EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33- 96816 on Form S-8 of Central Garden & Pet Company of our report dated May 3, 1996 (which report includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Plan's use of the modified cash basis of accounting), appearing in this Annual Report on 11-K of Central Garden & Pet Company Investment Growth Plan for the year ended December 31, 1995. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte & Touche LLP San Francisco, California June 25, 1996