SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
                   -------------------------------------------
                                    FORM 10-K

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

    FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999  COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-4582

                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
      INCORPORATED IN MISSOURI - IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO. 43-0470580
                 CHECKERBOARD SQUARE, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63164
        REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:  314-982-1000
                  --------------------------------------------
           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                         <C>
Title of each class. . . . . . . . . . . .  Name of each exchange on which registered
------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.10 PER SHARE . .  CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE
                                            PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGE INCORPORATED
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS . . . . . . .  CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE
                                            PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGE INCORPORATED
5 3/4% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
9 1/4% DEBENTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
9.30% DEBENTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
8 5/8% DEBENTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
8 1/8% DEBENTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
7 7/8 % DEBENTURES . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
7 3/4% DEBENTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
7% EXCHANGEABLE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . .  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
</TABLE>

Registrant  has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and has been
subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90  days.

Yes:  X     No:

Disclosure  of  delinquent  filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not
contained  herein  and  will  not  be  contained,  to  the  best of registrant's
knowledge,  in  the definitive proxy statement incorporated by reference in Part
III  of  this  Form  10-K  or  any  amendment  to  this  Form  10-K.

Yes:  X     No:
      AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY NONAFFILIATES OF THE
                                   REGISTRANT
        AS OF THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 1, 1999: $9,308,865,661.

(Excluded  from  this figure is the voting stock held by Registrant's Directors,
who  are  the  only  persons known to Registrant who may be considered to be its
"affiliates"  as  defined  under  Rule  12b-2.)

Number  of shares of Ralston Purina Company Common Stock ("RAL Stock"), $.10 par
value,  outstanding  as of close of business on December 13, 1999:  305,041,799.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.     Portions  of  Ralston  Purina  Company 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders
(Parts  I  and  II  of  Form  10-K).

2.     Portions  of  Ralston  Purina  Company Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement  dated  December  10,  1999  (Part  III  of  Form  10-K).

                                     PART  I

ITEM  1.  BUSINESS.

     The  Company,  incorporated  in  Missouri  in  1894, is the world's largest
producer  of  dry  dog and dry and soft-moist cat foods.  It is also the world's
largest  manufacturer of dry cell battery products.  The Company is also a major
producer  of  other  pet  products, including cat box filler.  The Company has a
number  of trademarks, such as PURINA, RALSTON, the CHECKERBOARD logo, CHOW, DOG
CHOW, CAT CHOW, GOLDEN CAT, TIDY CAT, EVEREADY and ENERGIZER among others, which
it  considers  of  substantial  importance  and which it uses individually or in
conjunction  with  other  Company  trademarks.

     The  Company  is  presently  comprised  of  four  Business Segments - North
American  Pet  Foods,  International  Pet  Foods,  Golden  Products  and Battery
Products.

     The  North  American  Pet  Foods  (which  includes Canadian operations) and
International  Pet  Foods  Segments  produce  and  market dry dog foods, dry and
soft-moist  cat  foods and pet treats under the PURINA name, including DOG CHOW,
CAT  CHOW  and  numerous  other  dog  and  cat food brands.  The Golden Products
Segment  manufactures and markets cat box filler, and also markets related items
such  as  cat  box  liners and deodorizers, under the GOLDEN CAT name, including
TIDY  CAT  and  other  brands.  Operations  of  the  Golden Products Segment are
conducted  primarily  in  the  United  States.

     The  Battery  Products  Segment consists of the Company's worldwide battery
products business.  The battery products business manufactures and sells primary
batteries  and  battery-powered  lighting  products  in  the  United  States and
worldwide,  principally  under  the  trademarks  EVEREADY  and  ENERGIZER.  The
Company's  domestic  and  foreign  battery  operations  have  been  organized as
Eveready  Battery Company, Inc. and Energizer International, Inc., respectively,
both  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  of  the  Company.

     On  June  10,  1999,  the  Company  announced its intention to separate its
battery  products  business  in  a  tax-free  spinoff  to  shareholders.  It  is
contemplated  that  a  newly  formed  subsidiary, Energizer Holdings, Inc., will
acquire  direct  or  indirect ownership of the capital stock of Eveready Battery
Company, Inc., Energizer International, Inc. and other battery subsidiaries, and
then  immediately afterwards, the capital stock of Energizer Holdings, Inc. will
be  distributed  to  the  Company's  shareholders.  Completion of the spinoff is
anticipated  to  occur in the spring of 2000, and is contingent upon a favorable
tax  ruling  from  the Internal Revenue Service, effectiveness of a registration
statement  relating to the spinoff, and final approval by the Company's Board of
Directors.

     On  April  1,  1998,  the  Company  distributed  to  its shareholders, in a
tax-free  spin-off,  all  of  the  outstanding  capital  stock  of  Agribrands
International,  Inc.,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  engaged in the international
agricultural  products  business.

On December 3, 1997, the Company, in a series of mergers and exchanges, sold its
soy protein technologies business,  the world's leading producer and marketer of
high-quality  dietary  isolated  soy  protein  and  fiber food ingredients and a
leading  marketer  of  polymer products, to E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

     On  December 5, 1997, the Company acquired Edward Baker Petfoods, a British
pet food manufacturer and a major supplier of branded and private label pet food
products  to  the  European  market.

     On  April  7,  1995,  the  Company  acquired  the  assets  of  Golden  Cat
Corporation,  a  manufacturer  of  cat  box  filler  and  related  products.

     On  July 22, 1995, the Company sold all of the outstanding capital stock of
Continental  Baking Company, its subsidiary engaged in the fresh bakery products
business,  to  Interstate  Bakeries  Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary
Interstate  Brands  Corporation.

The  principal  raw  materials  used in the North American and International Pet
Food  Segments  are  grain  and  grain  products,  protein  ingredients and meat
by-products,  and in the Golden Products Segment, clay.  In the Battery Products
Segment,  the  principal  raw materials used are electrolytic manganese dioxide,
zinc,  acetylene black, graphite, steel cans, nylon, brass wire, separator paper
and  potassium  hydroxide.  The Company purchases such raw materials from local,
regional,  national and international suppliers.  The cost of raw materials used
in  these  products  may  fluctuate  due  to  weather  conditions,  government
regulations,  economic  climate, or other unforeseen circumstances.  The Company
manages  exposure  to changes in the commodities markets as considered necessary
by  hedging certain of its ingredient requirements such as soybean meal, corn or
wheat.

Products  of  the  North  American  and  International Pet Food Segments and the
Golden  Products Segment are marketed primarily through a direct sales forces to
groceries,  mass  merchandisers,  specialty  retailers,  wholesalers  and  other
customers.  Battery  products  are  marketed  in  the  United  States  and
internationally  primarily  through  direct  sales  forces,  and  also  through
distributors,  to  mass  merchandisers,  wholesalers  and  other  customers.

Competition is intense in all of the Company's Business Segments.  The principal
competitors  in  all  Segments  are  regional,  national  and  international
manufacturers  whose  products compete with those of the Company for shelf space
and  consumer acceptance.  The business of the Battery Products Segment tends to
be somewhat seasonal, with strong fall and winter sales reflecting the effect of
holiday  buying  of  batteries.

     During  fiscal  years 1997, 1998 and 1999, revenue from the Company's sales
of its products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliated companies was 11.9%,
14.3%  and  16.6%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated revenues.  Except
for  this  relationship,  the  Company  was  not dependent upon any other single
customer  or a few customers,  the loss of any one or more of which would have a
material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company.

     The  operations  of  the  Company, like those of other companies engaged in
similar  businesses,  are  subject  to various federal, state, foreign and local
laws  and regulations intended to protect the public health and the environment.
These  regulations  primarily  relate  to  worker safety, air and water quality,
underground fuel storage tanks and waste handling and disposal.  The Company has
received  notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state agencies,
and/or  private  parties  seeking contribution, that it has been identified as a
"potentially  responsible  party"  (PRP)  under  the Comprehensive Environmental
Response,  Compensation  and  Liability Act, and may be required to share in the
cost  of  cleanup  with respect to 12 federal "Superfund" sites.  It may also be
required  to  share  in  the  cost of cleanup with respect to a state-designated
site.  Of these 13 sites, the Company has reached negotiated agreement as to its
liability  with  respect  to  4  of  the  sites.  Negotiations  with  the  U.S.
Environmental  Protection  Agency,  the  state  agency  that  is involved on the
state-designated site, and other PRP's are at various stages with respect to the
remaining  sites.  Negotiations  involve  determinations  of
-     the  actual responsibility of the Company and the other PRP's at the site,
-     appropriate  investigatory  and/or  remedial  actions,  and
-     allocation  of the costs of such activities among the PRP's and other site
users.

The  Company's  ultimate  liability in connection with those sites may depend on
many  factors,  including
-     the  volume  of  material  contributed  to  the  site,
-     the  number  of  other  PRP's  and  their  financial  viability,  and
-     the  remediation  methods  and  technology  to  be  used.

There  has  been  a  shift  within  primary  battery  products  from carbon zinc
batteries  to  alkaline batteries.  As such, the Company has recorded provisions
related  to restructuring its world-wide battery production capacity and certain
administrative  functions  in  each of the last three years.  Alkaline batteries
are  now  the  dominant primary battery in all world areas with the exception of
Asia  and  Africa.  The  Company  continues  to  review  its  battery production
capacity  and  its  business  structure  in  light  of  pervasive global trends,
including  the  evolution  of  technology.

As  of  September  30, 1999 the Company, as a whole, employed 8,521 employees in
the  United States and 10,683 in foreign jurisdictions.  The descriptions of the
businesses of, and the summary of selected financial data regarding, the Company
appearing under "Ralston Purina Company-Financial Review-Highlights" on page 12,
"Ralston  Purina  Company-Financial  Review-Liquidity  and Capital Resources" on
pages  13 through 15, "Ralston Purina Company-Financial Review-Operating Segment
Information"  on  pages  18  through  20,  "Ralston  Purina  Company-Segment
Information"  on  pages  21  through  22,  and  "Ralston  Purina
Company-Notes  to  Financial  Statements-Summary of Accounting Policies-Research
and  Development"  on  page  30  of  the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report to
Shareholders  1999,  are  hereby  incorporated  by  reference.

ITEM  2.  PROPERTIES.

     A  list  of the Company's principal plants and facilities as of the date of
filing  follows.  The  Company  believes that such plants and facilities, in the
aggregate,  are  adequate,  suitable  and of sufficient capacity for purposes of
conducting  its  current  business.
<PAGE>
NORTH  AMERICAN  PET  FOOD  PLANTS
United  States
Atlanta,  GA
Clinton,  IA  (1R)
Davenport,  IA
Denver,  CO
Dunkirk,  NY
Flagstaff,  AZ
Innisfail,  Alberta,  Canada
Mechanicsburg,  PA
Mississauga,  Ontario,  Canada
Oklahoma  City,  OK
Zanesville,  OH

Dairy  Food  Systems  Plant
Hager  City,  WI


INTERNATIONAL  PET  FOOD  PLANTS
Chilton,  United  Kingdom
Cornard  Mills,  United  Kingdom
Cuautitlan,  Mexico
Encrucijada,  Venezuela  (5)
Monjos,  Spain
Montfort-Sur-Risle,  France
Portogruaro,  Italy
Ribeirao  Preto,  Brazil
Santo  Tome,  Argentina
Veghel,  The  Netherlands


GOLDEN  PRODUCTS  PLANTS
United  States
Bloomfield,  MO
King  William,  VA
Maricopa,  CA

Packaging  Facilities
Caledonia,  Ontario,  Canada  (6)



BATTERY  PRODUCTS  PLANTS
United  States
Asheboro,  NC  (2)
Bennington,  VT
Garretsville,  OH
Marietta,  OH
Maryville,  MO
St.  Albans,  VT

International
Alexandria,  Egypt
Bogang,  Peoples  Republic
  of  China  (1)
Caudebec  Les  Elbeuf,  France  (1)(6)
Mandaue  Cebu,  Philippines
Ekala,  Sri  Lanka
Cimanggis,  Indonesia
Johor,  Malaysia
Jurong,  Singapore  (2)(8)
La  Chaux-de-Fonds,  Switzerland
Nakuru,  Kenya  (4)
Slany,  Czech  Republic  (1)
Tanfield  Lea,  United  Kingdom  (7)
Tecamac,  Mexico
Tianjin,  People's  Republic
  of  China
Walkerton,  Ontario,  Canada  (6)


OTHER  PROPERTIES

RESEARCH  FACILITIES
United  States
Gray  Summit,  MO  (3A)
St.  Louis,  MO  (3A)
Westlake,  OH  (3B)

MACHINE  SHOP  AND  FOUNDRY
St.  Louis,  MO

ADMINISTRATIVE  AND  EXECUTIVE  OFFICES
St.  Louis,  MO

<PAGE>


In addition to the properties identified above, the Company and its subsidiaries
own  and/or  operate  sales  offices,  regional  offices,  storage  facilities,
distribution  centers  and  terminals  and  related  properties.

(1)     Leased;  (1R)  Leased  pursuant  to  industrial  revenue  bond financing

(2)     Two  plants

(3)     Provides  service  for North American Pet Foods, International Pet Foods
and  Golden  Products  (3A);  Battery  Products  (3B)

(4)     Less  than  20%  owned  interest

(5)     Also  produces  feed  under  a  toll milling arrangement with Agribrands

(6)     Bulk  packaging  and  distribution

(7)     To  be  divested

(8)     One plant will be closed and the site returned to the Singapore govt. in
early  2000.


ITEM  3.  LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.

     The  Company  is a party to a number of legal proceedings in various state,
federal  and foreign jurisdictions.  These proceedings are in varying stages and
many  may  proceed  for  protracted  periods  of time.  Some proceedings involve
highly  complex  questions  of  fact  and  law.

The  operations of the Company, like those of other companies engaged in similar
businesses,  are  subject  to various federal, state, foreign and local laws and
regulations  intended  to  protect the public health and the environment.  These
regulations  primarily  relate  to  worker  safety,  air  and  water  quality,
underground fuel storage tanks and waste handling and disposal.  The Company has
received  notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state agencies,
and/or  private  parties  seeking contribution, that it has been identified as a
"potentially  responsible  party"  (PRP)  under  the Comprehensive Environmental
Response,  Compensation  and  Liability Act, and may be required to share in the
cost  of  cleanup  with respect to 12 federal "Superfund" sites.  It may also be
required  to  share  in  the  cost of cleanup with respect to a state-designated
site.  Of these 13 sites, the Company has reached negotiated agreement as to its
liability  with  respect  to  4  of  the  sites.  Negotiations  with  the  U.S.
Environmental  Protection  Agency,  the  state  agency  that  is involved on the
state-designated site, and other PRP's are at various stages with respect to the
remaining  sites.  Negotiations  involve  determinations  of
-     the  actual responsibility of the Company and the other PRP's at the site,
-     appropriate  investigatory  and/or  remedial  actions,  and
-     allocation  of the costs of such activities among the PRP's and other site
users.

The  Company's  ultimate  liability in connection with those sites may depend on
many  factors,  including
-     the  volume  of  material  contributed  to  the  site,
-     the  number  of  other  PRP's  and  their  financial  viability,  and
-     the  remediation  methods  and  technology  to  be  used.

     It  is  difficult to quantify with certainty the potential financial impact
of  actions  regarding  expenditures  for  environmental  matters,  particularly
remediation,  and  future  capital  expenditures  for  environmental  control
equipment.  Nevertheless,  based  upon  the information currently available, the
Company  believes  that  its  ultimate liability arising from such environmental
matters,  together  with  the liability for all other pending legal proceedings,
asserted  legal  claims  and known potential legal claims which are likely to be
asserted, taking into account established accruals of $9.6 million for estimated
liabilities,  should  not be material to its financial position.  Such liability
could,  however,  be  material  to  results  of  operations  or cash flows for a
particular  quarter  or  annual  period.  Costs  of  future  expenditures  for
environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value.

ITEM  4.  SUBMISSION  OF  MATTERS  TO  A  VOTE  OF  SECURITY  HOLDERS.

     Not  applicable.

ITEM  4.A.   EXECUTIVE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  REGISTRANT.

A  list  of  the executive officers of the Company and their business experience
follows:

W.  Patrick McGinnis, 52, Chief Executive Officer and President since June, 1999
--------------------
and  Corporate  Officer since 1984.  Co-Chief Executive Officer and co-President
from  October,  1997  to  June, 1999; President and Chief Executive Officer, Pet
Products  Group  since  1992;  President  and  Chief  Operating Officer, Grocery
Products  Group  1989-92;  Vice  President  and  President,  Branded Foods Group
1987-89;  Vice President and Executive Vice President, Grocery Products Division
1984-87;  Division Vice President, Marketing, Grocery Products Division 1983-84;
Executive Vice President and Director, Grocery Products Division, Ralston Purina
Canada,  Inc.  1980-83.  Company  service,  27  years.

J.  Patrick  Mulcahy,  55,  Chairman  of  the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
--------------------
Eveready  Battery  Company,  Inc.,  since 1987 and Corporate Officer since 1984.
co-Chief  Executive  Officer  and  co-President  of  Ralston Purina Company from
October,  1997  to  June, 1999; Vice President and Director, Corporate Strategic
Planning  and  Administration,  Ralston  Purina  Company, 1984-86; Division Vice
President,  Strategic  Planning  1981-84;  Division  Vice President, Director of
Marketing,  Grocery  Products  Group  1980-81.  Company  service,  32  years.

James R. Elsesser, 55, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1985 and
-----------------
Treasurer  since  1999,  and  Corporate  Officer  since  1985;  Vice  President,
March-September, 1985; Treasurer, February-September, 1985.  Company service, 14
years.

Nancy  E. Hamilton, 49, Secretary and Division Vice President since 1996; Senior
------------------
Counsel  and  Assistant  Secretary,  1994  -  1996.  Company  service, 14 years.

Patrick C. Mannix, 54, Vice President; President, Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
-----------------
since  1998  and  Corporate  Officer  since  1992.  President,  Eveready Battery
Company,  Inc.  -  Specialty  Businesses  1995  -  98; Executive Vice President,
Eveready  Battery  Company, International 1991 - 95; Area Chairman, Asia Pacific
operations,  Eveready  Battery, 1985 - 91.  Company service, 36 years, including
24  years  with  Eveready  Battery  Division  of  Union  Carbide  Corporation.

James  M.  Neville,  60, Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
------------------
since  1996;  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  1989 - 96, and
Corporate  Officer  since  1983;  Vice  President  and  General Counsel 1984-89.
Company  service,  16  years.

Anita M. Wray, 45, Vice President and Controller since April 1994; Division Vice
-------------
President  and  Director  of  Financial Accounting Services, 1985 - 94.  Company
service,  20  years.

(Ages  and  years  of  service  as  of  September  30,  1999.)

                                     PART II

ITEM  5.  MARKET  FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

     The  Company's  common  stock ("RAL Stock") is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange,  Chicago  Stock  Exchange,  Pacific  Stock  Exchange  and has unlisted
trading  privileges  on the Philadelphia, Boston and Cincinnati Stock Exchanges.
As  of  September  30, 1999, there were 24,129 shareholders of record of the RAL
Stock.

The following tables set forth dividends paid and range of market prices for the
RAL  Stock  (for  the  year  ended  September  30):

                                 DIVIDENDS PAID

                                        1999     1998
                                        ----     ----
                 First Quarter          $.10    $.10*
                 Second Quarter          .10     .10*
                 Third Quarter           .10     .10*
                 Fourth                  .10     .10

*Restated  due  to  3-for-1  Stock  Split

                               MARKET PRICE RANGE
               (Restated as necessary due to 3-for-1 Stock Split)

                           1999                        1998
                           ----                        ----
                          RAL Stock                  RAL Stock
                          ---------                  ---------

      First Quarter     $37 3/16 - 28 1/4     $32 19/64 - 27 51/64
      Second Quarter     32 1/2  - 25 13/16    35 5/8 - 28 1/2
      Third Quarter          33  -  25 5/8     39 5/64 - 33 9/16
      Fourth Quarter     30 7/8  -  27 1/4     38 7/8 - 26

There  have  been  no  unregistered  offerings of registrant's equity securities
during  the  period  covered  by  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.


ITEM  6.  SELECTED  FINANCIAL  DATA.

     The  summary  of  selected  financial data regarding Ralston Purina Company
appearing on pages 10 through 11, of the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report to
Shareholders  1999,  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference.


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF       OPERATIONS.

     Information  appearing  under  "Ralston Purina Company-Financial Review" on
pages  12  through  20  and  the  information  appearing  under  "Ralston Purina
Company-Segment  Information"  on  pages  21  through  22  of the Ralston Purina
Company Annual Report to Shareholders 1999, is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM  7A.  QUANTITATIVE  AND  QUALITATIVE  DISCLOSURE  ABOUT  MARKET  RISK.

     Information appearing under "Ralston Purina Company-Financial Review-Market
Risk  Sensitive Instruments and Positions" on pages 16 through 17 of the Ralston
Purina  Company  Annual  Report  to  Shareholders 1999 is hereby incorporated by
reference.

ITEM  8.   FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  AND  SUPPLEMENTARY  DATA.

     The  consolidated  financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
appearing  on  pages  24  through  46,  together  with  the  report  thereon  of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on page 23, and the supplementary data under "Ralston
Purina  Company - Quarterly Financial Information" on pages 47 through 48 of the
Ralston  Purina  Company  Annual  Report  to  Shareholders  1999,  are  hereby
incorporated  by  reference.

ITEM  9.  CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING AND
     FINANCIAL  DISCLOSURE.

     Not  applicable.

                                    PART III

ITEM  10.  DIRECTORS  OF  THE  REGISTRANT.

     The  information  regarding directors on pages 3 through 7, and information
appearing  under  "Compliance  With  Section  16(a) Reporting" on page 3, of the
Ralston  Purina  Company  Notice  of  Annual  Meeting  and Proxy Statement dated
December  10,  1999  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference.


ITEM  11.  EXECUTIVE  COMPENSATION.
     Information  appearing  under  "Executive Compensation" on pages 14 through
15,  "Human  Resources  Committee  Report on Executive Compensation" on pages 22
through 25, "Performance Graph" on page 26, "Common Stock Ownership Of Directors
and Executive Officers" on pages 12 through 13, and the remuneration information
under  "Board  Of  Directors  Standing  Committees"  on  page  6  and  "Director
Compensation"  on  page 7 of the Ralston Purina Company Notice of Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement dated December 10, 1999 is hereby incorporated by reference.


ITEM  12.   SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

     The  discussion  of the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management  appearing under "Stock Ownership Information" on page 11 and 'Common
Stock  Ownership  of Directors and Executive Officers" on pages 12 through 13 of
the  Ralston  Purina  Company Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated
December  10,  1999  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference.


ITEM  13.   CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED  TRANSACTIONS.

     Information  appearing  under  "Certain  Relationships  and  Related
Transactions"  on  page 7 of the Ralston Purina Company Notice of Annual Meeting
and  Proxy  Statement  dated  December  10,  1999,  is  hereby  incorporated  by
reference.


<PAGE>
                                     PART IV

ITEM  14.  EXHIBITS,  FINANCIAL  STATEMENT  SCHEDULES,  AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

1.  Documents  filed  with  this  report:

a.  Financial  statements  previously  incorporated  by  reference  under Item 8
herein.

-  Report  of  Independent  Accountants.
- Consolidated Statement of Earnings -- for years ended September 30, 1999, 1998
and  1997.
-  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  -- for years ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.
-  Consolidated  Statement  of Cash Flows -- for years ended September 30, 1999,
1998,  and  1997.
- Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity -- for years ended September 30,
1999,  1998  and  1997.
-  Notes  to  Financial  Statements.

b.  Exhibits  (Listed  by numbers corresponding to the Exhibit Table of Item 601
in  Regulation  S-K).

(3i)     The  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  Ralston Purina Company,
effective  as  of  February  23,  1999.
(3ii)     The  By-Laws of Ralston Purina Company, as amended September 24, 1998,
are  hereby  incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
year  ended  September  30,  1998.
(4)     The  Rights  Agreement,  effective  as  of  March  28,  1996,  is hereby
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-A Registration Statement filed
on  March  29,  1996.
(4)     Ralston  Purina  Company  agrees to furnish the SEC, upon its request, a
copy  of  any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the
Company  and  its  consolidated  subsidiaries  and  any  of  its  unconsolidated
subsidiaries  for  which  financial  statements  are  required  to  be  filed.

(10)  Material  Contracts.

(i)     The following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference to
the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  1983.

(a)     Form  of  letter  agreement  dated  June  18,  1982, to certain officers
providing  for  deferral  of  bonuses  for  fiscal  year  1982.*
(b)     Form  of  letter  agreement to certain officers regarding Deferred Bonus
Plan.*

(ii)     The  following  material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1985.

(a)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Conversion  of  Deferred  Compensation.*
(b)     Form  of  Agreement for Conversion of Existing Deferrals over $100,000.*
(c)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Conversion  of  1968  Restricted  Stock.*
(d)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Conversion  of Benefits under the Supplemental
Death  Benefits  Plan.*
(e)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1985  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*
(f)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1985  ITIP  Award  Accruals.*

(iii)     The  following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1987.

(a)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1986  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*
(b)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1986  ITIP  Award  Accruals.*

(iv)     The  following  material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1988.

(a)     Executive  Life  Plan,  as  amended  September  24,  1987.*
(b)     Form  of  Agreements  for  Deferral  of  1987  Annual  and  Special Cash
Bonuses.*
(c)     Form  of  Agreements  for  Deferral  of  1988  Annual  and  Special Cash
Bonuses.*
(d)     Ralston  Purina Company 1988 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended January 21
and  March  25,  1988.*
(e)     Personal  Financial  Planning  Program,  as  amended  July  21,  1988.*
(f)     Executive  Health Plan, as amended April 1, 1985, September 24, 1987 and
July  21  and  November  17,  1988.*

(v)     The following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference to
the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  1989.

(a)     Ralston  Purina Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended May 26,
1989.*
(b)     Change  in Control Severance Compensation Plan, as amended September 21,
1989.*
(c)     Executive  Long-Term  Disability  Plan,  as adopted September 22, 1989.*
(d)     Executive  Savings  Investment  Plan,  as  amended  May  25,  1989.*
(e)     Personal  Financial  Planning  Program,  as  amended  May  25,  1989.*

(vi)     The  following  material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1990.

(a)     Form  of  Management  Continuity  Agreements,  as  amended September 28,
1990.*
(b)     Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option,  effective  May  24,  1990.*
(c)     Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1985, 1986 and 1989 Annual and Special
Cash  Bonuses.*
(d)     Form of letter amending Restricted Stock Awards and Non- Qualified Stock
Options,  as  of  September  27,  1990.*

(vii)     The  following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1991.

(a)     Form  of  Split  Dollar  Second  to  Die  Insurance  Agreement.*
(b)     Form  of letter amending certain outstanding Restricted Stock Awards and
Non-Qualified  Stock  Options,  as  of  November  21,  1991.*

(viii)     The following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1992.

(a)     Form  of letter amending certain outstanding Restricted Stock Awards and
Non-Qualified  Stock  Options,  dated  as  of  September  29,  1992.*
(b)     Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1991 Annual and Special Cash Bonuses.*
(c)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1991  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*
(d)     Form  of  1991  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option.*
(e)     Form  of  Indemnification  Agreement  with  directors  and  corporate
officers.*

(ix)     The  following  material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1993.

(a)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of 1992 Annual and Special Bonuses.*
(b)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1992  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*
(c)     Form  of  Amendment  to  1988  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option.*
(d)     Form  of  Amendment  to  1990  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option.*
(e)     Form  of  Amendment  to  1991  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option.*
(f)     Form  of  letter amending Restricted Stock Awards, dated as of September
24,  1993.*

(x)     The following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference to
the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  1994.

(a)     The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Company and Several
of  its  Subsidiaries  and  Ralcorp  Holdings,  Inc.  dated  March  31,  1994 is
incorporated  by  reference  to  the  Company's Form 8-K/A dated April 14, 1994.
(b)     Trust  Agreement  between  Ralston  Purina  Company and Wachovia Bank of
North  Carolina,  N.A.,  dated  as  of  September  15,  1994.
(c)     Leveraged  Incentive  Plan,  adopted  as  of  September  23,  1994.*

(xi)     The  following  material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1995.

(a)  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Non-Management  Directors,  as   amended
September  25,  1987,  July  22,  1988, May 25, 1990, October 27, 1992, July 30,
1993,  November  18,  1993  and  August  9,  1995.*
(b)  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Key  Employees, as amended September 21,
1989,  April  9,  1990,  November  21,  1990,  December 11, 1992, July 30, 1993,
November  18,  1993,  and  November  6,  1995.*
(c)  Form  of  March  23,  1995  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Contract.*
(d)  Form  of  September  28,  1995  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Contract.*
(e)  Form  of  September  28,  1995  Non-Qualified  Performance  Stock  Option
Contract.*
(f)  Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1995  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*

(xii)     The  following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1996.

(a)  Form  of  September  26,  1996  Non-Qualified  Performance  Stock  Option
Agreement.*
(b)  Form  of  September  26,  1996  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement.*
(c)  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Non-Management  Directors,  as   amended
September  25,  1987,  July  22,  1988, May 25, 1990, October 27, 1992, July 30,
1993,  November  18,  1993,  August  9,  1995,  and  September  26,  1996.*
(d)  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Key  Employees, as amended September 21,
1989,  April  9,  1990,  November  21,  1990,  December 11, 1992, July 30, 1993,
November  18,  1993,  November  6,  1995,  and  September  26,  1996.*
(e)  Form  of  Letter  for  Deferral  of  1997  Bonus  Award.*
(f)  Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1996  Annual  Cash  Bonus*
(g)  Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of 1996 Annual and Special Cash Bonus.*
(h)  Deferral  of Potential Fiscal 1997 Protein Sr. Management Incentive Award.*

(xiii)     The following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1997.

(a)     Form  of  November  20,  1997  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option.*

(b)     Deferred  Compensation Plan for Key Employees, as amended, September 21,
1989,  April  9,  1990,  November  21,  1990,  December 11, 1992, July 30, 1993,
November 18, 1993, November 6, 1995, September 26, 1996, and November 13, 1997.*

(c)     Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  1998  Bonus  Award.*

(d)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1997  Annual  Cash  Bonus.*

(e)     Form  of  Agreement  for Deferral of 1997 Annual and Special Cash Bonus.

(f)     Form  of  Split  Dollar  Agreement.*

(g)     1996  Leveraged  Incentive  Plan,  adopted  as of September 26, 1996 and
amended  September  25,  1997.*

(h)     Resolution adopted September 26, 1996 amending Options granted September
28,  1995.*

(i)     Agreement  and  Plan of Merger and Exchange by and among E.I. du Pont de
Nemours  and Company, Ralston Purina Company, Protein Technologies International
Holdings,  Inc.  and  Other Parties Named Therein, dated as of December 2, 1997.

(xiv)     The  following material contracts are hereby incorporated by reference
to  the  Company's  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year ended September 30, 1998.

(a)     Form  of  September  24,  1998  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option*

(b)     Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  1999  Bonus  Award*

(c)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1998  Annual  Cash  Bonus*

(d)     1998  Leveraged  Incentive  Plan,  adopted  effective  October  1, 1998*

(e)     Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  1996 Leveraged Incentive Plan Award*

(f)     Agreement  and  Plan of Reorganization dated as of April 1, 1998 between
Ralston  Purina  Company  and  Agribrands  International,  Inc.

(g)     Form  of Indemnification Agreement dated October 1, 1997 between Ralston
Purina  Company  and  William  P.  Stiritz*

(h)     Resolution  dated March 19, 1998 amending Fixed Benefit Option provision
of  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Non-Management  Directors*

(i)     Resolution  dated March 19, 1998 amending Fixed Benefit Option provision
of  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Key  Employees.*

(j)     Ralston  Purina  Company  Executive Health Plan as amended September 24,
1998*

(k)     Voluntary  Enhanced  Retirement  Offer  for  Certain Corporate Employees
dated  September  24,  1998*

(l)     Ralston  Purina  Company  Executive  Retiree  Life  Plan*

(m)     Resolution  dated May 28, 1998 regarding repayment of gain provisions in
outstanding  non-qualified  option  awards  held  by  Corporate  Officers.

     (xv)     The  following  material  contracts  are  hereby  incorporated  by
reference  to  the  Company's  Form  10-Q  for  the quarter ended June 30, 1999.

(a)     Form  of  Management  Continuity Agreement with Chief Executive Officer*

(b)     Form  of  Management  Continuity  Agreement  with  Corporate  Officer*

(c)     Form  of  Management Continuity Agreement with Corporate Vice President*

(d)     Form  of  Management  Continuity  Agreement  with  Corporate  Officer*.

     (xvi)     Form  of  September  23,  1999  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option*

     (xvii)     Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  2000  Bonus  Award*

     (xviii)     Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  1999 Annual Cash Bonus*

     (xix)    Form of  September 23, 1999 Non-Qualified  Stock Option granted to
non-management  Directors*

     (xx)     Forms  for Deferral Elections under the Deferred Compensation Plan
for Non-Management  Directors*

     (xxi)    Resolution  Adopted  November  18,  1999,  Amending  the  Deferred
Compensation  Plan  for  Non-Management  Directors*

    (xxii)  Excerpt of March 25, 1999 Human Resources Committee meeting minutes*

    (xxiii)  Resolution dated February 15, 1999 to amend Outstanding Option
Awards to  add  Reload  Feature*

    (xxiv)  Amendment to Executive Long Term Disability Plan dated June 23, 1999

    (xxv)   Amendment to Deferred  Compensation Plan for Key Employees effective
July,  1999*

(13)     Pages  10  to  48  of  the  Ralston  Purina  Company  Annual  Report to
Shareholders  1999,  which  are  incorporated  herein  by  reference,  are filed
herewith.
(21)     Subsidiaries  of  the  Registrant.
(23)     Consent  of  Independent  Accountants.
(27)     Financial  Data  Schedule.
27.i     Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for  1997  Annual  Period
27.ii     Restated Financial Data Schedule for 1998 Quarterly and Annual Periods
27.iii     Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for  1999  Quarterly  Periods
27.iv     Financial  Data  Schedule  for  1999  Annual  Period


*  Denotes  a  management  contract  or  compensatory  plan  or  arrangement.

                        FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SCHEDULES

The  consolidated  financial statements of the Registrant have been incorporated
by reference under Item 8.  Financial statements of the Registrant's 50% or less
owned  companies  have  been  omitted  because,  in  the aggregate, they are not
significant.

Schedules  not included have been omitted because they are not applicable or the
required  information  is  shown  in  the financial statements or notes thereto.

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to  the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act  of  1934,  the  Registrant  has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized.

                              RALSTON  PURINA  COMPANY


                              By:   /s/ W. P. McGinnis
                                 -------------------------------
                                 W. P. McGinnis
                                 Chief Executive Officer
                                 and President

Date:     December 15,  1999


<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has  been signed below on December 15, 1999, by the following persons on behalf
of  the  registrant  in  the  capacities  indicated.


SIGNATURE          TITLE
---------          -----

     W.  P.  McGinnis
-----------------------------       Chief  Executive  Officer  and
     W.P.  McGinnis                 President

     James  R.  Elsesser
-------------------------------     Vice  President,  Chief  Financial
     James  R.  Elsesser            Officer  and  Treasurer

     Anita  M.  Wray
-------------------------------     Vice  President  and  Controller
     Anita  M.  Wray

     William  P.  Stiritz
-------------------------------     Chairman  of  the  Board
     William  P.  Stiritz           of  Directors

     David  R.  Banks
-------------------------------     Director
     David  R.  Banks

     John  H.  Biggs
------------------------------      Director
     John  H.  Biggs

     Donald  Danforth,  Jr.
------------------------------      Director
     Donald  Danforth,  Jr.

     William  H.  Danforth
-------------------------------     Director
      William  H.  Danforth

     David  C.  Farrell
-------------------------------     Director
     David  C.  Farrell

     M.  Darrell  Ingram
------------------------------      Director
     M.  Darrell  Ingram

     Richard  A.  Liddy
------------------------------      Director
     Richard  A.  Liddy

     John  F.  McDonnell
------------------------------      Director
     John  F.  McDonnell

     J.  Patrick  Mulcahy
----------------------------        Director
     J.  Patrick  Mulcahy

     Ronald  L.  Thompson
----------------------------        Director
     Ronald  L.  Thompson

     Katherine  D.  Ortega
------------------------------     Director
     Katherine  D.  Ortega