Feeding tubes, explained like a human being

Best educational resources for feeding tube patients and caregivers

An honest, curated list of the best free resources for learning about tube feeding — trusted nonprofits, clinical bodies, peer communities, and tools — for patients and the families who care for them.

Blended diet vs formula, in plain English

A balanced, plain-language look at blended (real-food) tube feeding vs commercial formula — the pros, cons, safety, and why a dietitian should plan a blended diet.

Checking residuals and venting your feeding tube

What checking residuals means, how to vent a feeding tube to ease gas and bloating, and why you should follow your care team's threshold — not a fixed number.

Constipation and tube feeding: what helps

Why constipation is common with a feeding tube and what helps — hydration, water flushes, gentle movement, and when to call your care team. For patients and caregivers.

Low-profile feeding tube buttons (MIC-KEY and others), explained

A plain-language guide to low-profile feeding tube buttons like the MIC-KEY — what they are, how extension sets work, sizing, and routine changes.

Feeding tube clogged? How to fix it and prevent it

A calm, step-by-step guide to unclogging a feeding tube with warm water — plus what not to do, and the simple habits that stop clogs from happening in the first place.

Your feeding tube fell out or moved: what to do now

A calm, step-by-step guide for when a feeding tube falls out or gets dislodged — why it's time-sensitive, what to do first, when to go to the ER, and how to prevent it happening again. For patients and caregivers.

Feeding tube formula, explained

A plain-language guide to feeding tube formula — what it is, the main types (standard, high-calorie, peptide, fiber, specialized), and the basics of storage and hydration.

Feeding tube leaking? Why it happens and what to do

Why a feeding tube leaks around the site and what to do — simple skin protection, safe checks, and the signs that mean it's time to call your care team.

Feeding tube side effects and complications

The common, manageable side effects of tube feeding vs. the complications that need prompt help — plus clear warning signs and when to call 911. For patients and caregivers.

Caring for your feeding tube site (stoma), made simple

How to keep the skin around your feeding tube clean, dry, and healthy — what's normal, what granulation tissue is, and the signs that mean it's time to call your care team.

Feeding tube site problems: infection and granulation tissue

How to tell feeding tube granulation tissue from an infection — the signs of each, how to prevent them by keeping the site clean and dry, and when to call your team.

Feeding tube supplies: what you actually need

A friendly, plain-language feeding tube supplies checklist — syringes, extension sets, pump or gravity bags, flushing water, site care, and go-bag spares.

G tube vs J tube vs GJ tube: what's the difference?

A plain-language comparison of G, J, and GJ feeding tubes — where each one delivers food, how they're fed, and why your care team might choose one over another.

Getting a PEG or G tube: what to expect

What to expect before, during, and after PEG or G tube placement — how the decision is made, the short procedure, recovery, and when to call your care team.

Getting an NG tube: what to expect

What to expect getting an NG tube — no surgery, how it's passed through the nose, why placement is confirmed before use, and what it feels like.

How long can you live with a feeding tube?

An honest, compassionate look at life expectancy and quality of life with a feeding tube — why the tube itself isn't the timeline, and how to think through the harder decisions with your care team. For patients and families.

How to flush a feeding tube, step by step

A simple, plain-language guide to flushing a feeding tube with water — when to do it, how much, and how to handle resistance — so your tube stays clear and working.

Living with a feeding tube: eating, drinking, talking, and daily life

The everyday questions answered plainly — can you still eat, drink, and talk with a feeding tube? What does daily life, clothing, sleep, and going out actually look like? For patients and caregivers.

Giving medications through a feeding tube, safely

How to give medications through a feeding tube safely — liquid forms first, which pills you must never crush, and the flush-med-flush routine that prevents clogs.

PEG tube vs G tube: what's the actual difference?

A clear, plain-language comparison of PEG tubes and G tubes — what's the same, what's different, and why the two words are often used to mean the same thing. For patients and caregivers.

Showering, swimming, and traveling with a feeding tube

Practical, reassuring answers on showering, bathing, swimming, and traveling with a feeding tube — what's usually fine, what to ask your team, and how to pack.

Types of feeding tubes explained: NG, G/PEG, GJ, and J

A plain-language comparison of the main feeding tube types — nasogastric (NG), gastrostomy (G/PEG), gastrojejunostomy (GJ), and jejunostomy (J) — and what each one means for daily life.

What is a Dobhoff tube?

What is a G tube? (gastrostomy tube, explained)

A plain-language explanation of G tubes — what gastrostomy means, what the tube does, the difference between long tubes and low-profile buttons, and how daily care works. For patients and caregivers.

What is a GJ tube? (gastrojejunostomy, explained)

A plain-language explanation of GJ tubes — a two-port tube reaching both the stomach and small intestine, why it's used, and how it differs from a G tube.

What is a J tube? (jejunostomy, explained)

A plain-language explanation of J tubes — a feeding tube that delivers nutrition past the stomach into the small intestine, why it's used, and how care differs.

What is a PEG tube? A plain-language explanation

A calm, jargon-free explanation of PEG tubes — what PEG stands for, what the tube does, how it's placed, and how a PEG tube differs from a regular G tube. Written for patients and caregivers.

What is an NG tube? (nasogastric tube, explained)

A plain-language explanation of NG (nasogastric) tubes — what they are, what they're used for, how placement is checked, and what daily life with one is like. For patients and caregivers.