Introduction

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow is a delicious twist on the classic snack, packed with protein and natural ingredients. It’s perfect for a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps you energized.

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with many small, square-shaped cereal pieces coated with a light brown powder, giving them a rough texture. The cereal pieces are piled high, filling the bowl nearly to the top. The background features a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple contrast to the warm colors of the cereal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.5 ounces chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (only peanuts and salt)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
4.5 cups Chex Mix cereal (gluten-free honey nut Chex recommended)
2/3 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (Orgain chocolate peanut butter flavor recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Step 2: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly without breaking it.
Step 3: Sprinkle the protein powder over the coated cereal and toss carefully until the powder is well distributed and the mixture looks evenly coated.
Step 4: Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor and allergy-friendly option.
Use vanilla protein powder for a milder, sweeter taste.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate mixture to enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store the protein puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To refresh the crunch, let it come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with many small square pieces of snack covered with a light brown powder. The pieces look crunchy and rough in texture, piled thickly to fill most of the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of natural?

Yes, but natural peanut butter with only peanuts and salt offers a cleaner, less sweet flavor and better texture for this recipe.

Is it necessary to use protein powder?

Protein powder adds nutritional value and texture, but you can omit it if preferred. The snack will still taste great but be less protein-packed.

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 177 reviews

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic snack mix. Made with gluten-free cereal, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder, this treat provides a satisfying, high-protein snack that’s perfect for on-the-go or post-workout fuel. It’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and no baking required, making it a convenient and wholesome choice for any time of day.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Mixture

3.5 ounces chocolate chips
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (ingredients: peanuts and salt only)
1/4 cup maple syrup

Main Ingredients

4.5 cups Chex Mix cereal (gluten-free honey nut Chex recommended)
2/3 cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla, Orgain chocolate peanut butter flavor used)

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Prepare the Cereal: Place the Chex Mix cereal in a large mixing bowl, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and ready to be coated.
Combine and Coat: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the cereal and chocolate together using a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the pieces evenly without breaking them.
Add Protein Powder: Sprinkle the chocolate or vanilla protein powder over the coated cereal. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated with the protein powder for added texture and nutrition.
Set and Cool: Spread the coated cereal evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate mixture firms up and the puppy chow sets, about 30-45 minutes.
Serve or Store: Once set, break up any large chunks and transfer the puppy chow to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.