A method for operating a device for providing a liquid additive includes feeding the liquid additive along a feeding path. The feeding path has at least one first portion in which a peristaltic pump is disposed. The pump, in particular, has a reversible feeding direction and can be damaged by deposits discharged from the liquid additive. The feeding path also has at least one second portion in which a component susceptible to freezing is disposed. At first liquid additive is fed along the feeding path of the device. Subsequently, the feeding of the liquid additive is stopped. The feeding path is then partially emptied in such a way that liquid additive remains in the at least one first portion of the feeding path while the at least one second portion is emptied. A device for providing a liquid additive is also provided.