Protein Puppy Chow

If you grew up snacking on puppy chow or muddy buddies, you already know it's one of the best sweet treats. This protein puppy chow puts a better-for-you twist on the classic by swapping in natural peanut butter and adding protein powder so you get that same crunchy, chocolate-peanut-buttery goodness with a little protein too. It's gluten-free, easy to throw together in minutes, and just as big of a hit with kids as it is with grown-ups.

Why You'll Love This Protein Puppy Chow Recipe

1. Easy Dessert Option - This is the perfect recipe if you need just a little something sweet.
2. No Bake Snack/Treat - This requires no baking and is so quick and easy to make.
3. Healthier Balance - When compared to regular puppy chow, this recipe uses natural peanut butter, less powdered sugar, and adds protein powder to make it more nutritionally balanced.

The Ingredients:

• Chex rice cereal - I prefer Chex in this recipe, but feel free to swap out with a similar cereal if desired. All Chex cereals are gluten free except for the wheat Chex.
• Natural peanut butter - this thins out well when heated
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips - you can use alternate options here like milk chocolate or vegan chocolate.
• Protein powder - I typically use vanilla flavored but you can use chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored as well.
• Powdered sugar - I use regular powdered sugar but you could swap this out for a lower sugar option like Swerve.

How To Make Protein Puppy Chow

(Full Recipe Below)

It doesn't get much easier than this recipe! Simply start by melting the chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave safe measuring cup or bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir, then microwave for an additional 20-30 seconds and stir. Continue this until totally melted.

Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the dry Chex cereal and stir until coated.

Pour the mixture onto a flat tray and spread out into a single layer and let cool for about 10 minutes.

One cooled, add to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and protein powder and shake up well.

Recipe Tips & Variations

➡️ Let the final product cool before storing - Make sure the liquid layer has cooled completely before storing, otherwise the cereal can become soggy.

➡️ Refrigerate & Store - I keep this recipe in the refrigerator because I think it tastes great cold. You can store this in an airtight container for about 2-3 weeks.

➡️ Packaging - You can place individual servings in small containers to take a healthy snack or treat on the go!

For more high protein recipes, check out..

Lower Calorie Protein Balls

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Pumpkin Protein Balls

More healthy recipe ideas

Make sure to check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for healthy balanced dinner & snack recipes!

Protein Puppy Chow

Hannah Holzum

This protein puppy chow is a fun, gluten-free twist on the classic muddy buddies snack. Made with natural peanut butter, chocolate, protein powder, and powdered sugar, it's a no bake treat that's sweet, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

4.60 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3 cup Chex rice cereal
• ▢ ½ cup Natural peanut butter
• ▢ ½ cup Semi sweet chocolate chips
• ▢ ½ cup Powdered sugar
• ▢ ½ cup Protein powder can use vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal and set aside.
• In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, add the natural peanut butter and chocolate chips and heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds and stir. Continue this until totally melted.
• Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the dry Chex cereal. Mix well, being careful not crush the cereal.
• Pour the mixture onto a flat tray and spread out into a single layer and let cool for about 10 minutes.
• One cooled, add to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and protein powder and shake up well.
• Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 7gFat: 9gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 89mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, as well as portion sizes. I calculate these values using my own ingredients and tools, but please treat them as a general guide-not a guarantee. For the most accurate results, consider using your own preferred nutrition calculator.