6 Low-Carb Hot Dogs for a Guilt-Free Summer Cookout

Everybody loves to go to the local cookout and indulge in the grilled food that defines summer vibes. Hot dogs are one of the most popular foods grilled in the summertime. The North American Meat Institute conducted a study that revealed that 73% of Americans feel that a cookout is not complete without hotdogs on the grill. 

Although it’s clear that hot dogs are both popular and delicious, it’s no secret that they’re not exactly considered healthy food. Some hot dogs contain a fair amount of carbohydrates, which ruins the diet of even an avid keto dieter.

So finding a brand of hot dog that is low carb to fit easily into your keto diet is crucial if you want to be able to enjoy those franks while still staying true to your diet. Below are the 6 best low-carb hot dog brands for a guilt-free summer.

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1. Organic Valley Beef Hot Dogs

 Organic Valley all Beef Hot Dogs is the perfect brand to choose if you want a healthy alternative to the traditional hot dog. This brand boasts an impressive 0 net carbs and is full of the healthy fats every keto dieter needs. The beef comes from cows that are 100% grass-fed and therefore has a much higher nutrient count than other brands of hot dogs that use beef fed with grain or are sausage based. 

Grass-fed beef is also a healthier option because it has a higher content of Omega-3, which helps lower blood pressure and prevent the build-up of plaque in arteries. Organic Valley Beef Hot Dogs are not only a healthier option than regular hot dogs, but they taste great too!

2. Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

The Applegate brand is known for quality products, and that’s why this hot dog choice comes as no surprise at all. The Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs have 0 net carbs, 9 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein, with a total calorie count of just 110 calories per hot dog.

These hot dogs are also dairy and casein-free, which is excellent for the dairy-intolerant population. For those who love a flavorful hot dog, the Applegate Organic Beef Hot dogs have extra spices added, including ginger, coriander, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give these dogs a little extra kick.

You won’t feel guilty enjoying these all-natural beef hot dogs at the summer cookout; we can promise you that. 

3. Teton Waters Ranch Beef Hot Dogs

The Teton Waters Ranch Beef Hot Dogs are another great low-carb hot dog brand. These 100% grass-fed beef hot dogs contain 0 grams of carbs, 9 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein. They taste just as juicy and delicious as a regular beef hot dog, but with fewer carbs and more nutrition. 

Just like the Applegate hot dogs, spices are added to the beef to create a flavorful, meaty blend, but they offer less zest and more of a hearty flavor. You can find them online on their website or at a Costco near you. 

4. Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

You can’t go wrong with Hebrew National. Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs are the perfect choice of hot dog for keto dieters as they contain 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and just 2 grams of carbohydrates. 

Although Hebrew National has more carbs than some of the other brands mentioned, these hot dogs make the list of the best low-carb hot dog brands because they are the most affordable and much easier to find in a traditional grocery store. 

Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs have no added nitrates and are made with 100% beef, with no fillers. This brand also does not include any added flavorings or ingredients that don’t comply with keto diet restrictions. The best part of all is they taste great. 

5. Boars Head Lite Beef Frankfurters

Boars Head Lite Beef Frankfurters are another great choice for people in search of the perfect low-carb hot dog. This brand offers quality and is a healthy choice. They have 0 net carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein, giving them a total calorie count of just 90 calories per link.

Although this brand has no carbs, most consider these Boars Head franks “dirty keto” for the additives that most avoid while following a keto (or high-protein) diet plan. However, if you aren’t a keto dieter but simply want to find a low-carb and healthier hot dog, Boars Head Lite Beef Frankfurters are a great choice! 

6. 365 Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

Another brand that makes excellent low-carb hot dogs is 365 Uncured Beef Hot Dogs. With less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, they are also perfect for keto dieters. In addition, these hot dogs are organic, dairy-free, and paleo diet-friendly so anyone can enjoy one at the next barbecue. 

The firm texture and salty flavor make them taste like a regular hot dog but without the added ingredients and carbohydrates. They fit perfectly inside a bun; if you choose to dress it up with some extra bread, or if you’d rather eat them plain, they make a great partner for your ketchup. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What hot dog is keto-friendly?

All of these hot dogs listed above are considered keto-friendly except for the Boars Head Frankfurters, as they contain additives that most people avoid when following a keto diet.

Can you have hot dogs on a low-carb diet?

Yes! A low-carb hot dog will fit perfectly into your low-carb diet. All the brands listed above are low-carb options; some even have 0 complete net carbs. Eating any of these low-carb hot dogs plain, without the bun, will fit into a low-carb diet and help you stick to your diet plan and goals. 

Are there carbs in hot dogs?

As mentioned above, there are usually a small number of carbs in hot dogs, but these brands make hot dogs that have either 0 carbs or very little. Choosing a brand that produces a no-carb or low-carb hot dog is ideal if you want to avoid them (and definitely ignore corn dogs). 

How many carbs are in Nathan’s hot dog without a bun?

Nathan’s hot dogs have about 5 grams of carbs per serving, so they would not be a good choice for someone following a strict keto diet. If following a keto diet or an extremely low-carb diet, it’s best to choose one of the brands listed above instead.

Are hot dogs keto-friendly?

Hot dogs are not usually 100% compliant with a keto dieter’s strict carbohydrate intake goals. However, if you choose one from the few brands listed above, you can still have a hot dog while following this type of diet.