Summer of Veggie Dogs

For many Americans, summer is synonymous with grilling.  According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, over several billion meat-based hot dogs will be eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  So where does that leave those of us who don’t eat meat?  The answer: veggie dogs.

Veggies dogs are healthier alternatives to meat-based hot dogs, which are as “unhealthy as smoking cigarettes”, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  Processed meats can skyrocket the chance of getting cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.  Veggie dogs are healthier because they have less salt and chemical preservatives.  They also contain no cholesterol and are lower in fat and calories. And, thanks to soy protein like tofu, veggie dogs are nutritional.  While some veggie dog brands contain egg whites, plenty of vegan alternatives exist. 

So how do they taste?  The answer lies in the mouth of the beholder.  The best way to decide if veggie dogs are right for you is to try different brands and different cooking methods. Personally, I prefer them boiled as opposed to grilled, but I know plenty of people who feel the opposite.  There are several brands I have tried and can recommend, all of which are vegan.  I like the jumbo size Smart Dogs made by Lightlife, the Tofu Dogs by Yves Veggie Cuisine, and the Frankfurters by Field Roast.  Of these three, the Frankfurters by Field Roast are my favorite.  The texture, flavor, and consistency make this variety the most similar to “real” hot dogs, but are much better for you, and arguably, are even tastier!  I have had many non-vegan/non-vegetarian friends taste test them and I am delighted to report that everyone loved them.  One friend, who is typically very skeptical of veggie products and meat alternatives, actually preferred them over meat-based hot dogs!

Each company mentioned provides other types of meatless dogs, as well.  Experiment, and see which one you like the best!  Nutrition information can be found at http://www.lightlife.com/Vegan-Food-Vegetarian-Diet/Smart-Dogs-Jumbo, http://www.yvesveggie.com/products/detail.php/tofu-dog, and http://www.fieldroast.com/products/retail/frankfurter/