Introduction
The Root of the Behavior
Hot dogs are fun summertime foods enjoyed by all. The basic hot dog, however, is full of processed meats, artificial colors, artificial flavors, nitrates, nitrites, and fat. The average hot dog has more than 500 mg of sodium. This is more than twice the recommended amount per day for a dog weighing roughly thirty-three pounds. Exceeding recommend sodium limits can increase your dog’s chances of dehydration as well as put him at risk for cardiovascular disease. Hot dogs also contain artificial ingredients that your dog’s digestive system cannot handle. The summertime treat also often contains ingredients for flavoring including onion and garlic powders, which can be toxic to dogs. The processed meat tends to be high in fat and calories, with the typical hot dog having 300 calories and 17 grams of fat. Neither of which is recommended for dogs in large amounts, especially those that are older, obese, or more sedentary. Hot dogs also tend to come in a bun, and the buns tend to be full of processed carbohydrates and sugar, neither of which is recommended for a dog of any age or size.