EXHIBIT 23.1



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 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

San Francisco, California
March 25, 1998