I know that as a health food type, I shouldn't have the word "hot dog" on this blog. However, I found a really good one. If you need a hot dog, this is most definitely the hot dog to buy.
Applegate Farms makes a dog that is nitrate-free and comes from grass fed and finished beef. The grass fed beef used to make the hotdog means that the dog is going to be higher in Omega-3 fatty acids than a regular dog.
I have tasted "healthy" hot dogs before and really don't know why people bother. This one is special. It's juicy, rich, and has the flavor of an actual hot dog. It is lower in fat, according to Applegate, and to its credit. When you bite into the dog, the juice that bursts out is just filled with good flavor. No fat runs down your lips and your chin. I don't mind a bit of fat, but I believe that the lower fat version actually improves the hot dog eating experience.
I don't eat hot dogs or other processed meats often because the processing does reduce the nutrient value of meat. For the same calories, I can get more nutrients from a steak from my freezer. But the hot dog is a nice treat.
Have it on a whole grain bun or whole grain bread.
I purchased mine at Whole Foods.
