news release. “They’re considered an ultra-processed food, and we know a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, specifically processed meats … have shown to increase risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and … certain types of cancer.”
How you prepare hot dogs and other meat also matters, according to an American Institute for Cancer Research, A study from the organization found that grilling meat at high temperatures can produce potential cancer-causing compounds. To combat the effects, AICR researchers recommend pre-cooking or cooking at lower temperatures, removing any char from the meat, using marinades, and balancing the plate with grilled vegetables or fruits, which do not create the cancer-causing compounds.
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Zumpano, however, says there’s no need to go cold turkey with barbecue favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers. Instead, she recommends opting for healthier choices — most of the time — as a goal.
In fact, within the vast universe of hot dog options, some choices like turkey, chicken and plant-based versions may have lower sodium and less harmful ingredients.
“So, the more processed ingredients, the more ingredients you can’t pronounce, that’s the type of hot dog we want to avoid or limit,” Zumpano said.
Ingredients aside, there’s a final danger to keep in mind: If you’re giving a hot dog to a child younger than 4 years old, make sure to cut it lengthwise or into small pieces, as round foods can be a choking hazard, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Department of Agriculture. If the hot dog has a casing, be sure to remove it before cutting it up.
