This protein puppy chow recipe puts a healthy, protein-filled spin on the classic puppy chow. Made with gluten free Chex mix, coated in natural creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate, and topped with protein powder, it’s the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and sneak in some extra grams of protein.

Looking for another delicious sweet snack made with cereal? Try caramel Crispix mix, Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats, or healthy scotcharoos next time.

protein puppy chow spread out on a sheet pan

The Inspiration for This Puppy Chow with Protein Powder

I’m from the Midwest, where Puppy Chow is a staple — and where nobody can seem to agree on what it’s called. Whether you call them muddy buddies, monkey munch, or reindeer chow, we can all agree on one thing and that’s how seriously addicting this snack is.

After testing and sharing puppy chow without peanut butter, I wanted a version my kids could enjoy with less sugar and more protein. This simple recipe uses nut butter for fat, vanilla protein powder, and dark chocolate for sweetness.

Now you can have this sweet treat with good quality ingredients as a snack or healthy dessert!

Why I Love this Recipe

The butter is replaced with coconut oil
Dark chocolate adds antioxidants
13g of protein per 1/2 cup serving
Great snack for kids
Stores well in the freezer

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.

How to Make Protein Puppy Chow

Here are the basic steps, with images, for this healthy protein puppy chow. Skip down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.

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.

melted dark chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil in a bowl

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).

chex cereal covered in melted chocolate and peanut butter

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.

puppy chow covered in protein powder in a plastic bag

Expert Recipe Tips

A good protein powder I like to use is Be Well By Kelly chocolate or vanilla protein powder. They have vegan and grass-fed beef protein powders made with organic monk fruit.
I didn’t try white chocolate chips with this recipe, but I did test it with milk chocolate chips. I like using Enjoy Life, Hu Kitchen, 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!).

protein puppy chow on a parchment lined cookie sheet

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Puppy Chow

Prep: 20

Cook: 0

Total: 20

This protein puppy chow recipe puts a healthy, protein-filled spin on the classic puppy chow. Made with gluten free Chex mix, coated in natural creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate, and topped with protein powder, it's the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and sneak in some extra grams of protein.

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Molly Thompson

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Molly Thompson

Servings: servings

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.
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).
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.
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!).

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Note 1. Chocolate. I’ve also tested this recipe with dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Dark chocolate was delicious and balanced. You can use milk chocolate, but it will be a little on the sweet side.

Note 2. Protein Powder. My absolute favorite protein powder is Be Well By Kelly protein powder because of the quality of ingredients. It only has 3 ingredients and no added sugars. I’ve tested this recipe with both her chocolate and vanilla protein powders.