Why You’ll Love This Healthier Puppy Chow!
If you grew up in the Midwest like me, you know puppy chow (a.k.a. muddy buddies, reindeer chow, or monkey munch) is an addicting treat. This version keeps everything you love about the classic, but with a nutrient-boosted upgrade:
- 13 grams of protein per serving thanks to clean vanilla protein powder.
- Lower sugar than traditional puppy chow, made with dark chocolate instead of powdered sugar.
- Kid-friendly and mom-approved.
- Easy to prep ahead and stores well in the freezer.
Looking for another delicious sweet snack made with cereal? Try caramel Crispix mix, Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats, or healthy scotcharoos next time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chex Cereal: Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free, but Corn Chex or Crispex will also work.
- Nut Butter: Use natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter. For nut-free, sunflower seed butter works too.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: At least 60% cacao keeps it rich without being overly sweet. For lower sugar, use Hu Kitchen or Lily’s stevia-sweetened chips.
- Coconut Oil: Helps smooth out the chocolate coating. You can substitute butter if you’re not dairy-free.
- Protein Powder: Choose a clean vanilla or chocolate protein powder with minimal ingredients. I use Be Well By Kelly (grass-fed beef or plant-based).
- Vanilla Extract
How to Make Protein Puppy Chow
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture. Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high heat in 30-second intervals, stopping to stir, until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Chex. Add the Chex cereal to a large bowl and pour the chocolate on top. Use a rubber spatula to stir and fold the chocolate melted mixture into the cereal, until it’s coated. Be careful not to break up the cereal. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (5-10 minutes).
- Add the protein powder. Transfer the mixture to a large Ziploc bag and add the protein powder. Zip the bag closed and gently shake and spin to coat.
Another great way to put a delicious twist on the puppy chow original recipe is to make it with cookie butter! Try this Puppy Chow with Cookie Butter recipe next time.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use good protein powder: I like to use is Be Well By Kelly chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
- Cool before coating: If the cereal is too warm, the protein powder will absorb unevenly.
- Work in batches: Shake the mixture in two smaller bags for more even coating.
- Flavor boost: Try adding a pinch of sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Other chocolate: I didn’t try white chocolate chips with this recipe, but I did test it with milk chocolate chips. I like using Hu Kitchen and Lily’s or another brand of chocolate chips that’s clean.
Freezing and Storing Tips
Store in an airtight container or gallon Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3-4 months (I love frozen puppy chow!).
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
More Healthy Snack Recipe
Protein Puppy Chow
Save this Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) dark chocolate chips (Note 1)
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil melted
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (Note 2)
Instructions
- Melt chocolate: Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil to a medium microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high heat in 30-second intervals, stopping to stir, until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.1 cup (225g) dark chocolate chips, 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter, 1/4 cup refined coconut oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Mix with cereal: Add the Chex cereal to a large bowl and pour the chocolate on top. Use a rubber spatula to stir and fold the chocolate into the cereal, until it's coated. Be careful not to break up the cereal. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (5-10 minutes).7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- Coat in protein powder: Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag and add the protein powder. Zip the bag closed and gently shake and spin to coat. Mix in a chopped perfect bars if desired.1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3-4 months (I love frozen puppy chow!).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
Yes, but you’ll lose the protein boost. If skipping, add ¼ cup powdered sugar to help with coating.
Likely because it wasn’t cooled enough before adding protein powder. Spread on a sheet pan and let cool before shaking.
Yes — as long as you use Rice Chex and gluten-free certified protein powder.
I used Vanilla Be Well Protein Powder by Kelly. A neutral-flavored vanilla or chocolate protein powder works best.
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What is the actual serving size? I see it makes 14 servings, but how much is that? It looks delicious!
Hey Kristin! I don’t have an exact weight in grams for the serving size at the moment. My best recommendation is to weigh the entire batch and divide by 14! I plan to do that and update the recipe the next time I make it. Thanks!
What type of protein powder do you use for this recipe?
Hi Cheryl! I used Vanilla Be Well Protein Powder by Kelly
Here is the LINK!