<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM DOANE
PRODUCTS COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   66,369
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     32,426
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               102,345
<PP&E>                                         115,442
<DEPRECIATION>                                (15,448)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 338,184
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           76,700
<BONDS>                                        165,698
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     30,545
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      41,675
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   338,184
<SALES>                                        548,314
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               548,314
<CGS>                                          480,334
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  516,330
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                35,996
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              22,621
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  9,623
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,389
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,234
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,234
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (151)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0