EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated September 22, 1995, with respect to the financial
statements of Kenlin Pet Supply, Inc. included in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3 dated July 1, 1996) and related Prospectus of Central Garden & Pet
Supply Company for the registration of 3,162,500 shares of its common stock.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
June 27, 1996