Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

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10 minutes mins

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 11/30/2021

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This puppy chow recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make and everyone loves it!

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: Ummm, because it tastes so good?!

How long it takes: 10 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: microwave safe bowl, microwave
Servings: makes 9 cups – you decide how many servings that is!

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (1)

Table of Contents close

  • 1 Recipe Overview
  • 2 About This Puppy Chow Recipe
  • 3 What You’ll Need
  • 4 How To Make Puppy Chow
  • 5 FAQs
  • 6 Make It Your Own
  • 7 Storage Tips
  • 8 More Easy Treats
  • 9 Get the Recipe: Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy Chow. Muddy Buddies. Where do I begin with my love for these?

Actually, if we’re being honest, I have a love-hate relationship with anything with powdered sugar on it.

I love it because, well, it’s powdered sugar.

I hate it because, well, IT GETS EVERYWHERE! EVVVVERYWHERE. Don’t even get me started on the kids eating stuff like this (They don’t. I do it in hiding.). Even making any recipe that involves powdered sugar is bound to end up with a major disaster requiring a lot of cleaning.

Okay, maybe that’s exaggerating just a wee bit.

When powdered sugar is paired with crispy cereal, chocolate and peanut butter — well, I’d clean up pounds of the stuff if necessary. This is what snacking is meant to be. Finger licking good. Literally.

I made this puppy chow for my son’s 1st birthday party. I threw him a “Winter ONEderland” party and the puppy chow attended disguised as “little snowflakes.” They fit the part pretty well, don’t you think? I served them up in little snack cups to cut down on the mess a little bit, and they were a huge hit. How could they not be?

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2)

About This Puppy Chow Recipe

I developed this recipe as a follow up to my pumpkin pie muddy buddies — and I gotta say, I think I like this version even better than its seasonal sister.

Do we need to review? CHOCOLATE. PEANUT BUTTER. POWDERED SUGAR.

And the great part is, this homemade treat is incredibly easy to make. I’ll run through the recipe here and give you a few extra tips. You should probably go ahead and get started right now!

As always, you’ll find the printable recipe card near the end of the post with complete instructions and nutrition information.

What You’ll Need

  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You could use milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips if you like but I’m a dark chocolate fan so I’ll always stick to semi-sweet.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: We’re talking about regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. I don’t think natural peanut butters would work as well.
  • Butter: Either unsalted or salted is fine. It’s best if it’s at room temperature and not rock hard so it melts easily with the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
  • Rice Chex Cereal: Did you know that this cereal is gluten-free? Crispix or other types of Chex can be substituted, such as Corn Chex or even Chocolate Chex (my personal favorite).
  • Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Yup, lots of it to give the puppy chow its snowy appearance.
Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (3)

How To Make Puppy Chow

Measure out the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter into a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments and stir well each time. Don’t overheat the mixture. Sometimes just stirring it thoroughly completes the melting process.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (4)

For our friends who don’t have microwaves – it’s easy to do on the stovetop as well. Just put the three ingredients into a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly.

Once the mixture is melted, stir in the vanilla. Add the cereal and mix until the cereal is coated with chocolate.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (5)

Throw the whole shebang in a bag full of powdered sugar. Shake-shake-shake and you have puppy chow.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (6)

Put it into a serving bowl and chow down! Bark bark! Ruff Ruff! Guau Guau! Or whatever dog sound you want to make. I’ll say Yum Yum!

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (7)

FAQs

Why is it called puppy chow?

Apparently it’s called puppy chow because it (somewhat) resembles dog food. I don’t think I’ve ever seen white dog food but hey, whatever. It’s kind of a cute name. It may be a Midwest thing.
According to Wikipedia, it’s also called monkey munch, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag!

Can dogs eat puppy chow?

Hmmmm, NO! This is not dog food by any stretch of the imagination. Keep this “puppy chow” away from your puppies as it can cause them to become sick.

Is there a difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies?

Nope, they are one and the same. This snack started as puppy chow and General Mills caught on to its popularity and started marketing it as Muddy Buddies.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (8)

Make It Your Own

I saw CHOCOLATE Chex cereal at the store and couldn’t resist adding a little more chocolate goodness to this snack. Not at all necessary, but more chocolate is never, ever, ever a bad thing. Ever.

Storage Tips

Store puppy chow in an airtight container after it’s completely cool. It will keep for a couple of weeks. Will it last that long? Probably not. Unless you hide it.

More Easy Treats

The Best Rice Krispies TreatsS’mores PopcornCinnamon Toast Crunch BarsPeanut Butter Trail Mix Recipe

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (13)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies)

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

18 servings

Print Rate Recipe

This puppy chow recipe will quickly become a favorite. It's easy to make and everyone loves it!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • cup butter
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (see note)
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)

Instructions

  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second increments in the microwave. Stir after each increment until smooth. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.

  • Add the Rice Chex cereal to the bowl and gently toss with a spatula to coat the cereal in the chocolate sauce.

  • When the cereal has been completely coated, spoon it into a large zip-lock bag. (You may have to do this in batches if the bag is not big enough to hold all the cereal). Pour in the confectioners' sugar and seal the bag.

  • Toss the cereal in the confectioners' sugar to coat.

  • When the cereal is completely coated in the confectioners' sugar, remove it from the bag and put it into a serving bowl.

  • Serve at room temperature. Makes 9 cups.

Notes

  • Substitute other types of Chex cereal (try Chocolate Chex if it’s available!) or Crispix cereal, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 177mg, Potassium: 183mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 265IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 6mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Gina says

    Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (21)
    Just made this and it’s PERFECT!! Absolutely perfect proportions. It won’t last the day. ♥️

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So glad you like it! Thanks for leaving a review!

      Reply

  2. Happy Valley Chow says

    One of my favorite treats! Just sooo perfect :)

    Happy Blogging!

    Reply

  3. Traci says

    I like the idea of chocolate chex as well. It’s funny to me that some people haven’t heard of puppy chow, or “muddy buddies” — I grew up eating this stuff!

    Reply

  4. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says

    I love making these around Christmas time! They’re always a hit!I like that you used chocolate Chex in your recipe – I’ll try that next time!

    Reply

  5. Sues says

    I’ve NEVER tried muddy buddies/puppy chow, I think because the name puppy chow freaks me out :) But this looks so delicious, I wouldn’t be able to resist. I totally agree with you on powdered sugar!

    Reply

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between puppy chow and Muddy Buddies? ›

This treat is called Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies depending on the region. There is no distinction between the two recipes, it is just one recipe that goes by two names. It is also sometimes called Muddy Munch, Reindeer Chow or Puppy Food.

What came first, puppy chow or Muddy Buddies? ›

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

What is puppy chow made of? ›

What Is Puppy Chow? “Puppy chow” (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. General Mills sells their own version of the popular treat, but it's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Why is puppy chow call puppy chow? ›

How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste.

Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›

If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.

Is puppy chow only a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

What is puppy chow called in other states? ›

Muddy Buddies

Is puppy chow a Southern thing? ›

Puppy chow is thought to have originated in the Midwest, and Chex quickly caught wind of how their product was being enjoyed. They published a recipe for “Muddy Buddies” on their boxes to capitalize on the popularity of the snack.

What states eat puppy chow? ›

It was a present as emblematic of her blonde hair, blue eyes, and flat vowels. The puppy chow belt runs through the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, fanning out into the surrounding areas. There it is at every potluck, picnic, and holiday party table. Children learn to make it early and often.

What is another name for puppy chow? ›

It has other names too, like muddy buddies, monkey munch, etc., but no matter what you call it, it's delicious. I make this dessert more than any others on my website (except for our famous chocolate chip cookies).

Can dogs have muddy buddies? ›

Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a great last-minute snack that can be completely ready in under 10 minutes! Loaded with plenty of peanut butter and chocolate, this is a super crave-able snack. Please note that this recipe is for humans only and is not dog-friendly!

What is in a puppy chow blizzard? ›

Artificially Flavored Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream (Milkfat And Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Mono And Diglycerides, Artificial Flavor, Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate), Choco Chunks (Sugar, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Natural Cocoa, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), ...

Is it called muddy buddies or puppy chow? ›

This classic chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar Chex™ Mix recipe has been a beloved part of families' kitchens for years. Transform Chex™ cereal into a delicious treat in just 15 minutes. We call it Muddy Buddies™, but you may know it as Puppy Chow.

What is puppy chow slang for? ›

Slang for Heroin

Black tar, smack, H, Negra/o, puppy chow, dog food, onyx, beat, BT, black girl and the frequently used term “sh*t” all reference Heroin.

How long can you keep Chex mix? ›

Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Other Mix-in's and Variations: Substitute your favorite mix-in's in a ratio of 1:1 for the mix ins in this recipe.

When should I switch from puppy chow? ›

Most of the time, 10 to 12 months of age is a safe time frame. If you're unsure it's better to err on the side of caution and keep your pup on puppy food a little longer than needed. But don't overdo it: all those extra calories can lead to obesity if an adult dog eats puppy food for too long.

What is another name for puppy chow dessert? ›

There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.

Is puppy chow wet food good for dogs? ›

Yes. Puppy Chow is good for puppies. Purina Puppy Chow recipes include the right nutrients at the right levels to support their rapidly growing bodies during their first 12 to 24 months. Learn more about Puppy Chow on the Purina Puppy Chow website.

What is the difference between puppy chow and dog chow? ›

Puppy food does have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorous when compared to most adult dog foods. Puppy food also has a higher fat and protein content, meaning there are more calories per bite than the adult version of the same brand.

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