Do you love hot dogs? These hot dog brands use only real meat!
Every single American loves hot dogs! On a Sunday evening at a family gathering, while watching a football game, or as a random snack whenever we feel like eating something that’s not hard to cook. In the United States, hot dogs are a staple food, with over 20 billion mouthwatering dogs munched annually.
But how do you make sure the ones you buy to cook in your kitchen are the best choice? You definitely get what you pay for in terms of taste and quality. In addition to frequently combining different meats and providing good value, if not the best ingredients, cheap hot dogs are frequently filled with additives and extras that aren’t exactly savory or healthy.
However, if you’re looking for hot dog brands made of real meat, there are a ton of delicious options for guilt-free, premium beef hot dogs available these days. Below you will find the list of five hot dog brands that use real, high-quality meat to make their 100% beef hot dogs.
Applegate Naturals Beef Hot Dog
If you know the brand Applegate Naturals, you’re already on the right path! The 100% grass-fed beef used to make Applegate Farms Naturals Beef Hot Dogs comes from California and Australia. Why did I put Applegate Naturals on the list? Because they’re one of the top hot dog brands made only of 100% grass-fed beef and don’t have a lot of preservatives and are unsmoked.
Because they don’t contain preservatives, they must be kept in the refrigerator and don’t keep well for very long. Additionally, they are incredibly pricey—about $8.50 for a single pack. Basically, the only ingredients are baking soda, vinegar, salt, beef, and a few organic spices. Most likely the closest thing to a nutritious hot dog you’ll find in a store.
Besides the classic hot dogs, if you’re up for something new and tasty, I recommend trying the Applegate Naturals Gluten-Free Beef Corn Dogs. Bake the corn dogs at 350 degrees for 15 minutes after they have thawed. Bake for 25 minutes if frozen.
Nathan’s All Natural Uncured Beef Franks
The All Natural Uncured Beef Franks, a 100% beef product with “no added nitrates or nitrites, no artificial ingredients, fillers or by-products, and no corn syrup,” is another “healthier” version of Nathan’s well-known dog. From weekend dinners to summer cookouts, these all-natural hot dogs are perfect for both grilling and stovetop use, according to the company.
It’s usually sold in packs of 6 hot dogs, but the same as the ones from Applegate Naturals, keep the pack refrigerated and below 40 degrees at all times, and if you open the package, make sure you consume the product in 7 days after opening. Otherwise, they will spoil.
Fork in the Road Honest Dogs
The Honest Dogs from Fork in the Road is one of those hot dog brands that is a great choice for people who want a hot dog that is genuinely natural. There are no artificial ingredients, fillers, nitrates, or nitrites in these all-beef hot dogs. The company sources its beef from hormone- and antibiotic-free cattle, guaranteeing a healthier and cleaner product.
The meat they’re using to make their hot dogs comes from animals that have been raised humanely and are bred for their flavor and tenderness. They are fed a vegetarian diet, are never given antibiotics, growth hormones, or other artificial stimulants, and are free to roam around and act like, well, animals.
These hot dogs are unique because they only contain beef, sea salt, and spices for a traditional, robust flavor. You’ll love their superior quality and the fact that they taste exactly like a classic, real-meat hot dog should, whether you grill, pan-fry, or boil them.
If you haven’t tried the Fork in the Road Honest Dogs, you can order your pack of 12 ounces from Amazon!
Teton Waters Ranch 100% Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs
Among all the hot dog brands that use only premium quality meat is the Teton Waters Ranch. If you’re trying to balance your diet and consume more proteins, making your hot dogs with the ones from Teton Waters is a great idea.
They make them entirely of pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle, and if you don’t believe me, you have to taste them. Their rich and tasty beef flavor without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or any other additives will make your meal filling and healthy. However, they contain a bit of salt (far less than other brands), so in case you’re not allowed to, better read the label before buying.
Teton Waters Ranch hot dogs have a smoky, natural flavor and a robust, meaty texture, making them the ideal choice for anyone looking for a filling, healthy food.
Hebrew National All Natural Beef Franks
Fans of the brand who want a cleaner dog without nitrates or nitrites will love Hebrew National All Natural Beef Franks. They make hot dogs only from real meat from cattle that are free to roam and eat only good grass.
Because of all the nitrites and other chemicals, I stopped eating hot dogs many years ago, but now I feel free to do it again because among all these hot dog brands I also discovered the ones from Hebrew National. They taste good, too. Additionally, I’m relieved that they’re not the biggest dogs on the block. I can have two instead of just one and not even feel guilty about it! I and a ton of other customers can agree that Hebrew should keep these all-natural beef franks around forever!
Niman Ranch Fearless Franks – Premium Pork and Beef Blend
Are you looking for some hot dog brands that also specialize in pork? Then you have to check out Niman Ranch! Niman Ranch is well-known for its commitment to raising meats with compassion, and its Fearless Franks are no different. A premium blend of beef and pork from animals raised without hormones or antibiotics is used to make these hot dogs.
They are a healthier option than many traditional hot dog brands because they don’t include artificial ingredients, additives, or synthetic nitrates. Quality-conscious people love these franks because they have a satisfying snap and a perfectly balanced smoky, savory flavor. They provide a traditional flavor without the need for extra ingredients, whether you’re eating them for a quick lunch or at a summer barbecue.
How to cook the perfect hot dog from real meat:
You got your delicious hot dogs made of real meat, but you don’t know how to cook them like a pro? After years of trying to make the best homemade hot dog taste and look great, I went through a lot of failed experiments. But I found two recipes that never disappoint.
The first one is boiling the hot dogs. Lower the heat to low, bring a pot of water to a boil, and then submerge a hot dog (I put three in the water). After that, you cook the hot dog or dogs for five minutes. I then quickly drained them on a paper towel. I recommend eating them fresh and warm; otherwise, you will notice (depending on the brand) that they can get a little dry.
The second and my favorite method to cook hot dogs is grilling them. If you don’t have the possibility to grill outside, don’t worry because this recipe is destined for indoor cooking. So, all you need to do is heat your gas grill to a two-level fire, with one side set to high and the other side closer to medium-low.
To enjoy perfectly heated hot dogs, I like to start by placing them on the cooler side of the grill. I cook them for about 1.5 minutes on each side. Once they’re warmed up, I move them over to the hotter side, turning them often to get that nice, even browning with a few delicious charred spots. I always keep the grill lid open while I’m cooking—it’s part of the fun!
Which hot dog brands are your favorites? Tell me in the comments.
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