Can I feed myself “my own” food through the PEG tube?

Administering beverages and liquids of the patient’s choice is usually not a problem. For example, various beverages prepared at home (such as tea or coffee) can be administered through the PEG tube. However, administering pureed or liquefied food that has been prepared at home can be problematic. The PEG tube is intended for the administration of balanced nutritional solutions in which the nutritional components (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, trace elements, and vitamins) are properly balanced.

With a homemade nutritional liquid, the exact energy content can only be determined to a limited extent, and a negative energy balance cannot be reliably ruled out. Another problem is the risk of the tube becoming blocked. Home-prepared food would have to be pureed to such an extent that it has a completely liquid consistency. If the viscosity is higher (i.e., the food contains less liquid), there is a risk that the tube could become blocked by food particles that have not been pureed sufficiently. In this situation, the PEG tube could become completely blocked, requiring another surgery to clear the PEG system. Another consideration is damage to the plastic tube caused by certain food components (e.g., acidic or foaming foods).

The harmful effects of “home-prepared” food on the feeding tube can occur over extended periods of use. Overall, the use of “home-prepared” food is not recommended. Medical devices for tube feeding have been specifically developed for this form of nutrition and to prevent the complications mentioned above.