EXHIBIT 23.1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Central Garden & Pet Company on Form S-4 of our reports dated November 15, 1996,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet Company for
the year ended September 28, 1996 and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
February 21, 1997