EXHIBIT 23
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS CONSENT
We consent to
incorporation by reference in Central Garden & Pet Companys Registration Statement Nos. 333-09085, 333-01238, 33-96816, 33-89216, 33-72326, 333-41931, 333-84737 and 333-83022 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-05261, 333-22209
and 333-46437 on Form S-4 of our report dated December 4, 2002 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet Company for the year ended September 28, 2002.
/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Francisco, California
December 12,
2002