Introduction

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow is a delicious twist on the classic snack, packed with protein and natural ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick treat or post-workout bite that satisfies your sweet tooth without guilt.

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with many small, square-shaped snack pieces covered in a powdery brown coating, creating a textured, dusty look. The snack pieces have a rough surface with some visible darker and lighter brown spots. A woman's hand is reaching from the left side of the frame, delicately holding one of the pieces between her thumb and forefinger. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with soft lighting highlighting the powdery texture on the snack pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.5 ounces chocolate chips
¼ cup creamy peanut butter (only peanuts and salt)
¼ cup maple syrup
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
4.5 cups Chex Mix cereal (Gluten-free honey nut Chex recommended)
⅔ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (Orgain chocolate peanut butter flavor suggested)

Instructions

Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Place the Chex Mix cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 3: Sprinkle protein powder over the coated cereal and toss lightly until the protein powder is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool completely to set before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free cereal to keep the recipe gluten-free and ensure all ingredients are allergy-friendly.
Try swapping maple syrup with honey for a different natural sweetness.
For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture to enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store the Healthy 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. Reheat gently if the chocolate coating becomes firm or chilled, or enjoy it chilled for a crunchier texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with many small square-shaped cereal pieces covered in a light brown powder, giving them a rough texture. The cereal squares vary slightly in shape and are piled high, almost overflowing the bowl. In the lower left corner, a woman's hand is gently picking up one square piece, showing the size and texture clearly. The background is a white marbled surface, keeping the focus on the bowl and cereal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes, you can use any protein powder you prefer. Just choose one with a flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter for best results.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This snack is made with natural ingredients and provides a protein boost, making it a fun and healthy treat for children.

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 53 reviews

Healthy Protein Puppy Chow is a wholesome twist on the classic snack, combining gluten-free Chex cereal with chocolate, peanut butter, and protein powder for a nourishing and delicious treat. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe blends natural sweeteners and quality ingredients to deliver a crunchy, chocolatey, and protein-packed delight.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Coating

3.5 ounces chocolate chips
¼ cup creamy peanut butter (ingredients: peanuts and salt only)
¼ cup maple syrup
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil

Dry Mix

4.5 cups Chex Mix cereal (gluten-free honey nut Chex preferred)
⅔ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (chocolate peanut butter flavor recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Cereal: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir using a spatula to coat all pieces evenly without crushing them.
Add Protein Powder: Sprinkle the protein powder over the chocolate-coated cereal while still warm and toss gently to ensure an even distribution, allowing the powder to stick to the chocolate coating.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to allow it to cool completely. Once set, break apart any large clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Use gluten-free Chex for a gluten-free snack option.
Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener, but honey or agave syrup can be substituted if desired.
Choose a protein powder flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter for best taste results.
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
For a crunchier texture, allow the mixture to set in the fridge before serving.

Keywords: Protein Puppy Chow, Healthy Puppy Chow, Gluten-Free Snack, Protein Snack, Chex Puppy Chow, Peanut Butter Puppy Chow, Chocolate Puppy Chow