What foods can you give through a PEG tube?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study published on PubMed Central, blenderized tube feeding has been gaining momentum among patients, indicating a growing interest beyond standard commercial formulas. This reflects the two main options available for people with a PEG tube: nutritionally complete commercial formulas or a carefully prepared blenderized diet using real foods.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of the foods suitable for PEG tube feeding, covering commercial formulas tailored for specific needs and the safe preparation of homemade blenderized diets. It explains the benefits and considerations of each approach, along with crucial safety tips to prevent complications like tube blockages and infections.

Key Points

Commercial Formulas: Ready-to-use, nutritionally complete formulas are a primary option, offering consistent nutrient delivery and high safety standards.
Blenderized Diets: Patients can receive homemade blends of real, liquefied foods, which can be more affordable and varied but require careful preparation and nutritional planning.
Essential Nutrients: For homemade blends, focus on including well-blended protein sources (tender meats, eggs), cooked fruits and vegetables (non-stringy), and carbohydrates (oatmeal, potatoes).
Food Safety is Critical: Strict hygiene, proper storage (refrigerate and discard after 24 hours), and thorough blending/straining are vital to prevent bacterial contamination and tube blockages.
Hydration is Key: Water is administered through the PEG tube to ensure the patient stays hydrated and to flush the tube before and after every feed or medication.
Consult a Healthcare Team: Always work closely with a dietitian and other healthcare providers to tailor a nutritional plan and approve any foods or medications given through the tube.

Commercial Formulas for PEG Tubes

For many patients, commercially prepared formulas are the primary and most convenient source of nutrition delivered through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. These formulas are designed by manufacturers to be nutritionally complete and stable, reducing the risk of microbial contamination. A healthcare provider or registered dietitian will select the most suitable type of formula based on a patient's individual needs, medical condition, and nutritional requirements.

Types of commercial formulas

Standard (Polymeric) Formulas: These are suitable for adults and children with normal or near-normal digestive function. They contain intact protein, complex carbohydrates, and fats. Many standard formulas are available in different caloric densities and some have added fiber. Examples include Isosource®, Nutren®, and Replete®.
Elemental and Semi-Elemental Formulas: These contain proteins that are already broken down into smaller peptides or individual amino acids, making them easier to digest and absorb. They are often used for patients with impaired digestion or malabsorption, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, or short bowel syndrome. Examples include Peptamen® and Vivonex®.
Specialized Formulas: These are formulated for specific medical conditions, such as diabetes (Glytrol®), kidney disease (Novasource® Renal), or patients requiring extra calories and protein.
Blenderized Formulas with Real Food: These commercial options are made with real-food ingredients, like chicken, vegetables, and fruits, providing a nutritionally complete option for those who prefer real food but cannot or choose not to blend at home. Compleat® is one brand that offers this type of formula.

Blenderized Diets (Homemade Tube Feeding)

For patients and caregivers interested in using real foods, a homemade blenderized diet is a viable alternative to commercial formulas. A key benefit is the ability to incorporate a variety of whole foods, potentially offering more phytonutrients and fiber. However, this approach requires careful planning with a dietitian to ensure nutritional adequacy and strict food safety to prevent bacterial growth and tube blockages.

Foods suitable for blending

Proteins: Cooked and tender meats (chicken, fish), eggs, legumes (beans, lentils), and tofu blend well. Avoid tough meats like jerky.
Fruits and Vegetables: Many cooked or soft fruits and vegetables can be blended, such as bananas, applesauce, cooked carrots, spinach, and squash. Fibrous or stringy vegetables like celery and kale should generally be avoided or thoroughly strained. Removing pits is also essential.
Grains and Starches: Cooked oatmeal, rice, quinoa, and potatoes add carbohydrates and thickness. Nuts and grains may need to be ground separately before adding them to the blender.
Fats: Avocado, nut butters, and various oils can be added to increase caloric density.
Liquids: Milk, milk alternatives (soy, almond), water (including water leftover from cooking), broths, and juices are used to achieve the desired consistency.

Comparison of Commercial vs. Homemade Feeding


Feature	Commercial Formulas	Homemade Blenderized Diets
Convenience	Ready-to-use; high convenience.	Requires significant time for preparation, blending, and straining.
Nutritional Control	Nutritionally complete and balanced; composition is precise.	Must be planned with a dietitian to ensure adequacy; nutrient content can be variable.
Cost	Can be expensive, especially for long-term use.	Potentially more affordable over time, depending on ingredients.
Food Variety	Limited to available product types.	Allows for a wider range of flavors and whole food components.
Food Safety	Aseptically packaged, reducing microbial contamination risks.	Higher risk of contamination without strict food safety protocols during preparation and storage.
Tube Blockage Risk	Lower risk due to controlled, smooth consistency.	Higher risk; requires thorough blending and straining to prevent clogging.

Essential Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Regardless of whether commercial or homemade foods are used, specific safety protocols are critical for preventing complications like infections and blockages. Always consult a healthcare team, including a dietitian, before making any changes to a feeding regimen.

General safety practices

Hand and Surface Hygiene: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling feeding supplies or food. Ensure all preparation surfaces and equipment are clean.
Proper Storage: Refrigerate unused portions of formula or homemade blends and discard any leftovers after 24 hours. Do not hang feeds for more than 4 hours at room temperature during continuous feeding to avoid bacterial growth.
Tube Flushing: Flush the PEG tube with the recommended amount of water before and after each feeding or medication administration. This is crucial for preventing blockages.

Administering homemade blends

Liquefy Thoroughly: Use a high-powered blender to achieve a completely smooth, liquid consistency. Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any remaining large or fibrous pieces that could clog the tube.
Avoid Problematic Items: Do not put carbonated beverages, unthoroughly blended items, or anything your dietitian hasn't approved down the tube. Never attempt to dislodge a blockage with wires.

Hydration and Medication Through a PEG Tube

Adequate hydration is as important as nutrition. Water can be administered through the tube to meet fluid requirements. Additionally, many medications can be given via PEG tube, but only after proper preparation.

Medication safety

Consult a Pharmacist: Some medications cannot be crushed or administered via feeding tube, such as extended-release formulas. A pharmacist can confirm the correct formulation.
Do Not Mix: Never mix medications together or with tube feed. Administer each medication separately, flushing with water between each one.

Conclusion

A PEG tube is a vital tool for delivering nutrition, hydration, and medication to individuals who cannot eat orally, but have a functioning digestive system. Both commercially prepared formulas and carefully planned, homemade blenderized diets are viable options. Commercial formulas offer high convenience and consistent nutritional content, while homemade diets provide more variety and control over ingredients. The choice depends on individual needs and consultation with a healthcare team is essential. Adhering to strict food safety practices and proper administration techniques is paramount to prevent complications and ensure the best possible health outcomes for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many medications can be administered through a PEG tube. They must be prepared properly, often as a liquid form, and given separately, never mixed with food. The tube should be flushed with water before and after each medication.

The best choice depends on the patient's individual needs. Commercial formulas offer convenience, consistent nutrition, and lower risk of contamination, while homemade blended diets can be more cost-effective and provide more dietary variety. A dietitian can help decide the best option.

To prevent clogs, it is essential to flush the tube with water before and after every feeding and medication. For homemade blends, ensure foods are completely liquefied and strained to remove any fibrous or large particles.

Foods that are tough, stringy (like celery or kale), contain pits, or are difficult to blend thoroughly should be avoided in homemade diets. Carbonated beverages should never be put down a PEG tube.

Prepared homemade food should be stored in a refrigerator and used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth. It should not be left at room temperature for extended periods. When preparing, wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly.

Yes, plain water is often administered through a PEG tube to ensure the patient stays hydrated, in addition to its use for flushing the tube before and after feeds and medications.

Flush the PEG tube with water before and after every feeding and medication administration. If the tube is not being used for feeding or medication, it is important to flush it at least once a day to prevent blockages.