ENFit Feeding Tube

The ENFit Feeding Tube is an excellent feeding tube and has the following features:

• Rounded, closed-ended, 2 side eyes
• ENFit Male Connection with a tethered cap
• Marked every centimetre from 5cm to 40cm
• Sterile Medical Grade PVC with 2 Radiopaque Lines (4FG is PU)
• Latex-free
• Designed for 14 days of use
• Sizes available and approximate suitability for puppies based on weight:
  • 4FG (<150g puppies)
  • 5FG (100-250g)
  • 6FG (200-350g)
  • 8FG (300-500g)
  • 10FG (>400g)

Tube feeding is often the safest and only method of feeding a newborn puppy, especially weak and low birthweight puppies, who may lack a suckling reflex or are too weak to suckle efficiently. More often than not, the first time we tube feed is in an emergency and we may not be confident or mentally prepared for it. And it may be scary. The second time is easier, and before you know it, you are a pro. Because it saves many a puppy, tube feeding is an invaluable skill for breeders and animal carers. Most importantly is to know to never trim a feeding tube, and never feed a cold baby. Watch this video of correct tube feeding preparation and technique by Myra Savant Harris. 

How do you choose the size of the feeding tube you need for your puppy?

FG stands for French Gague, and the size is approximately the circumference of the feeding tube in millimetres. A Feeding Tube 8FG has a diameter of 2.66mm x Pi (3.14) = 8.35mm = 8FG. A smaller feeding tube is not necessarily better, as passing formula through a very fine 3.5FG feeding tube can be problematic if it is not perfectly smooth. It is a good idea to get 2-3 different sizes.

Which syringes to use?

Tube feeding syringes are typically purple in colour, indicating that they are for enteral/oral/tube feeding. Tube feeding equipment has slightly different fittings to normal luer slip syringes. This prevents misconnections in a hospital setting (IV lines, oxygen lines etc). Our feeding tubes and tube feeding syringes are human paediatric hospital grade and have ENFit connectors. Please note that they ARE NOT compatible with any non-ENFit syringe. Our compatible ENFit syringes have a silicone o-ring for superior smooth action and are designed for re-use (14 days), and are available in 5 sizes (3ml-60ml).