1 serving Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese (Kids) contains 360 calories. If you're looking for a tasty, filling meal for your kid, hot dogs might be your go-to food. However, knowing the nutritional value of your kid's meals is important.

Hot dogs, especially those made of processed meat or with added ingredients like cheese, can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. In this article, we'll dive into the nutritional content of a Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese and provide tips on how to make this meal a little bit healthier.

Whether your kid is a fan of hot dogs or not, it's important to be mindful of what they're eating. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional value of this classic American favorite.

Calorie Count

A single serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains 360 calories. This is a significant amount of calories for a single meal for a child. If you're looking to cut down on calories, consider offering a smaller portion size or swapping out the white bread bun for a whole wheat option. Keep in mind that hot dogs are not the most nutrient-dense food, so it's important to balance your kid's diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Protein Intake

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains 13 grams of protein. This is a decent amount of protein for a single meal, but it's important to remember that hot dogs are not the only source of protein. Be sure to incorporate other protein sources into your kid's diet, such as beans, lentils, chicken, fish, tofu, and whole grains. Protein is essential for growth and development, but it's important to balance it with other essential nutrients such as healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Fat Content

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains 21 grams of fat, which is a significant amount for a single meal. Most of this fat comes from saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels and put your kid at risk for heart disease. Consider offering lower-fat protein sources, such as lean chicken, fish, or tofu, and limit your kid's consumption of processed meats like hot dogs.

Carbohydrate Levels

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains 28 grams of carbohydrates, which is mainly from white bread bun and cheese. It's important to make sure your kid is getting enough carbohydrates for energy, but it's also important to choose complex carbs rather than refined carbs. Consider swapping out the white bread bun for a whole wheat option, and incorporating other complex carbohydrate sources such as quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, and whole grain pasta.

Sodium Content

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains 1080 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for kids. High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health concerns. Consider limiting your kid's intake of processed foods like hot dogs, and incorporating other lower-sodium protein sources such as grilled chicken or fish.

Fiber Content

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains only 2 grams of fiber, which is a very low amount. To increase your kid's fiber intake, consider offering plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber is important for digestive health and can also help regulate blood sugar levels, so it's important to ensure your kid is getting enough fiber in their diet.

Sugar Content

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains only 2 grams of sugar. While this is not a significant amount of sugar, it's still important to limit your kid's intake of added sugars from other sources like candy, soda, and baked goods. Consider offering healthier snack options like fresh fruit, unsweetened yogurt, and whole grain crackers instead of sugary snacks.

Vitamins and Minerals

A serving of Double Wiener Hot Doggy Special with Cheese contains a small amount of vitamin A and calcium. To ensure your kid is getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Supplements can also be a helpful addition to your kid's diet, but it's important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

Health Concerns

Consuming too many high-fat, high-sodium, and processed foods like hot dogs can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health concerns. To promote optimal health, it's important to limit your kid's intake of processed foods like hot dogs and make sure they have a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods. If your kid is struggling with weight or other health concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about developing a healthy meal plan that suits your kid's needs.

Serving Suggestions

Consider offering a smaller portion size or swapping out the white bread bun for a whole wheat option. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your kid's diet, and limit their intake of high-fat, high-sodium, and processed foods. Hot dogs can be a fun addition to your kid's diet, but it's important to make sure they're eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.