Form: 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

December 21, 2001

Documents

STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OD RATIO OF EARNINGS

Published on December 21, 2001




EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands)



September 27, September 26 September 25, September 30, September 29,
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
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Income (loss) before income taxes ...................... $ 30,368 $ 58,095 $ 43,733 $ (6,598) $(10,961)
Fixed charges(1) ....................................... 7,609 8,807 13,755 24,841 24,863
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Total earnings and fixed charges .................... 37,977 66,902 57,488 18,243 13,902

Fixed charges(1) ....................................... $ 7,609 $ 8,807 $ 13,755 $ 24,841 $ 24,863

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges ..................... 4.99 7.60 4.18 0.73 0.56
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(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.