The History of Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a no-bake treat that’s especially popular in the Midwest. While it is unclear who first decided to mix Chex cereal with melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, we do know that many people remember the treat popping up in the Midwest in the 1960s. Puppy Chow was often made in home kitchens, in schools during home economics classes, or by Girl Scout troops. Puppy Chow is often thought to get its name from its resemblance to dog food, but there’s actually a deeper explanation, too. In 1926, Ralston Purina launched its first dog food, Purina Dog Chow. Then in the 1930s, the company branched out into human food by launching Shredded Ralston cereal, the precursor to Rice Chex, which made its debut in the early 1950s. The early boxes of Shredded Ralston cereal used the red and white checkerboard design that is still Purina's logo today; the design is also where Chex cereal gets its name from. While it is unclear whether these origins have any bearing on the name Puppy Chow, it’s certainly an interesting coincidence! Puppy Chow has been a staple in many home kitchens for decades, with parents and older children whipping up a batch for holiday parties, sleepovers, movie nights, potlucks, and other gatherings. In 2002, General Mills developed pre-packaged Muddy Buddies, which use the same basic recipe as Puppy Chow and come in a variety of flavors. However, home recipes predate the pre-packaged version and Puppy Chow remains a family favorite in many parts of the U.S. today, especially in the Midwest.