I believe that experiences are shaped by experiences themselves. Especially in the medical field, weather it be human or veterinarian. I have just had so many problems misdiagnosed by vets that I've lost count. I have a memorable one. My Shepherd/Lab, Tara, about 10 years old had an off smell. Not a dirty smell, just an off smell. I couldn't figure out what it was, my regular vet wasn't concerned, and my dermatology vet said not to worry. Weeks past, and the smell got worse, plus Tara's coat was appearing very oily. Then one day she started to bite herself severely trying to relieve itching. She was literally damaging herself trying to get relief. My regular vet consulted with dermatology vet, and they both agreed that the dog had "fox mites" even though there was no evidence of them. Treatments that lasted about three weeks took place. In the meantime, the situation was getting worse. By this time, Tara had chewed off at least half of her fur and had severe infections. I was sleeping with her on the floor to comfort her. Because I was so concerned, I took her into dermatology vet and left her for a day for observation. Again, vet said that medication was working (even though I could see that it wasn't) and that we should continue with the medication prescribed. The next day the situation took a drastic turn for the worse, and I decided I couldn't take it any more, and the dog was suffering. I was so desperate that I called the Pennsylvania Veterinary School and was ready to take her there from Maryland. They told me that the best dermatology vet to be treating her was the one I had. The day I decided that things just had to end, I located another dermatology vet. I took in Tara, and the vet came up with a completely different infection for a diagnosis. In short, the treatment was taking place for the wrong problem for at least three weeks, new vet fixed things, and Tara lived for another 4 years. This experience and others prior and after, have made me extremely cautious when it comes to what is being done to my pets. I have also learned that if there are multiple vets in a practice, things can take place to increase revenue that simply should not be allowed. But again, when we who do not have formal training, we take our pets to someone who we think we can trust to fix things. I have come to rely heavily on all advice, weather it could be wrong or right when health issues come up with my dogs. When I get all of the information I can find in front of me, I weigh my decision, consult with at least 2-3 other vets, and I alone have the final say, as to what is going to happen to my pets. Just a thought. SG

I think you should use the brown rice marks for different types of brown rice initially. Then based on the result, you could fine tune the amount of water added in the future for different species. But I don't think it would go wrong just following the marks, especially if you are not very picky to the slight different texture of cooked rice. I think you should still use the brown rice setting and brown rice mark when you have mixed veg and brown rice. The mixed rice setting cooks longer than the normal setting. Since the brown rice's cooking time is already long, it should be good in term of incorporating flavour into the rice. I never tried veg/brown rice mix though and I am wondering if the texture of veg would be too soft in the end.

Generic is fine. lol Don't know the size of the pups, but I would feed about 15% All Bran by volume. Replace 15% of the kibble with the All Bran. Let's say my pup was getting one cup in the AM and PM. What I would do is fill the cup up 80-85% with kibble and then top off the cup with All Bran. Add some water to the bowl, something I do anyway.That way you can adjust as the days go on. If you calculate the total calories, it'll likely end up being about the same calories as before. You do not want your pup to lose weight nor become dehydrated. Please let us know how your efforts work out. If things don't improve in a few days I'd sure be back in contact with the Vet.

I make casseroles with three day old leftover rice. :) It does help to take it out of the fridge and give it a quick fork fluff, when you're starting to prepare the other ingredients. I prefer all my ingredients to be at least room temperature when I'm making a casserole so I don't have to guess at the time in the oven.