Because they contain so many added ingredients that are not healthy for dogs, hot dogs are not a good choice for your pooch. At a cookout, if you want to give your dog a safe treat, it's best to give them some plain beef, pork, or chicken that has no salt or other seasoning on it.

Opt for plain, unseasoned hot dogs when treating your dog. Lean meats are best: The most suitable hot dogs for dogs are those lower in fat—options made from leaner meats, like chicken or turkey, or plant-based ingredients are generally the best choices. Low sodium: High levels of sodium are a no-go for dogs.

There's no specific number, but try to think of a traditional hot dog as a “once in a while” food instead of an “everyday” food.

Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.