Form: 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

December 29, 2000

Documents

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS TABLE

Published on December 29, 2000



EXHIBIT 12


CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in thousands)



September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25, September 30,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

Income (loss) before income taxes............. $14,465 $30,368 $58,095 $43,733 $(6,598)
Fixed charges (1)............................. 4,826 7,609 8,807 13,755 24,841
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total earnings and fixed charges........... 19,291 37,977 66,902 57,488 18,243

Fixed charges (1)............................. $ 4,826 $ 7,609 $ 8,807 $13,755 $24,841

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............ 4.00 4.99 7.60 4.18 0.73
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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.