Already Registered?

*Offer benefits may vary. Limit one offer per household.

Personalized information, tips, tools and advice for your child's development

Money saving coupons and checks

Emails & booklets specific to your child's stage

Exclusive partner offers

Products Nutrition & Feeding

Growth & Development Special Offers Shop Now

Back to Topic

Healthy Eating Habits

Question

My toddler loves hot dogs. Is this a problem?

Answer

Although hot dogs are an option in the meat/poultry food group, they tend to be higher in fat, saturated fat, and sodium than other offerings in this group. Even though toddlers need fat and saturated fat in their diets, most hot dogs should be only an occasional food. Offer lean meats or poultry or mashed beans and peas to meet your toddler’s meat servings on a daily basis.

If your child does eat a hot dog, take care: A hot dog’s size and shape poses an increased risk of lodging in a child's windpipe and obstructing breathing. To prevent this cut hot dogs into quarters lengthwise and then into bite-size slices. This creates smaller-diameter pieces, making it less likely your child will choke.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Close Window

Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

Poll - My toddler 2+ (child aged 2 and over) is most willing to try new foods at: How can I talk to my child about a healthy lifestyle? Sources of dairy in your toddler’s diet