How soon should you feed a dog after it gives birth?

According to Vet Info, dogs generally do not eat for at least 12 hours after giving birth. While it is normal for a dog to not eat for several hours after giving birth, it is important for dog owners to provide plenty of water during and after birth.

A mother's first meal after giving birth needs to contain fluids, as well as an adequate amount of calories and nutrients. Dog Breed Info recommends feeding mother dog's a mixture of chicken broth, chicken and rice for the first post-birth meal. All meals after birth need to contain plenty of calories and nutrients.