The classic Puppy Chow recipe gets a healthy, high protein makeover that is also gluten free and naturally sweetened. It’s quick, easy, and great for kids!
Things that confuse me in life:
- Why do the people on road signs (like “school zone” or whatever) NEVER have necks? WHY DO THEIR HEADS FLOAT?
- Why do deep dish paleo chocolate chip cookies have to be unhealthy and roasted broccoli has to be healthy? Eating buttery, sweet goodness > Eating mini trees.
- Do dogs think in English or in “dog speak?” Do their thoughts sound like “bark bark, yip yip?”
Sidenote: I have had all of these conversations MULTIPLE times with the Huberoni.
I am starting to think I should check his search history for mental institutions.
AND FINALLY, also related to dogs:
- Why do they call it a PUPPY chow recipe when you’re not even supposed to give dogs chocolate because then they will DIE? <— :O (that’s a shocked face)
What animal hating person was in charge of naming foods THAT DAY? You know what I am SAYIN?
Probably not. I wouldn’t expect much else.
Sidenote, the sequel: I’m trying to ponder how I can make Mr. FFF go to IHOP for gluten free pancakes tonight for the 2nd time this week. Unrelated to this puppy chow recipe, yes, but I am just letting you now my thoughts. KEEPIN IT REALZ.
We all know, and L-O-L-O-L-O-L-O-V-E (name that obnoxious-get-stuck-in-your-head-for-all-the-days song!) puppy chow. You probably grew up stuffing it into your face because it takes about 30 seconds to make, and will totally shut you up, so your mom made it for every single day of your life.
Maybe that was just my mom though. I can’t confirm or deny that I talked A LOT as a kid.
And, let’s not ask Mr. FFF if that has changed kay? 🙂
Back to puppy chow.
Now that we have established that you have had it in all of its classic good-nosity, have you had it with PROTEIN?
That’s what I thought.
And did you know that protein completely X’s out the chocolate? That’s what Wikipedia told me.
It doesn’t lie.
I actually made this protein puppy chow recipe ALL THE EVERS ago, and just kept forgetting to post it. It was the inspiration for that Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Popcorn AND the Healthy GIngerwe ate awhile back.
But, my friend-a-licious-friends, I promise it was TOTALLY worth ZE WAIT.
I mean, you get a little crunch, crunch, crunch that you can munch, munch, munch and it will keep you full until lunch, lunch, lunch. (?)
It rhymes. Just go with it.
Or if you don’t want to be an easy going human who lets really terrible rhyme-age go, you could just make it and see for yourself.
Better idea.
P.s I will forever and ever spell rhyme wrong. Thanks spell check.
Protein Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 3 Oz Semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 Cup Natural Peanut Butter
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 Cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 2/3 Cup Vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- In alarge, microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate, peanut butter, honey and coconut oil. To do this I use 50% power and microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until everything is smooth and melted.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the Chex cereal. Stir the cereal until each piece is well coated in chocolate.
- Place the protein powder into a large, zip-loc bag and then scoop the cereal into the bag. Seal the bag and shake around until the protein powder evenly coats the cereal.
- That's it! DEVOUR.
Nutrition
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAG @FOODFAITHFIT AND #FOODFAITHFITNESS ON INSTRAGRAM! I LOVE SEEING YOUR RECIPE RECREATIONS! 🙂
Want more protein-packed snack-age?
Paleo Almond Butter Homemade Protein Bars
Healthy Almond Joy “Cheesecake”
STAY IN DA KNOW (AND GET SPECIAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES INFO) BY FOLLOWING ALONG WITH FFF ON PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER!
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[email protected]+Ceara's+Kitchen says
This cereal sounds all kinds of awesome! A breakfast full of chocolate and peanut butter is always a go in my boooks 😀
Taylor Kiser says
You and me both Ceara! Thanks! 😀
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Ha ha that’s a good question, why do those people on road signs never have necks? I’m loving this puppy chow, Taylor! It’s my absolute weakness because it’s so darn addicting. I love that this version is filled with protein, makes me feel a little better about eating the whole bowl! Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
RIGHT? I am glad I am not the only one that it confused!
Exactly. Protein = cancels out ALL the calories 😉 Thanks Gayle!
[email protected]+The+Almond+Eater says
I’ve actually always wondered why they call it puppy chow….. I “wonder” for 5 mins and then declare “who cares” and start shoving my face with it. Love the addition of protein powder! I can definitely get on board with healthier puppy chow.
Taylor Kiser says
Haha, I knew there was a reason that I liked you 😉 Thanks Erin!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Totally called puppy chow a “snack” when growing up instead of a “treat.” My friends and I made it all the time. Shaking the bag was our favorite part. I haven’t made the stuff in years but I can still taste it when I think about it. Sooooo good.
Taylor Kiser says
Wasn’t the shaking part so fun? Plus it burns off the calories? Maybe 😉
Thanks Maryea!
CARLA says
and WHERE HAVE I BEEN Id never ever heard of puppy chow???
Taylor Kiser says
OMG OMG OMG. YOu haven’t LIVED CARLA! You need to try it!!
[email protected]+Baked+by+Rachel says
I’m probably the last person on the planet to have never had puppy chow but this seriously looks delicious!
Taylor Kiser says
WHAT?! OMG. It will CHANGE your life girl! Thanks!
Danielle @ Chits and Chats and Chocolate says
I adore puppy chow! It’s like the ultimate snack food, so now I’m elated to see a healthier version!!! What brand of protein powder did you use?
Taylor Kiser says
YAY! I am so glad you like it. My favorite Vanilla protein is by “Gaspari” And it’s called “Myofusion”
But if I was just making a protein shake you MUST try Body Nutrition because they make Cinnabun, Lemon Meringue Pie and Pumpkin Pie protein powders that are SO FREAKING GOOD!
Thanks Danielle!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
What a great recipe, Taylor!!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Brenda!!
Nutmeg+Nanny says
I LOVE puppy chow! It was the one thing we would make every single year in school. So delicious!
Taylor Kiser says
Me too!! Thanks friend!
[email protected] says
“Why do they call it PUPPY chow?” Now that’s a legit question Taylor (one I don’t have the answer to though…sorry!)
BTW I’m loving this grown-up, protein-packed, super delish version of puppy chow. Looks so awesome!
Taylor Kiser says
Well I am glad your on the same confused brain train as I am Mike!
Thanks for the love! 😀
[email protected] says
I love puppy chow!!! Such a delicious and addicting treat! Plus yours with protein and healthier? Obsessed! Pinned 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
It’s SO good right?! Thanks friend!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
drool. yes please! pinned 🙂 love the use of coconut oil!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks for the love and pin lady!
GiGi Eats says
The only puppy chow I have ever had…. Is actual dog food. This looks like it would taste FAR better! LOL!
Taylor Kiser says
Oh gosh! I seriously HOPE SO! Thanks Gigi!
[email protected] says
Protein in my puppy chow?! I am SO in. This looks amazing and kinda sorta addicting.— I’m pretty sure I’d eat the entire batch on day 1. Whoooops. 😀 Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
It is sort of A LOT addicting! Ha! Thanks Sarah!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
I’ve been saying that for years… I’m not questioning our maker, but if I was to design a planet, I would make donuts be the healthy food, and veggies be the junk food. This looks delish! Thanks for sharing!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha! You and me both girlfriend!
Thanks Sarah!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
YUM. I had never had puppy chow until about 5 years ago. Crazy?
Taylor Kiser says
WHAT?! That is crazy! Better late than never!
Thanks Heather!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I love puppy chow! Great idea to add protein powder.
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks Bianca!
Shashi RunninSrilankan says
True story – I didn’t have or know about puppy chow till my daughter brought it home the Christmas of 2012. Apparently a friend gave it to her as a gift and when she plopped it down on the kitchen counter, I opened it up and was about to give it to our “puppies” when she screeched “nooooooo” – yup, I was a confused Shashi then!
I love your lighter version Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha! Well I am glad I am not the only one confused about the whole puppy chow shenanigans! Thanks beautiful, I hope your day is fab!
Nicole+~+Cooking+for+Keeps says
I believe Wikapedia. Always. 🙂 This stuff sounds addictive!
Taylor Kiser says
That’s why I adore you.
Thanks friend!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
lol’ing bc I have SO had that dog-speak conversation with Dave – like, do dogs in Spain only answer to Spanish? In Germany only in German? or do they have a universal code we don’t even know about? seriously sooo funny you said that.
and this puppy chow – YES. def will fix my sweet tooth while helping me get back on track post-honeymoon (waaayyyy too many pina coladas in tahiti!)
Taylor Kiser says
OMG!!! I wonder the same things! So happy it’s not just me!
WAIT? Honeymoon? CONGRATS GIRL!!!!
Thank you! 😀
Jordan @ Smile Sandwich says
THIS IS GENIUS!!!! I’ve also spent some time thinking about whether or not dogs speak in English. If you ever get any answers, let me know. 😉
Taylor Kiser says
HAHA! I am glad it’s not just me!! Thanks Jordan!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
You don’t have to tell me twice! I could devour this in no time! Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks for the pin Anna!
Charlotte+Moore says
Hahahahaha!!! Where do you come up with all your rhymes? Funny!!!
I made peppermint white chocolate puppy chow one time. Then showed someone else how to make it. That was at least 3 years ago. It is crazy to think of naming it like dog food.
Taylor Kiser says
I have NO idea, they just come into my head! 😀
Peppermint white chocolate sounds SO good!! And I am glad you also don’t understand the dog food reference – it is crazy!
Anne Marie says
What the what! You have saved the day on my very favorite holiday (okay, okay, ANYTIME) treat! Since it is all protein, it’s totally okay to eat the entire recipe by myself in one sitting, right? I mean, just trying to get my daily recommended intake. 🙂 Thanks for the incredible recipe!
Taylor Kiser says
I LOVE that you fessed up to “anytime” because we all know it’s not just for holidays 😉
That’s right. PERFECTLY ok, especially int he same of getting your daily protein! Ha! Thanks Anna Marie!
Amanda says
Healthy puppy chow? YUM!
Taylor Kiser says
Right?! Thanks girl!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I’ve never had puppy chow, although every time I see a recipe posted for it I think it looks so good. Why haven’t I found some chex and made it yet? Need to get on that! And adding protein powder sounds like a great idea!
Taylor Kiser says
YOU HAVEN’T HAD IT! STACEY! You haven’t LIVED girl!! Get on it ASAP! Thanks for the love!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
You are so smart- skipping the powdered sugar for protein powder, I bet you can’t even tell! Ok, I am thinking I need to drive down (up, wherever) to your place and get some photography tips, chat about blogging. etc. Ok? 😉
Taylor Kiser says
Nope! Looks the same and tastes BETTER!
AND SERIOUSLY. Can we have a bloggy talk lunch date?! I AM DOWN for real! 😀
If yes, email me! 😀 and thank you!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Excuse me while I go get some Chex cereal…this puppy chow looks too yummy! And filled with protein…! My only concern is how quickly this would be devoured!
Taylor Kiser says
Hey, we need 1 g of protein per lb of body weight a day. So you SHOULD eat the whole thing! 😉 Thanks girlfriend!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Since it’s healthy and all I don’t have to share with anyone?!
Taylor Kiser says
NOPE! All for you! Thanks Meg!
[email protected]+American+Heritage+Cooking says
You ask some excellent questions! I have to assume they call it puppy chow because it kind of looks like dog food! Still a bad name because who wants to eat dog food?! Apparently me because your healthier version looks delicious! Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
It does kind of look like it – you’re right! But, I agree…not the most scrumptious of names!
Thanks so much lady!
Brittani says
Just made it 5 minutes ago… What an excellent alternative to the sugary goodness we are as kids! My little guy even loves it! I used plain Rice Chex since it was what I had on hand and it turned out great just the same. Thanks for this!
Taylor Kiser says
YAY! I am so glad you loved it! Thanks so much for letting me know. I may just have to whip up a batch too 🙂
Brittani says
Ate*
Jodi says
I found this recipe while searching for high protein, vegetarian snacks for young athletes. My kids and their friends LOVED it. It didn’t even last a day in my house. I’m making a triple batch next time! Thanks for a great recipe! If you have any other high protein snack ideas, I’d love to see them!
Taylor Kiser says
Woo hoo! I am so glad they loved it! Yay!
I have a ton of high protein recipes…this is my ULTIMATE FAVORITE of ALL TIME (Like, I’ve eaten it everyday for 3 years.) It only feeds one, but you could probably make a large batch and freeze it individually…however it’s more time consuming than the chow for sure: https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/high-protein-snack-healthy-almond-joy-cheesecake/ It’s also AMAZING with peanut butter 🙂 Hope you like it if you try it -thanks for letting me know! 😀
Anders says
They called it puppy chow because it looked exactly like Purina brand Puppy Chow. General Mills bought Chex cereals from Purina and then Purina merged with Nestle. Somewhere along the way the name on the cereal box recipe changed from Puppy Chow to Muddy Buddies. Whatever you call it, it’s still good. I made it for my children in the 1980s, and it has always been a holiday snack food for our family, along with Chex Mix.
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you so much for clearing up this mystery!