Keto Puppy Chow

If you love puppy chow but follow the keto diet, rejoice!

We don’t snack much in this house, but there are two occasions where snacks are an absolute necessity – the Superbowl and my kids’ parties.

One snack that works well for both is Low Carb Puppy Chow – popular with kids and adults alike. I also happen to love that it comes together so quickly and takes very little effort.

What Is Puppy Chow?

What is puppy chow? It’s a popular snack in the U.S. It has many names, such as monkey munch, keto muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or monster munch.

It got the name ‘Puppy Chow’ because the end result closely resembles dog food (but please don’t feed it to your dog!)

To make Puppy Chow, you would take Chex or Crispix cereal, coat it in a mixture of peanut butter, chocolate, and butter, and then dust it with powdered sugar. It might not sound like much, but it is surprisingly popular.

The exact origins of puppy chow are somewhat unclear, but it’s generally believed to have originated in the Midwest region of the United States in the 1950s or 1960s.

It’s thought to have been inspired by a similar snack mix called Muddy Buddies, which was sold by a company called General Mills in the 1960s.

The name “puppy chow” is said to have originated because the snack mix resembles dog food.

However, it’s important to note that puppy chow is not intended for dogs and should not be fed to them, as it contains ingredients that can be harmful to their health.

The traditional recipe for puppy chow typically calls for Rice Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.

The cereal is coated in a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then shaken in a bag with powdered sugar to create a sweet, crunchy coating.

While the traditional recipe is certainly delicious, it’s not very keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content of the cereal and powdered sugar.

However, with a few simple substitutions, you can easily make a keto version of puppy chow that’s just as tasty.

Is Puppy Chow Keto Friendly?

Puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is a classic snack mix that’s loved by many.

Unfortunately, the traditional recipe is not very keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content of the cereal and powdered sugar.

However, with a few simple substitutions, you can easily make a keto version of puppy chow that’s just as delicious.

The first step to making keto puppy chow is to find a low-carb alternative to the cereal. One great option is to use pork rinds or nuts and seeds, which are high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates.

You can use almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds to create a satisfying crunch.

Next, you’ll need to make a chocolate coating that’s keto-friendly.

You can use sugar-free chocolate chips or dark chocolate that contains at least 85% cocoa.

You’ll also need a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia to replace the powdered sugar.

Can I really use pork rinds to make keto puppy chow?

Pork rinds are a popular snack food that’s enjoyed by many people. They’re crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor.

But did you know that they can also be a great substitute for Chex cereal in puppy chow? That’s right if you’re looking for a keto-friendly version of this classic snack mix, pork rinds might just be the answer.

First, let’s talk about why Chex cereal isn’t the best choice for a keto diet.

Chex cereal is made from grains, which are high in carbohydrates.

One cup of Rice Chex contains 23 grams of carbs, which is more than many people can consume in a day while following a keto diet.

That’s why it’s important to find a low-carb alternative that’s just as delicious.

Pork rinds are a great option because they’re high in protein, low in carbs, and full of flavor.

One ounce of pork rinds contains zero carbs and 17 grams of protein, which makes them a perfect snack for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.

What can I use for the Chocolate to make keto muddy buddies aka puppy chow?

If you’re looking to make keto puppy chow but don’t have cocoa powder, there are a few substitutes that you can use to achieve a similar chocolatey flavor.

Here are a few options:

• Cacao Powder – This is a great substitute for cocoa powder as it has a similar taste and is also low in carbs. Cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans and is less processed than cocoa powder, making it a healthier option.

• Carob Powder – Carob powder is made from the pods of the carob tree and has a slightly sweeter flavor than cocoa powder. It’s also lower in fat and calories and contains no caffeine.

• Chocolate Protein Powder – If you have chocolate protein powder on hand, you can use it to add a chocolate flavor to your keto puppy chow. Just be sure to check the label for added sugars or other ingredients that may not be keto-friendly.

• Sugar-free Chocolate Syrup – Another option is to use sugar-free chocolate syrup to add a chocolate flavor to your keto puppy chow. Just be sure to use a brand that’s sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.

Remember, when substituting ingredients in a recipe, it’s important to adjust the amount to achieve the desired taste and consistency. You may need to experiment with the amount of the substitute ingredient to get the right flavor and texture for your keto puppy chow.

Keto Version Of Puppy Chow

I was looking to make a fun snack for a game day party a while back and decided to try my hand at a keto version of traditional Puppy Chow or low-carb muddy buddies. It turned out to be quite simple to make Low Carb Puppy Chow! I used plain pork rinds instead of cereal, cocoa powder instead of chocolate, and Lakanato Monk Fruit Sweetener instead of powdered sugar. 

Just as addictive but much healthier! I would still recommend being careful how much of this you end up eating. It is so easy to keep grabbing handfuls without being aware of just how much you’re eating.

This is a fun recipe to make with the kids, as it is very simple. And they love the idea of making their own fun snacks.

what are the macros in this keto puppy chow recipe?

The macros in this keto puppy chow recipe will depend on the specific brand and type of ingredients used, as well as the serving size.

However, here is an estimated breakdown of the macros per serving (assuming 8 servings in total):

• 4 oz pork rinds: 0g net carbs, 64g fat, 64g protein
• 1/4 cup coconut oil: 0g net carbs, 28g fat, 0g protein
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter): 8g net carbs, 48g fat, 24g protein
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder: 12g net carbs, 5g fat, 12g protein
• 1/2 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener: 0g net carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein

Total per serving: 20g net carbs, 145g fat, 100g protein

It’s worth noting that these macros are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that while this keto puppy chow recipe may fit within the daily carb and fat goals for a keto diet, it’s still a high-calorie snack and should be consumed in moderation.

How can I store keto puppy chow?

Keto puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is a delicious snack mix that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.

It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack anytime. But how do you store keto puppy chow to keep it fresh and delicious?

The good news is that storing keto puppy chow is fairly simple.

The most important thing is to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from getting stale or absorbing any moisture.

You can use a plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid, a resealable plastic bag, or even a mason jar with a lid.

It’s also a good idea to store keto puppy chow in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer.

The cooler temperature will help to prevent the chocolate from melting and the nuts and seeds from going rancid.

If you want to keep your keto puppy chow fresh for an extended period of time, you can also freeze it.

Simply store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and place it in the freezer. Frozen keto puppy chow can last for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen keto puppy chow, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

You can also heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm and gooey.

It’s worth noting that freezing keto puppy chow may cause the texture to change slightly.

The nuts and seeds may become a bit softer, and the chocolate coating may lose some of its crispiness.

However, it will still be delicious and satisfying, and a great snack to have on hand whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

More Keto Recipes to try:

1. Keto Fried Pickle Chaffle
2. Clean Keto Butternut Squash Soup
3. The Best Fudgy Keto Brownies
4. Keto Butternut Squash with Herb Oil and Goat Cheese
5. The Best Easy Clean Keto Lunch Recipes