Spaghetti from Lady and the Tramp (DOG FRIENDLY!)
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There are few movie scenes more iconic than the spaghetti kiss from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. I mean, who doesn’t watch that scene and crave sharing a plate of spaghetti with their own dog?!
I can’t be the only one… right?
In case you’ve been living under a rock since 1955, when the movie was first released in theaters, the spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp is a classic romantic moment that takes place during a candlelit dinner at Tony’s Italian restaurant in a small New England town.
Lady, a refined Cocker Spaniel who has accidentally escaped her own yard, and Tramp, a streetwise stray dog, fall for each other as Tramp tries to help Lady find her way home. One stop is Tony’s Restaurant, where they meet Tony and are served a plate of the finest spaghetti in the house.
They are serenaded by Tony himself, who plays an accordion and sings “Bella Notte” to the two pups. They nudge the meatballs towards each other and even share a kiss, their noses touching as they slurp up the same strand of spaghetti.
The scene ends with Lady and Tramp sitting close to each other, their noses touching and their tails wagging as they enjoy the rest of their romantic meal together. It’s a sweet and iconic moment that has become one of the most memorable scenes in animated movie history.
And obviously, I need to have that moment for myself… but with my own dog.
After hundreds of requests over on TikTok to make this spaghetti special, I decided the best way to do it was to make a dog-friendly version that I can share with Luna.
And boy was she thrilled to be involved.
Making Dog-Friendly Spaghetti from Lady and the Tramp
Tony’s restaurant uses only the best ingredients for serving their human customers, so why not use the best-of-the-best for their dog customers?
- organic, whole wheat spaghetti – whole wheat will be more easily digestible than regular pasta
- ground beef – 96% lean or as lean as you can find
- eggs – locally sourced eggs or organic eggs will have the most nutrients
- panko – unseasoned and unsalted
- fresh cherry tomatoes – only a few tomatoes are needed to color the sauce (do not use canned tomatoes as they contain persevatives)
- organic, low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth – to help blend the tomatoes and add flavor to the “sauce”
Making the Spaghetti Especiale – heavy on the MEATBALLS
For my meatballs, I used 96% lean organic ground beef. The leaner, the better. The less fat the meatballs contain, the healthier they will be for your dog!
When making your meatballs, be sure to keep them small enough for your dog to eat in one or two bites. The meatballs should be air-fried or baked without cooking oil for best results. Be sure to let the meatballs cool to at least room temperature before serving them to your dog so you don’t burn their sensitive mouth.
To cool the spaghetti before serving, add one or two ice cubes to a bowl with the spaghetti and pour the sauce over the top. Lightly toss the spaghetti in the “sauce” until it is no longer steaming. Then, add in the meatballs.
DISCLAIMER – YOU KNOW YOUR PET BEST
This recipe is intended for dogs and is not meant to replicate the traditional Italian flavors that we humans enjoy. While technically safe for human consumption, the recipe uses only organic, fresh ingredients without any additives that may upset a dog’s stomach.
To avoid any issues, only give your dog a few meatballs at a time and a small portion of spaghetti that has been cut into pieces for easier eating. Make sure to supervise your pet while they are eating.
Please do not use canned tomato sauce or premade marinara sauce, as these are not safe for your pet.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, this recipe may not be suitable. When in doubt, consult with your pet’s veterinarian.
Spaghetti from Lady and the Tramp (DOG FRIENDLY!)
Equipment
- strainer
- spaghetti pot
- pasta spoon
- air fryer or use baking sheet in oven
Ingredients
FOR MEATBALLS
- 16 oz 96% lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unseasoned panko
FOR "SAUCE"
- 5-6 organic cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
FOR PASTA
- 1 serving oranic whole wheat spaghetti noodles cooked
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 ice cubes
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the pasta noodles. Cook according to the instructions on the packaging.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, and panko. Mix well to combine, then roll into bite-sized meatballs.
- Air fry the meatballs for 5-8 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, use a food processor to blend together the tomatoes and beef broth to make a "sauce" for the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and place it into a large bowl with a few ice cubes. Pour the "sauce" over the noodles and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and continue to stir until the noodles are no longer steaming hot.
- Add the meatballs to the bowl with the spaghetti and toss well to combine. Use a knife to cut the spaghetti into bite-sized pieces. Serve with a kiss and enjoy!
SERVING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Only serve your dog 1-3 bite-sized meatballs and a quarter cup of chopped-up spaghetti. This is intended to be a very special treat and not a meal replacement.
