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-4 of our report dated October 27, 1995, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet Company for the year ended September 30, 1995 and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte & Touche LLP San Francisco, California June 3, 1996