Form: 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

December 23, 1999

Documents

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS TABLE

Published on December 23, 1999



EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in thousands)



Nine-Month Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Period Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
September 30, September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
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Income before income taxes $1,983 $14,465 $30,368 $58,095 $43,733
Fixed charges (1) 6,414 4,826 7,609 8,807 13,755
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total earnings and fixed charges 8,397 19,291 37,977 66,902 57,488

Fixed charges (1) $6,414 $ 4,826 $ 7,609 $ 8,807 $13,755

Ratio of earnings to fix charges 1.31 4.00 4.99 7.60 4.18
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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.