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My protein puppy chow recipe combined crunchy cereal and chocolate, then tossed through a sweet protein mix! Each serving packs in over 20 grams of protein.
Need another high-protein treat? Try my protein cookie dough, protein rice krispies, or protein pudding next.
Puppy chow (AKA muddy buddies) does not get the recognition it deserves since it is, after all, one of the superior homemade snacks.
As much as I love healthy puppy chow, sometimes I need a sweet treat that also helps me meet my protein goals. Que, puppy chow made with an extra dose of protein! It’s become mine (and my sister’s) favorite post-workout fix and even one that we enjoy anytime!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- A cheap, low-effort protein snack. Protein bars cost upwards of $4 per bar, and there is NO way I’m paying that! Not when I can make a protein-packed snack for pennies on the dollar.
- Customizable. Use different nut butter or chocolate, or swap the protein powder for other flavors. Every ingredient can be customized.
- A filling alternative to shakes. I love me a good protein shake, but even I have to switch things up now and again.
- Use it to bulk up your favorite treats. Add it to cereal, yogurt bowls, or oatmeal for extra flavor and protein.
Ingredients needed
- Chex cereal. I prefer plain rice Chex cereal, but you can use any Chex-style cereal. For a gluten-free version, avoid wheat Chex.
- Peanut butter. Opt for a smooth, drippy peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Chocolate chips. I used milk chocolate chips, but any kind will do. Make sure to use vegan chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Powdered sugar. To coat the muddy buddies in. Use keto powdered sweetener if desired.
- Protein powder. Optional for extra protein. I used vanilla protein powder, but you could also use chocolate protein powder or any flavor you enjoy the taste of. As for the type, I prefer brown rice or whey protein.
How to make protein puppy chow
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Melt chocolate. Melt the peanut butter with chocolate chips in the microwave-safe bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2- Mix. Add the cereal to a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture on top and stir to coat.
Step 3- Refrigerate. Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet and chill briefly.
Step 4- Add powdered sugar. Place the puppy chow back in the bowl and add the powdered sugar and protein powder. Toss to coat.
Step 5- Set aside. Place the puppy chow back on the sheet and let it sit until the chocolate is firm. Transfer it to a plastic bag or airtight container.
Arman’s recipe variations
- Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing. If there’s ANY moisture left on the cereal, it’ll become soggy and prone to molding.
- Swap the nut butter. Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free recipe.
- Use other types of chocolate. Like dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips.
- Add flavor. Add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
To freeze: Put leftover puppy chow in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure there is no moisture in the bag, or the cereal will become soft.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the protein powder is optional. If you skip it, I recommend adding an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to compensate.
More protein powder desserts
- Protein fudge
- Protein cheesecake
- Protein donuts
- Protein ice cream
- Or any of these recipes with protein powder
Protein Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup protein powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add your Chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, add the peanut butter with chocolate chips and heat until melted. Whisk together until combined and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the dry cereal mix. Mix well, until all the cereal is coated in the chocolate/peanut butter mixture.
- Transfer the mixture onto a flat tray or surface and spread out in a single layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, until it has cooled slightly.
- Remove from the fridge and place back in the mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and protein powder and mix very well, until all the cereal is covered in the sugar/protein powder.
- Place back on the flat tray and let sit for 30-40 minutes, or until the powdered sugar has settled, before transferring to a sealable container or ziplock bag.
This is brilliant!! Love that I can have Puppy Chow and get my protein together! I’ve always gone straight from adding the chocolate to coating in powdered sugar, this way sounds less messy, need to give that a try too!
This was the best breakfast ever! Was craving sweets, but wanted something Keto/Sugar free. This puppy chow was so perfect! (Just don’t feed it to your dogs;) I made a big batch and it was gone in a few hours! Such a hit!!
This is one of my favorite recipe!! I use Cascadian Farm Organic Honey Vanilla Crunch instead of Chex because I need to watch how much sodium is in my food.
It is delishes!!
Thanks for the feedback, Gina!
When has Arman ever created an ANIMAL recipe. Also you obviously know chocolate makes dogs sick so why did you give it to your dog in the first place? Cant blame other for your stupidity. Cant wait to make this btw!
Maybe it is vegan in Australia? In MN it isn’t. 🙁
I think Rice Chex have vitamin D so not actually vegan? We’ve made this with Life cereal.
We contacted them and they said it was vegan 🙂 I shall have to try it with life cereal, thanks for the suggestion 🙂
How about M’dy B’dies to play off the signature Aussie g’day?
That sounds like a great idea. hahah 😀
Settle down people. While I’ve always called it Muddy Buddies, more people call it puppy chow. Feel free to use a little common sense. Also, has Arman ever shared treats for pets with you? Use your brain and do some thinking for yourself rather than “attack” him for calling it what many call it. Anyone who has a pet should already know not to give chocolate to their pets.
Thanks for this healthier version. Can’t wait to try it!
You are too sweet, Ashley- Take care.
That’s good ~ except it says “homemade puppy chow” ~ anyone who interprets this to mean literally puppy chow may find their dog terminally sick. I certainly thought puppy chow was indeed puppy chow. Anybody who cherishes their dog will be devastated it they do not understand this is not for dogs. Just saying, I think calling this “puppy chow” is distinctly a bad idea. Otherwise, your recipes are great.
CHOCOLATE CAN KILL A DOG!!! RETRACT THIS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOU HAVE OTHER PEOPLE KILLING THEIR DOGS. YOU CAN’T JUST FEED DOGS ANYTHING, MAN!
…..This isn’t a recipe for dogs.