EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Central Garden & Pet Company on Form S-8 of our reports dated November 4, 1997, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet Company for the year ended September 27, 1997. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP San Francisco, California December 10, 1997