Hi, Smitty, I'm sure you will get several answers to the feed tube question. Basically you can put any pureed or liquified food or liquid that will flow through the tube. You just don't want small chunks trying to go down. I don't know how bulky Scandishakes are-you may have to add some milk or water to them. The salt and soda gargle porportions depend on how much water you are going to use. Your mouth may be very sensitive to salt, so start off with 1\8th of a teaspoon and maybe a 1\4th tsp soda to 6 oz. water and see what happens. Good luck. Amy