Objective To investigate the impact of stage-based dynamic nutritional support combined with swallowing training on nutritional status and quality of life of patients with tongue cancer at early postoperative period. Methods A total of 110 patients undergoing free flap transplantation for tongue cancer were divided into two groups chronologically, with 55 cases in each. The control group was given standard care, while the experimental group additionally received stage-based nutritional support combined with swallowing training. The serum indicators related to nutritional status, quality of life, swallowing function, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups at different time points. Results On postoperative day 7, serum prealbumin, albumin, and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). On postoperative day 7 and at 1 month after surgery, swallowing function and quality of life scores in the experimental group were significantly better compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Stage-based dynamic nutritional support in combination with swallowing training can improve nutritional status and quality of life of patients with tongue cancer, as well as shorten hospital stay.