For over half a century, pet food manufacturers have claimed that because carbohydrate-based, heat processed pet foods are "nutritionally complete and balanced", they are superior to anything companion pets might otherwise consume. People have become so familiar with this statement, they seldom question it. Savy pet owners today are choosing a different approach, by successfully feeding their dogs and cats what they know and trust Mother Nature has been serving up for eons. After all, she wouldn't provide a diet that wasn't healthy.