Form: 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

December 24, 1998

Documents

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Published on December 24, 1998



EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY


COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in thousands)





Fiscal Year Nine-Month Fiscal Year
Ended Period Ended Ended
December 25, September 30, September 28,
1994 1995 1996
------------ ------------- -------------


Income before income taxes $2,341 $1,983 $14,465
Fixed charges (1) 6,037 6,414 4,826
------ ------ -------
Total earnings and fixed charges 8,378 8,397 19,291

Fixed charges (1) $6,037 $6,414 $ 4,826

Ratio of earnings to fix charges 1.39 1.31 4.00
====== ====== =======




Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended
September 27, September 26,
1997 1998
------------- -------------

Income before income taxes $30,368 $58,095
Fixed charges (1) 7,609 8,807
------- -------
37,977 66,902

Fixed charges (1) $ 7,609 $ 8,807

Ratio of earnings to fix charges 4.99 7.60
======= =======


(1) Fixed charges consist of interest expense incurred and the portion of
rental expense under operating leases deemed by the Company to be
representative of the interest factor.