In a perfect world, we’d eat only the healthiest of foods. But sometimes we crave something savory, charred to perfection, and topped with ketchup and mustard. Sometimes a veggie dog sounds pretty darn good.

But let’s face it: veggie dogs are not kale.

True, there are certainly healthier food choices. But there are also far worse. On a completely unscientific spectrum of food healthiness, the veggie dog probably falls somewhere in the middle.

Aside from being tasty, veggie dogs are also a convenient vegan option for cookouts. While you could bring yourself a big bowl of salad, hover over the vegetable tray all afternoon, or lecture your friends about eating those awful processed links, throwing a couple of veggie dogs on the grill is probably a less conspicuous option.

(Check out The Vegetarian or Vegan’s Guide to Navigating a BBQ for more tips on surviving those summer soirees!)

Whether it’s for a cookout, lunch, or quick weeknight dinner, there are a handful of great vegan veggie dog options. There are even a couple of wheat- and gluten-free choices!

Product Suggestions:

Yves makes four varieties of vegan hot dogs. Their Meatless Hot Dogs and Good Dogs are soy- and wheat-based, with an authentic, traditional flavor. Yves’ Tofu Dogs are low in fat and calories, and a good source of heart-healthy soy protein. And their Veggie Brats are grill-ready, packed with protein, and come in two delicious flavors – Classic and Zesty Italian.

Lightlife Smart Dogs are a soy- and wheat-based hot dog alternative. These low-calorie links are certified vegan, made with non-GMO soy, and highly grillable! Lightlife Tofu Pups are a tasty, wheat-free option made with soy protein and tofu. They are also certified vegan.

Soyboy Vegetarian Franks are a low-fat, low-carbohydrate, soy-based hot dog alternative. They are also high in protein, low in calories, and uniquely flavored with natural hickory smoke. The company’s Not Dogs have been crashing BBQs and cookouts for over 30 years! Not Dogs are a wheat-free hot dog alternative made from organic tofu.

Field Roast Frankfurters are “old-world style” – made with fresh garlic, onions, and a traditional blend of spices. These high protein, soy-free franks are made from a wheat gluten base.

Tofurky Hot Dogs and Jumbo Hot Dogs are made with a combination of organic tofu, wheat gluten, and pea protein to create a tasty, protein-packed veggie dog. They are also certified vegan and made with non-GMO ingredients.

Did we miss your favorite? Drop us a line or share it in the comments section below!

Image Credit (top): TheCulinaryGeek/Flickr