Have you thought about using a homemade tube feeding or blenderized diet instead of a commercial formula?
When people start tube feeding, most are given orders for commercial formulas that are tailored to their specific dietary needs. However, people who rely on tube feeding can make blenderized formulas at home with the guidance of a Registered Dietitian.
Homemade tube formulas can be a great option for some tube-fed patients. Patients can customize formulas according to personal taste preference and it can be more affordable than commercial formulas.
A blenderized diet consists of pureeing real food (i.e. fruits, veggies, carbs, protein, and fats) which is then fed via a feeding tube.
6 Tips for a Homemade Tube Feeding Formula:
1. Start slowly
Commercial formulas are specifically designed to provide you with all the nutrients your body needs. A slow transition is important when making your own formulas to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs.
2. Work with a dietitian
Working with a Registered Dietitian will allow you to have leverage over taste preference while ensuring you’re receiving the proper nutritional and caloric requirements for your body.
Navigating the process of making your own tube feeding formula can feel like a big responsibility but your dietitian can answer your questions and make the process less daunting.
3. Invest in a high-quality blender
While you definitely can use a cheap blender for a blenderized formula diet, investing in a high-quality blender can save you time and will last longer than a cheaper alternative.
By using a high-quality blender, you won’t have to strain the puree, which is good since training can cause you to lose some valuable fiber. Here’s one of our favorites: Ninja Blender.
Some high-quality blender brands, such as Vitamix, offer discounts to individuals and families who can prove that they use their blender for medical reasons. If you’re interested in finding out if you’re eligible for a discount on a Vitamix High Performance blender, visit this page for more information.
4. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed
Making formula for a blenderized diet can be time-consuming and feel overwhelming at times. It’s okay not to be a superstar formula chef right off the bat, it takes time and practice to learn the ins and outs of making homemade formula.
Remember, your Registered Dietitian is there to help you every step of the way!
5. Canned fruits and veggies are more affordable
Oftentimes, recipes for blenderized formulas call for either fresh fruits and vegetables or for baby food. Fresh produce and baby food can be expensive but can easily be replaced by canned produce.
Canned produce will provide you with the same nutrients but at a less expensive price.
6. Be sure to thoroughly puree food before feeding and thoroughly flush tube after feeding
If the food is too thick and not pureed enough, it will result in a clogged tube (which no one wants to deal with!).
Be sure to flush the tube properly and thoroughly after use.
If the tube does get clogged, don’t freak out — there are many techniques that will help you unclog it. If you need some tips on unclogging a feeding tube, click here for some helpful tips.
Interested in more information or personalized tube feeding help? Contact us to schedule an appointment!
Check out our other tube feeding blog!
-Blog reviewed and updated by Rebecca Bitzer MS RD LD September 1, 2021
Klara Knezevic is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Maryland. She has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates, one of the largest nutrition private practices in the country. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor ofCooking with Food Sensitivities Survival GuideandNourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.
I have gastroparesis. I also create calcium oxalate kidney stones. I have tried plant based and milk based commercial formulas. I can not have soy products. All give me a variety of problems, such as: gas, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, distention and small bowel pain. I’m also depressed and exhausted and loosing weight.
Thanks for reaching out. We have reached out to you by email. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
My father have feeding tube and he is losing alot of wieght need home made feeding plan
We are happy to help! If you reach out to our admin team at admin@rbitzer.com they can set you up with an appointment!
my mother having gastroparesis because of advancing adenocarcinoma of uncinate process of pancreas and on jejunal tuve feeding.She is having too much diarrhoea and gas and sometimes complains of stomchpain.She is sick of diarrhoea and reduced so much weight.
Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help.
Hi, my 21 year old son is tube fed. So tired of his distention.
Thought I’d try make tube food from healthy foods might help.
Been to dr for years they have no idea.
I’m just having a hard time how to start and what foods to use
Any ideas? 😊
Hi Debra,
Thanks for reaching out. You have come to the right place, we can help you find the best commercial formula for your son or help you to create a tube feed friendly formula that would work. You can reach us at 301-474-2499 or admin@rbitzer.com.
I need a cheat sheet with calorie information on exactly what I need to buy at the store.
I’m on a high protein 2000 cals a day formula. Which since Jan 1st, my insurance is refusing to pay for.
I can only feed 8oz four times q day due to reflux. Please help me!!
Hi Erica,
We are happy to help! If you reach out to our admin team at admin@rbitzer.com they can set you up with an appointment!
I am struggling to find a formula that fits me. I need a rather lower fiber because my whole GI system runs slow. I want something that’s low in sugar and no brown rice syrup agave or corn syrup. I do have food allergens as well.
Do you have ideas?
Hello! I would suggest setting up a meeting with one of our dietitians, and they would be able to help! It is helpful to hear what you have tried already and go through a complete background before they make any suggestions
My aunt was just put on tube feedings. She’s on a continuous feeding of glucerna. Its giving her horrible diarrhea. I was looking at maybe introducing a blenderized diet to help her digestive tract. Pleas help! I’m clueless on all this
Hi Vanessa, we can definitely help! you can call our office at 301-474-2499 or fill out this contact form and someone will give you a call https://rbitzer.com/contact/