Many fine suggestions here but if I may, the patient knows if they are hungry or not. The treatments take away our appetite certainly but internally, we are not necessarily hungry. We need fluids as we will not last long without water. Food however is not a daily requirement. Our body stores energy and nutrients. It can’t store water for any extended time.
When we are hungry, calories and proteins are needed. Products such as Ensure are usually easily swallowed and can be chilled or warmed as the patient might find suitable. I tolerated mine chilled. Despite our best efforts, I still lost about thirty pounds. I didn’t die obviously.
Let’s not force feed our patients, no matter how we as caregivers might think we should. Have things available. Don’t be discouraged if the taste is wrong or only a small bit is consumed. The day will come when the plate is cleaned and seconds are requested.