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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
   
April 6, 1999