EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Central Garden & Pet Company's 
Registration Statement Nos. 333-09065, 333-01238, 33-96816, 33-89216 and 
33-72326 on Forms S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-05261 on Form S-4 and
Registration Statement No. 33-86284 on Form S-3 of our report dated November
15, 1996 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet
Company for the year ended September 28, 1996.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Francisco, California
December 13, 1996