Puppy Chow Recipe a chocolate and peanut buttery treat!
This recipe is also known as Muddy Buddies
Puppy Chow is the snack my teen regularly went out to BUY. He loves puppy chow! But, it's expensive for how much you get. These are also called Muddy Buddies in some stores. One day, as a surprise, I made a huge batch. They are so easy to make and use really common ingredients normally found in your pantry.
***For those of you not familiar with what Puppy Chow is, it is a HUMAN SNACK.***

Looking for more of a cereal bar with a chocolate and peanut butter flavor? Try my Special K Bar recipe!
This stuff can be addictive! With chocolate, peanut butter and then some icing sugar, who can resist? My kids came home and were thrilled that I had made them puppy chow! Sometimes, just sometimes, I get told that I am an AWESOME Mom!
This is super easy to make. And, it's a very standard recipe that everyone seems to use.
(Take a look at the step by step instructions, then print out the recipe at the bottom).
Ingredients for Puppy chow:
9 cups square woven cereal (I used 3 cups each of Chocolate Chex, Life and Crispix)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup butter
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Mix all 9 cups of cereal in a large bowl. You can do the same kinds I did or any kind of similar cereal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave 45 seconds then stir. Microwave in additional 20-second increments until everything is melted and stirs together smoothly. When the chocolate chips are mostly melted, you can stir and they will finish melting when you stir. Add vanilla and stir in.
Add melted ingredients into the large bowl containing cereal.

Stir until well combined. Honestly, this is where it's much easier to get the cereal well coated if you get your hands in there! I use thin disposable gloves when I do messy kitchen jobs like this!

After everything is well coated, divide evenly into two one-gallon plastic zip-lock type bags.
Add about ¾ cup of powdered (icing) sugar into each bag.

Close and shake until evenly coated.
Place puppy chow on a parchment paper-lined jelly roll (or cookie sheet) to cool.

Once this deliciousness cools, place it into a sealed container. I'd suggest refrigerating it if you have room. Otherwise, just eat it : ).
Storing your batch of cereal chocolate and peanut butter goodness!
The question I get asked the most is how to store this. After you have made your batch of puppy chow, let it fully cool for a few hours. I put mine into sealed containers (like Tupperware containers) and store them in a dark cool place. I have kept this for over a week and it still tasted fresh and delicious! Make sure the puppy chow is cool! It gets soggy if it's too warm when put away.
Printable recipe for Puppy Chow | Muddy Buddies

Puppy Chow – A chocolate, peanut buttery, sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 9 cups chex cereal I used 3 cups each of Chocolate Chex, Life and Crispix
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup Peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix all 9 cups of cereal in a large bowl. You can do the same kinds I did, or any kind of similar cereal.
- In a microwaveable bowl, put butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave 45 seconds then stir. Microwave in additional 20 second increments until everything is melted and stirs together smoothly. Add vanilla and stir in.
- Add melted ingredients into large bowl containing cereal.
- Stir until well combined. Honestly, this is where it's much easier to get the cereal well coated if you get your hands in there!
- After everything is well coated, divide evenly into two one gallon plastic zip lock type bags.
- Add about ¾ cup of powdered (icing) sugar into each bag.
- Close and shake until evenly coated.
- Place on a parchment lined jelly roll (or cookie sheet) to cool.
- Once this deliciousness cools, place into a sealed container. I'd suggest refrigerating it, if you have room. Otherwise, just eat it : ).
Notes
Nutrition
Hope you like this recipe as much as my family does!
Other family favorite snack recipes!

Blueberry - Lemon Muddy Buddies. A delicious twist on traditional chocolate and peanut butter muddy buddies.

Scotcheroos, also known as Special K bars. Another chocolaty, peanut buttery treat!
Let me share another family favorite snack. This one makes a huge batch.
Bits and Bites (aka Nuts and Bolts or Chex Mix) This is such a delicious, flavorful mix. Did I tell you it makes a HUGE batch?
momcrieff
That's what it's been called forever. It is not meant for a pup and I did state that very clearly (I hope!) in the post.
Sarah
How far in advance can you make this for a party
momcrieff
As long as this is stored in a tightly sealed container, you are fine for at least a week.
imarancher
Please, Please, Please, I beg you to make sure you add, in very large letters, that this is not suitable even as a snack for dogs. Please. People do stupid things with the best of intentions. I read the recipe before I realized it was not for pets but humans. The chocolate flavored cereal is where I realized it could not be for pets. Not everyone will.
momcrieff
I had to read your message twice before I realized why people would think this recipe is for dogs. Yes, I can see people misunderstanding if they are not familiar with what Puppy Chow is. I will add something! Done. Thanks for pointing out the potential misunderstanding. It would never have occurred to me!
imarancher
Thank you, thank you, thank you. ImA Rancher, aka Bonnie Davis, RN, CCRN Retired (general all around busy body for the public welfare)