A typical 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog provides approximately 310 calories. This popular food item is known for its delicious taste and portability, making it perfect for lunch, snacks, or even dinner. However, the nutritional content of hot dogs has been a topic of debate for many years. So, let's take a closer look at the calories and other nutritional values of your favorite vendor's hot dog.

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog comprises 23g of fat, 810 mg of sodium, and 9g of protein. It also contains 20g of carbohydrates and 1g of fiber. Furthermore, it provides 3% of the daily recommended intake of calcium, 10% of the required iron, 0% of Vitamin A needs, and almost no Vitamin C.

In this article, we'll provide you some essential details and suggestions about the overall nutritional values of a hot dog.

Calories in a Hot Dog

The majority of the calories in a 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog come from fat and protein. As previously stated, 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains approximately 310 calories. Saturated fat contributes the most calorie content at 14 grams. The standard 1 hot dog serving (123 g) comprises 1/6 (or 16.7%) of the average adult's daily recommended calorie intake of 1,800-2,200 calories (depending on age, height, weight, and activity level). To keep your daily calorie intake in check, you could consider eating smaller portion sizes of your favorite treat or consuming a lower calorie option.

Fat Content in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains 23 g of fat. Saturated fat, which raises cholesterol levels, makes up most of the fat content at 14 g. The remaining 9 grams of unsaturated fat are considered healthy fats, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 13g of saturated fat per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. Eating fewer hot dogs is an excellent way to reduce the number of unhealthy fats you consume.

Sodium levels in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains 810mg of sodium. The typical American diet contains much more sodium than the recommended amount, increasing individuals' risks for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, it might help if you limit your salt intake to a maximum of 2,300mg per day or 1,500mg per day if you're over 50, African American, or have specific health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. Consider reducing your consumption of other processed foods with high sodium content to lower your sodium intake further.

Protein Quantity in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains 9g of protein. This protein intake is about 16% of the average adult's daily protein requirement of 56 grams. Protein is essential for building, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Hot dogs are high in protein and a great way to improve protein intake. However, eating hot dogs containing low-quality meat is not recommended, according to certain experts. Instead, you should choose high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken, lean meats, seafood, beans, and nuts.

Carbohydrate Levels in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains 20g of carbohydrates. Most of these carbs come from the bun, while the hot dog provides around 1-2 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy but can also cause dramatic rises and falls in blood sugar levels, particularly if they are from refined sources. Therefore, it's preferable to select whole-grain or whole-grain alternatives, substitute lettuce or collard green leaves for the bun, or avoid them altogether.

Fiber Levels in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains 1g of fiber. Fiber is essential for good digestion, promotes heart health and lowers cholesterol levels. Since hot dogs are low in fiber, it's advisable to add foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, or grains to your diet to meet the recommended daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams per day.

Calcium Content in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains around 30mg (3%) of the daily recommended calcium intake. Calcium is an important mineral for bone health and muscle function. However, a single hot dog is not enough to meet the daily recommended values, which are 1,000-1,200 mg per day for adults. Dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, and milk, are excellent sources of calcium that you can consume in your diet.

Iron Content in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog contains about 1.8 mg of iron (10%) of a person's daily recommended intake. Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen to cells and tissues. However, some individuals may experience iron overload, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is essential to track iron levels to ensure that you are not consuming more than enough iron. Iron-rich food sources include dark leafy greens like spinach, red meat, legumes, and nuts.

Vitamin A Levels in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog is not a significant source of Vitamin A, providing only 0% of the recommended daily intake values. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that plays a vital role in nourishing body tissues, vision, and the immune and respiratory systems. To get the necessary Vitamin A, you can choose from foods like kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, and liver, which are all great sources of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C Levels in a Hot Dog

A 1 hot dog (123 g) Classic Grilled Dog provides almost no Vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin is vital for developing a strong immune system, wound healing, collagen production, and protecting body tissues from damage. Fortunately, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables provide enough Vitamin C to meet daily recommended intake values of 75-90mg for adult females and males, respectively. Some common sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwi, and mango.