Dog day afternoons: come and get 'em: the healthiest hot dogs for your summer BBQs

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2001

Taste: Hard to believe they're veggie dogs--we'd challenge you to a blind taste test. The flavor and texture mimic the best light beef dog on the market. Perfect with spicy mustard.

7. THE TURKEY STORE HOT ITALIAN TURKEY SAUSAGE

160 calories, 2g carbs, 17g protein, 10g fat (2.5 sat.)

Although higher in fat than light and fat-free dogs, these links are also twice the size of the ordinary frank (almost four ounces compared to around 1 1/2 ounces). Since most guys average two or three dogs in one sitting, the calorie toll from one sausage comes out even.

Taste: Nice heat, meaty texture. Fantastic by itself or with sauteed onions and peppers. Goes great on a roll.

8. BILINSKI'S GOURMET CHICKEN SAUSAGE--CAJUN-STYLE ANDOUILLE

80 calories, 1g carbs, 9g protein, 4g fat (1.5g sat.)

There's no punch line when you're talking Polish sausage. Made with pure ingredients (skinless chicken meat and seasonings), Bilinski's require few condiments. If your store doesn't carry them, either place an order online at www.bilinski.com or pick up chicken sausages made fresh by your market's butcher.

Taste: The texture of a hot dog with fiery flavor; excellent with diced tomatoes.