EXHIBIT 23

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to incorporation by reference in Central Garden & Pet Company's
Registration Statement Nos. 333-09065, 333-01238, 33-96816, 33-89216, 33-72326,
333-22209 and 333-41931 on Form S-8, Registration Statement Nos. 333-05261, 333-
26387 and 333-46437 on Form S-4 and Registration Statement Nos. 33-86284, 333-
21603 and 333-48617 on Form S-3 of our reports dated December 18, 1998 appearing
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet Company for the year
ended September 26, 1998.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


San Francisco, California
December 23, 1998