Enteral Nutrition Guide
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
RER in kcal/day = 70 x (Body Weight in kg)^0.75
Feeding Regimen:
Day 1 in Hospital:
50% RER if the duration of anorexia is < 3 days
33% RER if the duration of anorexia is roughly 3 days
25% RER if the duration of anorexia is > 3 days
If the patient is unstable, hypotensive, or hypovolemic it may be beneficial to withhold feeding for 12 to 24 hours
Day 2-4 in Hospital:
Patient should gradually be increased to 100% RER over this duration
Feeding Frequency:
Ideal to feed every 4 to 6 hours initially. Once the patient is able to handle the feedings well, decreased to every 6 to 8 hours
Feeding Duration:
Feedings should be given slowly over 10-15 minutes. Depending on the ability of the patient to tolerate the feeding or the size of the feeding tube, slower feedings may be required
Feeding Volumes:
Patients may be able to tolerate only volumes up to 5 ml/kg at each feeding while others may tolerate up to 30 or 40 ml/kg at each feeding. If the patient shows any sign of nausea, discontinue or slow the feeding down
RER in kcal/day = 70 x (Body Weight in kg)^0.75
Feeding Regimen:
Day 1 in Hospital:
50% RER if the duration of anorexia is < 3 days
33% RER if the duration of anorexia is roughly 3 days
25% RER if the duration of anorexia is > 3 days
If the patient is unstable, hypotensive, or hypovolemic it may be beneficial to withhold feeding for 12 to 24 hours
Day 2-4 in Hospital:
Patient should gradually be increased to 100% RER over this duration
Feeding Frequency:
Ideal to feed every 4 to 6 hours initially. Once the patient is able to handle the feedings well, decreased to every 6 to 8 hours
Feeding Duration:
Feedings should be given slowly over 10-15 minutes. Depending on the ability of the patient to tolerate the feeding or the size of the feeding tube, slower feedings may be required
Feeding Volumes:
Patients may be able to tolerate only volumes up to 5 ml/kg at each feeding while others may tolerate up to 30 or 40 ml/kg at each feeding. If the patient shows any sign of nausea, discontinue or slow the feeding down
Sources:
Lenox, Catherine. "Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Enteral Nutrition Plan." Today's Veterinary Practice, vol. 11, no. 4, July/August 2021, pp. 34-37.
Lenox, Catherine. "Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Enteral Nutrition Plan." Today's Veterinary Practice, vol. 11, no. 4, July/August 2021, pp. 34-37.