Switch to organic hot dogs
Why This is Green
Hot dogs are fun and easy dinner option for families or large gatherings. Unfortunately the urban legends about what they might contain aren’t as far-fetched as we’d like them to be! To exercise some control over how the meat in your dog was raised, choose organic.
Organic livestock are required to be given some access to the outdoors, fed organic feed, and are not administered antibiotics. Federal regulations prohibit the use of growth hormones in poultry and pigs—organic and conventional. USDA organic regulations ban the use of those hormones in ruminants (beef and lamb) as well.
The farms where certified organic livestock are raised humanely--and the feed they eat--release fewer toxins into the environment than their conventional counterparts. The lack of prophylactic antibiotics reduces the rise of drug-resistant bacteria.
Just because an animal is raised organically doesn’t mean it is free roaming outside. If that’s what you prefer, look for hot dogs at farmers’ markets. These might not be certified organic, but you can ask the farmer questions.
Learn More
- PracticallyGreen.com: Grill Organic Sausages, Hotdogs, And Bacon — And Know They’re From Real Farms With Real People!
- Environmental Working Group: 2011 Meat Eaters Guide To Climate Change + Health
- Bookmark This Site: EatWild.com
- Scientific American: What's In Your Wiener--Hot Dog Ingredients Explained
- Grist.org: USDA Inspector General--Meat Supply Routinely Tainted With Harmful Residues
How To
When shopping for organic hot dogs, look for the USDA certified organic label.
If you want 100 percent organic, read the fine print. Some hot dogs might only be 70 percent organic!
Natural isn’t organic. It’s an unregulated term and means very little.
Organic hot dogs can be found at supermarkets, natural foods markets, and can be ordered online.
Read ingredients to avoid unwanted preservatives, corn syrup, and more.
Don’t forget the organic ketchup, mustard, relish, and buns!
Recommended Products
Applegate Organic Hot Dogs
Applegate provides a variety of 100 percent Organic Hot Dogs. But no matter what juicy frank you choose, they are all gluten, casein and dairy free – great for people with food allergies or sensitivities! Plus, some are as low as 60 calories each! Follow Applegate on Facebook and Twitter. Locate a Store where you can buy Applegate products. Real Food has a story.
