You've probably heard it all before: processed meats are bad for you.
But, did you know that one of the most popular foods in America is also one of the biggest cancer-causing foods on the market? The hot dog is a classic BBQ dish that kids and parents love because it is simple, tasty and easy to prepare. But, do you really know how it's made?
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3.jpg)
If you would prefer to live in denial, then don't scroll down. But, if you're ready to give up on hot dogs forever, let's do this!
As you'd expect, hot dogs are made up of beef and chicken. But they also include the animals' testicles, hearts, kidneys and livers.
Here are the first few steps in the hot dog making process...
How it's made, and why you should stop, on the next page!
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-1.jpg)
Meat trimmings are fed into a grinder
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-2.jpg)
It is passed through grated, metal plates
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-3.jpg)
Processed chicken trimmings are added to the mix
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-4.jpg)
Then the meat is liquefied
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-5.jpg)
Workers add food starch, salt and ground mustard along with other flavorings.
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-6.jpg)
It is blended in a vat with water
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-7.jpg)
Corn syrup adds sweetness
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-8.jpg)
Add more water...
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-9.jpg)
The mixture is pureed and air is vacuumed out
![](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/02/2230892529-3-10.jpg)
Still not ready to give up on hot dogs? Watch the whole process below...