National Hot Dog Day 2019: Where to get free hot dogs and deals today

Among the most popular foods Americans eat in the summers are hot dogs and hamburgers, but the rate at which people consume these varies significantly from state to state.

Among the most popular foods Americans eat in the summers are hot dogs and hamburgers, but the rate at which people consume these varies significantly from state to state.

Hot dog season started grilling during Memorial Day weekend and today is the day to celebrate the processed meat treat.

July 17 is National Hot Dog Day and fast-food chains, convenience stores and other restaurants are offering discounts and freebies on what some have called the "tube steak."

>> Where to find the best hot dogs in Dayton         

But what will you end up putting on your celebratory hot dog? Mustard or ketchup?

Offers.com did a survey to figure out what the favorite topping is and the race was tight.

More than 1,000 people took the survey and 33% reported mustard as their favorite and 30% chose ketchup. Onions was next at 11% and relish had 10%.

Last year  #NationalHotDogDay was trending on Twitter with 40,599 mentions, according to an analysis by Sprout Social, a social-media software firm.

Wednesday also is World Emoji Day so break out the hot dog emoji, which does have mustard on it.

July deals: How and where to get free food – from chicken to ice cream – plus discounts

Year of freebies and deals: Free coffee, cheeseburgers and more, here's what is coming up

Hot dog deals and freebies

Here are discounts and offers available at participating locations Wednesday unless otherwise noted. Offers can vary and most times are offered while supplies last. To be on the safe side, always check with your closest location before heading out. Also, some will require you to have a restaurant's app or be signed up for emails.

Zombie Dogz: In celebration of National Hot Dog Day today, this Dayton gem is offering a "Buy one hot dog get one free" special all day today. There is a limit of two special deals per customer. Located at 1200 Brown St. #150, Dayton

>> Zombie Dogz offering a killer deal for National Hot Dog Day today

Philly Pretzel FactoryThe chain's original pretzel dogs and new Big Cheesy Jalapeno Pretzel Dogs are $1 Wednesday. The first 100 people at each location starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday will get free pretzel dogs. 1063 S. Main St., Centerville   

>> Get more details on Philly Pretzel Hot Dog deal

The Root Beer Stande: Footlongs are buy one at regular price and get a second one for $1. Located at 1727 Woodman Drive, Dayton

Coupons.comThrough Friday, get free buns with a Coupons.com rebate on the app or website at Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix or Ralphs.

Love's Travel StopsGet a free hot dog or roller grill item with a coupon posted at www.loves.com Wednesday.

Pilot Flying JWith the Pilot Flying J app Wednesday, get a coupon for a free hot dog or roller grill item.

Sonic Drive-InThe chain's Chili Cheese Coney and All-American hot dogs are $1 Wednesday when you enter promo code DOGS  in the Sonic app. Limit five.

TravelCenters of AmericaUltraONE members at participating locations get free hot dogs Wednesday. To get this deal, UltraONE members need to print the coupon at the UltraONE kiosk and redeem it from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. July 17. Highway travelers and other consumers at participating TA, Petro and TA Express locations get a discounted price of two for $1 on Ball Park all-beef hot dogs.

More deals: Locally owned businesses and regional chains also may have specials for National Hot Dog Day. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check restaurants' social media channels.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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