EXHIBIT 23.1


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-4 of Central Garden & Pet Company of our reports dated November 4,
1997, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden & Pet
Company for the year ended September 27, 1997 and to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
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San Francisco, California
February 17, 1998