Recreate Lady and the Tramp’s Spaghetti – A RECIPE FOR YOUR DOG!

What’s Up, Hungry People?

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 immediately 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, 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 accidentally escapes her yard, and Tramp, a streetwise stray dog, fall for each other as Tramp helps Lady find her way home. One memorable 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 Tony’s Spaghetti Especiale – Heavy on the MEATBALLS

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 is easier for dogs to digest compared to regular pasta.
• Ground beef – Aim for 96% lean or as lean as you can find; healthier for your pup.
• Egg – Organic or locally sourced for that extra nutritional boost.
• Panko – Make sure it’s unseasoned and unsalted.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes – Only a few needed to color the sauce. No canned tomatoes—those preservatives are a no-go for dogs.
• Low-sodium beef broth – Helps blend the tomatoes and creates a safe “sauce” for your dog-friendly meal.

Let’s Cook

First up, get that pot of water boiling and cook your whole wheat spaghetti noodles according to the instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and toss them with a couple of ice cubes in a bowl to cool them down quickly. This way, they’ll be ready for your furry friend without any risk of burning their mouth.

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.

Whipping Up the “Sauce”

While the meatballs are cooling, it’s time to make the “sauce.” Toss your fresh cherry tomatoes and low-sodium beef broth into a food processor and blend until smooth. No fancy Italian spices here – just a nice, light sauce that’s safe for dogs.

I grew up with a dachshund who used to eat the cherry tomatoes straight from the vine in my dad’s garden – she absolutely loved them and the vet said as long as they came straight from the vine, she was okay to indulge once in a while. She lived to be nearly 17 and ate tomatoes in the garden every summer until she crossed the Rainbow Bridge (RIP Nestle).

All that to say, dogs shouldn’t eat tomato sauce that comes from a can or any tomato products with preservatives. They can typically have a tiny bit of cooked tomato so long as it’s not full of preservatives. Use caution and only give your pup a tiny taste to see how they react first, when in doubt. Or skip the sauce altogether if you prefer to stick on the safe side.

Bringing It All Together

Pour the sauce over the cooled spaghetti and gently toss to coat. Once the noodles are no longer steaming, add your cooled meatballs into the mix. If the noodles are too long, you should lightly chop them up so your dog can enjoy their meal without any struggles with long pasta noodles.

Tips for Perfect Dog-Friendly Spaghetti

• Let those meatballs cool: Always cool the meatballs to room temperature before serving to prevent burning your dog’s mouth.
• Keep the pasta bite-sized: Chop the spaghetti into small pieces for easier and safer eating.
• Watch for sensitive stomachs: If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, consider swapping ingredients like whole wheat pasta for a grain-free option.
• Supervision is key: Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re eating, especially with this fun but rich treat.
• Limit servings: This isn’t a meal replacement—only give your dog a few meatballs and a small portion of pasta.

Common Questions About Dog-Friendly Spaghetti

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes? Nope! Canned tomatoes often contain preservatives and added salt, which aren’t safe for dogs.
• How much should I serve my dog? Stick to 1-3 bite-sized meatballs and about a quarter cup of chopped-up spaghetti.
• Can I add cheese to the dish? Parmesan cheese is fine in moderation, but always use a small amount and watch for any signs of sensitivity.
• What if my dog has a grain allergy? Swap the whole wheat pasta for a grain-free alternative like lentil or chickpea pasta.
• Can humans eat this too? Technically, yes! But it’s a very plain dish meant for dogs, so you might find it a little bland.

This dog-friendly spaghetti is the perfect way to recreate the classic scene from Lady and the Tramp with your furry friend. Luna loved every bite, and I had so much fun sharing this special treat with her. There’s something heartwarming about seeing your dog enjoy a meal made just for them – especially one inspired by such a timeless movie. While this dish is safe for your pup, always make sure you’re mindful of portion sizes and any dietary needs. Whip up this spaghetti for your dog, and maybe even serenade them with a little “Bella Notte” while you’re at it. After all, who doesn’t love a little puppy love over pasta?

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.

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