Protein Puppy Chow
Published 7/23/2024 • Updated 8/6/2024
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This protein puppy chow is reminiscent of our favorite childhood sweet treat but with the added benefit of more protein! You get to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting in 15g of protein per serving. We’re obsessed.
Puppy chow was one of my favorite treats growing up—the melted peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. My favorite part was always pouring all of the ingredients into a brown paper bag and shaking like crazy until all of the Chex mix was coated in peanut butter goodness.
I also LOVE when the ingredients clump together to make big pieces of deliciousness. This recipe is an elevated version of that childhood puppy chow, we just skip the powdered sugar for a tasty protein powder.
What You Need for Protein Puppy Chow
There are only 5-ingredients that you need to make this recipe. Grab a box of Chex cereal, chocolate chips, coconut oil, peanut butter, and protein powder and you are all set.
Our favorite protein powder is the Garden of Life brand, either whey or plant-based.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use rice, wheat, or corn Chex for the Chex cereal for the puppy chow.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are preferred because they aren’t overly sweet. Feel free to use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or any chocolate you have on hand. Know that it will change the flavor of the Chex mix.
Any nut butter can be used in place of peanut butter. The flavor of the Chex mix will change, but still be delicious.
Feel free to add other mix-ins to the puppy chow to create a ‘Chex Mix’ type snack. Mini chocolate chips, pretzels, mini M&Ms, or peanuts are great options.
Top Tips for Protein Puppy Chow
- Use a large paper bag: To be sure every Chex is covered with protein powder, we highly recommend pouring the peanut butter and chocolate-covered Chex into a large paper bag. Add the protein powder to the bag and roll the top down. Shake the mixture until all of the Chex are covered in protein powder,
- Amount of protein powder: Depending on the protein powder and peanut butter that is used, you may need to add more protein powder to the mixture. Different protein powders will absorb differently into the peanut butter and chocolate mixture.
Storage and Freezer Directions
After the Chex are coated in protein powder, allow the protein puppy chow to set. Store the puppy chow in an air-tight container in a cool place for up to 5-7 days
Freezer instructions: let the puppy chow set completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Protein Puppy Chow
Serve this protein puppy chow alongside other delicious protein treats. We recommend the
Protein Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup all-natural drippy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 6-7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the mixture is melted and glossy. This will take around 2 minutes.
- Add 3 cups of the Chex to the bottom of a large bowl. Pour half of the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the Chex. Fold the ingredients together until coated.
- Add the rest of the Chex and cover with the remaining melted peanut butter and chocolate. Fold until the second layer is coated. It’s okay if there are chunks of Chex stuck together.
- To coat the chex with protein powder, leave the mixture in the bowl or transfer it to a paper bag. Add ½ cup of the protein powder to the mixture and if it’s in a bowl, gently stir until coated with protein powder. Add the second half cup of protein powder and toss again. If using a paper bag, pour all the protein powder into the bag. Roll the top over and shake the bag until the Chex are coated.
- Let the puppy chow cool before storing it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
Tips & Notes
- The flavor of this puppy chow will change based on what protein powder is used. We tested this recipe with Garden of Life Whey Vanilla and Vital Protein Vanilla Collagen. Both were delicious.
- You could also use chocolate protein powder in this recipe.
- You can swap the Rice Chex out for Corn Chex or Wheat Chex, too.
Make them into Protein Balls
To make this protein puppy chow into protein puppy chow balls, use the same measurements as the regular protein puppy chow above + 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for the , but follow the method below.- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the mixture is melted and glossy. This will take around 2 minutes.
- Add the Chex to the bottom of a bowl and gently crush the Chex into small pieces (option to add them to a food processor and pulse them until crumbs).
- Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the Chex crumbs. Fold the ingredients together until coated.
- Add the protein powder to a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix and set aside.
- Wet your hands and use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to scoop the Chex mixture and form a ball. Squeeze the ball firmly to be sure it isn’t crumbly. Repeat until all the Chex have been made into a ball.
- Roll each ball in the protein powder mixture until coated. Repeat until all of the balls have been rolled.
- Enjoy immediately or store balls in the freezer for an easy treat.
- If the balls aren’t sticking, add a little more protein powder and a teaspoon or so of water to the mixture.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What a fun spin on a childhood favorite! Haven’t had puppy chow in years and love how the protein powder cuts down on the sweetness of traditional puppy chow, but its still the chocolate-peanut butter treat I am after.
What a brilliant idea to add protein powder to this delicious treat! Loved it.
Absolutely addicting. I had Orgain protein on hand so that’s what I used. I did almost double the protein powder and unsure if that is why. I started with the one cup, but so many pieces were still not coated well so I just kept adding more scoops. Now to try not to eat all in one sitting….
“Best puppy chow I’ve ever had” per my husband! So yummy!!!
Very easy to make! What a tasty treat!
This recipe is so easy and quick! Loved it
Now I remember why I’ve never attempted this recipe and it’s NOT because it’s a hard-it’s super simple, problem is it’s so addicting! Peanut butter and chocolate – what’s not to love. I was a bit leary of the protein powder cause I’m not always a fan, but the protein powder my husband had is very palatable – too palatable! Thanks for the recipe!
Great protein dessert! My sister and I loved it.
Such a great twist on puppy chow! It taste great and you find yourself not eating as much with the protein!!
What a great way to sneak some extra protein into something my family already loves!