CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO — Earnings Release 2012

May 2, 2012

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant To Section 13 of 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 2, 2012

Central Garden & Pet Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-33268	68-0275553
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
1340 Treat Boulevard, Suite 600, Walnut Creek, California		94597
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (925) 948-4000

(Former name or former address if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4© under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4©)

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition .

On May 2, 2012, Central Garden & Pet Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 24, 2011. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits .

Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated May 2, 2012.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
By:	/s/ Lori Varlas
	Lori Varlas
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 2, 2012