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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




The Board of Directors
Doane Pet Care Company

   
       We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the 
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the registration
statement.
    

                                        /s/ KMPG LLP
                                            

   
Houston, Texas
March 31, 1999