Our approach to food-based tube feedings

What is a blenderized formula?

A liquefied or smoothly pureed food used instead of or as a supplement with, a commercial enteral formula for tube feedings. The food can be either commercially-prepared pediatric blended meals or homemade food-based tube feeding formula.

Why consider a blenderized product or recipe?

Increased:
Oral intake
Volume tolerance
Bowel regularity

Decreased:
Gagging/retching
Vomiting
Reflux
Constipation

Who is a good candidate?

Medically stable (including labs)
Gastrostomy tube (14F and above)
Bolus feeding schedule
>6 months of age for partial
>12 months of age for full
Motivation/compliance of caregiver
Transportation/food accessibility

What are the pros and cons of a blenderized food diet?

Pros:

Increased sense of control over foods
Ability to avoid multiple food allergies
Fewer side effects (vomiting, bowel function)
Family meals

Cons:

Longer prep time
Need to plan ahead (meal adequacy, travel)
Higher risk of contamination
Bits of food may obstruct feeding tube if not blenderized to thin liquid consistency

Try a shelf-stable premade product, or make your own

What to consider for the parent:

Goals
Time available
Willingness

What to consider for the child:

Sensitivity to change
Allergies
Foods consumed

Sample recipe: Holiday dinner

2 c. whole milk, or any milk substitute
1 c. turkey or chicken (w/o skin)
1 c. mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
1 c. stuffing
1 c. cranberries
1 c. cooked vegetables (e.g. green beans)

Add and mix turkey (or chicken) and 1 c. milk in blender.
Add the remaining ingredients and the rest of the milk.
Puree until smooth.
The blend should be pourable and easy to bolus feed.