Policies for initiating and advancing tube feedings vary among facilities. Generally, enteral feedings are started at full strength. Stable patients may begin an enteral feeding at the goal rate; enteral feedings in critically ill patients may begin at a rate of 10 to 40 mL/hour and increase by 10 to 20 mL/hour every 8 to 12 hours as tolerated. A suggested maximum fl ow rate for gastric feedings is 125 mL/hour; feedings at 140 to 160 mL/hour are usually well tolerated when infused into the intestines.