This easy healthy high protein puppy chow is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, high protein, lower sugar, and refined sugar free. In a large mixing bowl is freshly made puppy chow with rice chex cereal coated in a peanut butter chocolate layer with an even coating of powdered sugar and protein powder on top making it a powdery white color.

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This High Protein Puppy Chow is gluten free, lower sugar, and can be dairy free. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic treat without the sugar crash. Crunchy, chocolatey peanut butter goodness that tastes just like the classic, but with a sneaky boost of protein. You only need about ten minutes to make it, and I’m sure it’ll become your new freezer-stash obsession!

Puppy chow (or muddy buddies, depending on what you grew up calling it) was one of my absolute favorite childhood snacks. I used to devour handfuls of it at parties, family gatherings, or movie nights – that powdered sugar coating with the rich chocolate and peanut butter? UNREAL. So of course, I had to make a version that feels just as fun and satisfying but with a few swaps to make it a little more blood-sugar friendly and protein-packed.

For this puppy chow, I swapped regular peanut butter for peanut butter powder, add protein powder to the coating, and used less powdered sugar to keep everything more balanced. And let me tell you, I’m OBSESSED. We have protein from the peanut butter powder and protein powder, carbs from the rice Chex cereal and sweetener, and healthy fats from the peanut butter powder and dark chocolate. Instead of the traditional coating being all powdered sugar, I use half powdered sugar and half protein powder to make it a little lower sugar. You can always use powdered monkfruit for a refined sugar free and lower carb option!

It’s the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy, sweet but not over the top. And the best part? You store it in the freezer, which makes every bite cold, crispy, and extra satisfying. It also means it lasts longer (unless you’re like me and the whole batch is finished in a few days… 🤷‍♀️).

I’ve been making this on repeat lately for meal prep snacks and quick treats. It hits the spot every single time! I already know this is going to be a favorite that I bring to any cookouts or outdoor gatherings this Summer.

Why You’ll Love This

Secretly satisfying – Thanks to the protein boost, it actually keeps you fuller longer than the classic version.
No baking, no fuss – A one-bowl, low-mess snack you can make in until ten minutes is a huge win!
Customizable – Switch up the protein powder flavor or cereal type for it to fit your mood and try different combinations.
Kid-approved and adult appreciated – The nostalgic vibes are strong, but the simpler ingredients won’t leave you crashing later!
Dietary friendly – This is high protein, lower sugar, gluten free, and can be refined sugar free or dairy free depending on some ingredients listed below.

What You’ll Need

Chocolate chips – These mini chocolate chips melt really well but any kind will work. If you want to keep this vegan or dairy free, use that kind of chocolate!
Peanut butter powder – I like this one from Sunwarrior because it’s made with only one ingredient, peanut flour! No added sugars or fillers in this one.
Water
Chex cereal – I use regular chex cereal that’s made with rice to keep this gluten free!
Powdered sugar – For an even lower sugar option, you can use powdered monkfruit.
Protein powder – My favorite protein powder right now is FlavCity (code: CALLA for 15% off). They have both plant based and whey options and the chocolate peanut butter would be so good in this!

How To Make

In a small bowl, melt the chocolate by microwaving for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth. (Tip: You can also use a double broiler method over the stovetop!)
In another bowl, mix the peanut butter powder and water together. Then add melted chocolate and stir to combine.
Add the cereal to a large bowl, then pour the peanut butter chocolate mixture on top and mix well.
Set in the freezer for about five minutes.
Coat in powder sugar and protein powder until everything is evenly covered.
Store in the freezer to keep it fresh and thaw when ready to snack!

Recommended Tools

Glass mixing bowls
Silicone spatula – to keep everything from sticking when you mix it together.
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons
Large food container – for storing the freezer! You could even pre-portion this into small containers too.

Healthier Childhood Favorites

Mini Protein Peanut Butter Cups (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Cosmic Brownie Protein Bars (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Healthier Crunch Bars (Gluten Free, Vegan)

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