PETA clearly believes the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the wurst … as it tells TMZ Sports it’s planning to crash the annual shindig this week in an effort to sway people from partaking in the glizzy engorgement.

A spokesperson for the animal rights org. says PETA mascots — including Tommy Tofu and “his PETA pals” — will be outside of the event at Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon in the hopes of deterring fans from eating tube steaks.

We’re told they’ll be handing out vegan hot dogs … challenging “hungry spectators to enjoy a free, flavorful Fourth that is also animal-friendly.”

“PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond.”

Unfortunately for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, no matter how big the pseudo-protest gets, the iconic Fourth of July Nathan’s show will go on … and hundreds of hot dogs will be deleted.

In fact, Joey Chestnut told us last month he’s hoping to eat 80 all by himself.