Hot dog, turkey
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A lean, pre-cooked sausage made from ground turkey, typically encased in a soft bun. It offers a milder, less greasy flavor than its beef counterpart, with a tender, finely ground texture. Nutritionally, it provides a solid protein punch with significantly less fat than traditional hot dogs.
Calorie split: 22% protein · 7% carbs · 71% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its familiar, savory hot dog experience with a lighter, cleaner taste that still satisfies cravings. It's a versatile staple for quick meals, from classic cookouts to simple weeknight dinners.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Processed meats like turkey hot dogs are typically high in sodium, which can be a concern for blood pressure. They may also contain fillers and preservatives like nitrates. To counteract, choose low-sodium brands, pair with potassium-rich foods like a side salad or avocado, and enjoy occasionally rather than daily.
Key benefits
- High in protein for muscle maintenance.
- Lower in saturated fat than beef or pork hot dogs.
- Convenient, pre-cooked protein source.
- Good source of B vitamins like niacin and B12.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'turkey dog' saw a major popularity surge in the 1980s and 90s as a perceived healthier alternative during the low-fat diet craze.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 63.0 g |
| Energy | 223 kcal |
| Protein | 12.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 17.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 3.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 148 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 13.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 163 mg |
| Potassium, K | 372 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 865 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 15.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 3.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 48.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.62 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.33 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.03 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Pickle relish, hot dog — USDA does not publish this profile for Hot dog.
| Tryptophan | 0.02 g |
| Threonine | 0.05 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.05 g |
| Leucine | 0.07 g |
| Lysine | 0.07 g |
| Methionine | 0.02 g |
| Cystine | 0.02 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.05 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.03 g |
| Valine | 0.06 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.03 g |
| Alanine | 0.06 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.09 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.33 g |
| Glycine | 0.06 g |
| Proline | 0.07 g |
| Serine | 0.05 g |
FAQ
Is a turkey hot dog healthier than a beef hot dog?
Generally, yes. Turkey hot dogs are typically lower in total fat and calories, and often lower in saturated fat. However, they can be just as high in sodium, so checking nutrition labels is key.
Can I eat turkey hot dogs on a keto diet?
It depends on the brand. Some are very low in carbs and can fit, but many contain fillers like corn syrup or breadcrumbs. Always check the nutrition facts for total carbohydrates and sugar.
Are turkey hot dogs fully cooked?
Yes, they are pre-cooked during manufacturing. You can eat them cold, but they are traditionally heated by boiling, grilling, or pan-frying before serving.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.23 kcal/g · 22% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 1.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.33 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.