New mother

Question
I have a 3 year old great dane who had 9 puppies(1st litter) 7 of them are still living and they are 5 days old and seem to be doing fine. The problem I'm having is with the mother, she will not eat her normal dog food. I called the vet and the secretary told me when she got hungry she would eat so I waited. I've noticed she has become weaker and today I fed her puppy chow mixed with some pedigree soft dog food which she ate some of it. She will not leave her pups, and she lets them nurse at will. At what point do I help nurse them? I'm concerned about her.  

Answer
Make her a doggie shake: its different foods like green beans, puppy chow, carrots, stuff like that all vividly mixed. If she eats it then she should do better. She can eat just a bit at a time so its ok if she doesn't finish. You could also get her some calcium treats. That'll help her and her puppies. now, nursing them is different. You can by a puppy formula from the pet stores and if shes too weak to do much, you could help feed them then. They have to suckle the bottle on their own. If you put it in their mouths for them, they could choke or drown. When their older but not weaned (their running around playing) you can give them the formula in a dish so you save mom the trouble of them piling on hungry. Hope this Helps and feel free to follow up.