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, 1996  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:





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.

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:      No:  X

Aggregate market  value  of  the  voting stock  held  by  nonaffiliates  of  the
Registrant as of  the close  of business  on November  1, 1996:  $7,499,138,720.
(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 November 1, 1996: 105,975,413.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.   Portions of Ralston Purina Company 1996 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 6, 1996 (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, dietary soy protein, fiber food
ingredients,  polymer  products  and,  outside  the  United  States,  feeds  for
livestock and poultry.  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  - Pet  Products,
Battery Products, Soy Protein Products and Agricultural Products.

The Pet Products  Segment consists of  Ralston Purina's  worldwide Pet  Products
operations.  Pet Products produces and sells dog and cat foods under the  PURINA
name, including DOG CHOW, CAT CHOW and  numerous other dog and cat food  brands.
Pet Products also produces and sells  cat box filler and related products  under
the  GOLDEN CAT name, including TIDY CAT and other brands.

The Battery  Products  Segment  consists  of  the  Company's  worldwide  battery
products business.  The battery products business manufactures and sells primary
batteries, rechargeable 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 Ralston Purina Overseas  Battery
Company, respectively, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.

The Soy Protein Products Segment consists  of the protein technologies  business
of Protein Technologies International  Holdings, Inc., a  holding company and  a
wholly owned subsidiary of  the Company.   Its operating subsidiaries  primarily
manufacture food protein, food fiber and industrial polymer products.

The  Agricultural  Products  Segment  consists  primarily  of  the  business  of
manufacturing CHOW brand formula feeds and  animal health products  outside  the
United States.

On March  29,  1996,  the  Company  announced  its  intention  to  separate  the
businesses of  its  Agricultural Products  Segment  in a  tax-free  spin-off  to
shareholders.   Completion is  anticipated  in 1997  and  is contingent  upon  a
favorable tax  ruling from  the Internal  Revenue Service  and approval  by  the
Company's Board of Directors.   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.  On March 31,  1994,
the Company consolidated its domestic cereal, baby food, cracker and cookie  and
all seasons resort  businesses in Ralcorp  Holdings, Inc.  ("Ralcorp") and  then
spun-off the stock of Ralcorp to all holders  of the Company's RAL Stock on  the
basis of one share of Ralcorp Stock for every three shares of RAL Stock held  on
that date.

The principal raw materials used in the Pet Products Segment are grain and grain
products, protein  ingredients,  meat  by-products  and  clay;  in  the  Battery
Products Segment, the principal raw materials used are manganese dioxide,  zinc,
acetylene black and potassium  hydroxide; in the  Soy Protein Products  Segment,
the principal raw materials  used are processed soy  and other proteins; and  in
the Agricultural Products Segment,  the principal materials  used are grain  and
grain products  and  protein  ingredients.    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.  Sales  prices of the  Company's agricultural products,  a
large portion of the production costs of  which are represented by the costs  of
raw materials, are adjusted frequently to reflect changes in raw material costs.
Prices of  other  products  are  adjusted  less  frequently.    The  ability  to
substitute ingredients in some  of these products,  such as agricultural  feeds,
provides further protection against fluctuating raw material prices.

Pet products are marketed  in the United States  primarily through direct  sales
forces and  food  brokers  to  grocery  wholesalers,  retail  chains  and  other
customers.  Battery products  and food protein  and industrial polymer  products
are marketed in the United States  and internationally primarily through  direct
sales forces.  Agricultural products are distributed primarily through a network
of approximately 3,300 independent dealers outside the United States.

Competition is intense in each  of the Business Segments.   In the Pet  Products
and Battery Products Segments, the principal competitors are regional,  national
and international manufacturers whose products compete with those of the Company
for shelf space and consumer acceptance.  In the Agricultural Products  Segment,
the Company competes with other large feed manufacturers, cooperatives,  single-
owner establishments and in the case of many markets, government feed companies.
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.

The operations of the Company, like those of other companies engaged in  similar
businesses,  are  subject  to  various  federal,  state,  and  local  laws   and
regulations intended to protect the public health and the environment, including
regulations related to 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 14 "Superfund" sites.   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.

In 1996, 1995, and  1994, the Company recorded  provisions for restructuring  of
its world-wide battery production capacity and certain administrative functions.
The Company continues to review its battery production capacity and its business
structure in light of  pervasive global trends,  including the continuing  shift
from carbon zinc to  alkaline products and the  easing of trade restrictions  in
many regions.    Future  periods will  likely  include  further  provisions  for
restructuring.

The Company, as a whole, employs 9,972 employees in the United States and 19,301
in foreign  jurisdictions.   The  descriptions of  the  businesses of,  and  the
summary of  selected  financial  data regarding,  the  Company  appearing  under
"Ralston  Purina  Company  and  Subsidiaries  Financial  Review-Highlights   and
Outlook" on page 15, "Ralston Purina Company and Subsidiaries Financial  Review-
Liquidity and Capital Resources" on pages 17 through 19, "Ralston Purina Company
and Subsidiaries  Business Segment  Information" on  pages  21 through  26,  and
"Ralston Purina Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Financial Statements - Summary
of Accounting Policies  - Research and  Development" on page  33 of the  Ralston
Purina Company 1996  Annual Report to  Shareholders are  hereby incorporated  by
reference.

Item 2.  Properties.
A list of the Company's principal plants  and facilities as of November 1,  1996
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.

PET PRODUCTS

Pet Food Plants
United States
Atlanta, GA
Clinton, IA (2R)
Davenport, IA
Denver, CO
Dunkirk, NY
Flagstaff, AZ
Oklahoma City, OK
Zanesville, OH

International
Cuautitlan, Mexico
Encrucijada, Venezuela (7)
Guatemala City, Guatemala (7)
Innisfail, Alberta, Canada
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Monjos, Spain (7)
Montfort-Sur-Risle, France
Mosquera, Colombia (7)
Portogruaro, Italy (7)
Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Songtan, Korea (7)
Strathroy, Ontario, Canada (7)

Cat Litter Plants
United States
Bloomfield, MO
Maricopa, CA
Olmsted, IL

Packaging Facilities
United States
Philadelphia, PA (9)

International
Caledonia, Ontario, Canada (9)

BATTERY PRODUCTS

Battery and Related Products Plants
United States
Asheboro, NC (4)
Bennington, VT
Fremont, OH
Gainesville, FL
Garretsville, OH
Marietta, OH
Maryville, MO
Newport News, VA
St. Albans, VT

International
Alexandria, Egypt
Banbury, United Kingdom
Bogang, People's Republic of China
Caudebec Les Elbeuf, France (2)
Cebu, Philippines
Ekala, Sri Lanka
Itapecerica, Brazil
Jakarta, Indonesia
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Juarez, Mexico
Jurong, Singapore (4)
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Manila, Philippines
Macau
Nakuru, Kenya (6)
Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
New Territories, Hong Kong
Slany, Czech Republic
Tanfield Lea, United Kingdom
Tecamac, Mexico
Tianjin, People's Republic of China
Walkerton, Ontario, Canada

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Feed Plants
International
Addison, Ontario, Canada
Arequipa, Peru (2)
Barcelona, Venezuela
Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2)
Benavente, Portugal
Benavente, Spain (1)
Borgoratto, Italy
Bucaramanga, Colombia
Buga, Colombia
Cali, Colombia (2)
Canoas, Brazil
Cantenhede, Portugal
Cartagena, Colombia
Chambe, France (1)
Chiclayo, Peru
Courchelettes, France
Cuautitlan, Mexico
Dos Hermanas, Spain
Drummondville, Quebec, Canada
Encrucijada, Venezuela (3)
Ferrard, France (1)
Galicia, Spain
Giron, Colombia (2)
Gonen, Turkey
Guadalajara, Mexico
Guatemala City, Guatemala (3)
Inhumas, Brazil
Karcag, Hungary
Kunsan, Korea
Lima, Peru
Longue, France
Luleburgaz, Turkey
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Marcilla, Spain
Maringa, Brazil
Medellin, Colombia (2)
Merida, Mexico (1)
Merida, Spain
Mexicali, Mexico
Monjos, Spain (1)(3)
Monterrey, Mexico
Mosquera, Colombia (3)
Nanjing, People's Rep. of China (8)
Nutricia, Venezuela (2)
Obregon, Mexico
Palmerston, Ontario, Canada
Paulina, Brazil
Pommevic, France
Portogruaro, Italy (3)
Pulilan, Philippines
Pusan, Korea
Recife, Brazil
St. Romuald, Quebec, Canada
Salamanca, Mexico
San Felice, Italy
Sildamin, Italy (2)
Songtan, Korea (3)
Sorcy, France
Sospiro, Italy
Strathroy, Ontario, Canada
Tehuacan, Mexico
Termoli, Italy
Torrejon, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Villasis, Philippines
Volta Redonda, Brazil
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
Yantai, People's Rep. of China (8)

Hatcheries
Valencia, Venezuela

SOY PROTEIN PRODUCTS

Food Protein Plants
United States
Memphis, TN
Pryor, OK

International
Ieper, Belgium

Industrial Protein Plant
Louisville, KY

Powdered Alpha Cellulose Plant
Urbana, OH

Dairy Food Systems Plant
Hager City, WI
OTHER PROPERTIES

Research Facilities
United States
Cape Girardeau, MO
Gray Summit, MO (5)
St. Louis, MO (5A)
Westlake, OH (5B)

International
Tanfield Lea, United Kingdom

Machine Shop and Foundry
St. Louis, MO

Miscellaneous
Thomasville, NC

Administrative and Executive Offices
St. Louis, MO
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)  20% to 50% owned interests

(2)  Leased; (2R) Leased pursuant to industrial revenue bond financing

(3)  Also produces pet food

(4)  Two plants

(5)  Provides service for Human and Pet Foods; (5A) Human and Pet Foods and
     Soy Protein Products; (5B) Battery Products

(6)  Less than 20% owned interest

(7)  Also produces feed

(8)  Over 50% owned interest in Joint Venture operating facility

(9)  Bulk packaging and distribution


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.

     On January  4,  1993,  the  Company  was served  with  the  first  of  nine
substantively identical actions currently pending in the United States  District
Court for the  District of New  Jersey.  The  suits have  been consolidated  and
styled  In  Re  Baby  Food  Antitrust  Litigation,  No.  92-5495  (NHP).    The
consolidated proceeding is  a certified  class action by  and on  behalf of  all
direct purchasers  of baby  foods (other  than the  defendants and  governmental
entities), alleging that the Beech-Nut baby food business (owned by the  Company
from November, 1989 until April, 1994, and now owned by Ralcorp Holdings,  Inc.)
and its predecessor Nestle Holdings, Inc., together with Gerber Products Company
and H.J. Heinz Company, conspired to  fix, maintain and stabilize the prices  of
baby foods during the period January 1, 1975 to August 31, 1992.  The suit seeks
treble damages.

     On January 19 and 21, 1993, the  Company was served with two class  actions
on behalf of indirect purchasers (consumers)  of baby food in California,  which
contain substantially identical charges.   These actions have been  consolidated
in the Superior Court for the County of  San Francisco and styled Bruce, et al.
v. Gerber Products Company, et al., No. 94-8857.  On January  19, 1993, Ralston
was served with  a similar  action filed  in Alabama  state court  on behalf  of
indirect purchasers of baby  food in Alabama, styled  Johnson, et al. v.  Gerber
Products Company, et al., No. 93 -L-0333-NE.  The  California and Alabama state
actions allege violations of state antitrust  laws, seek treble damages and  are
substantively identical to each  other.  Similar state  actions may be filed  in
states having laws  permitting suits by  indirect purchasers.   The Company  and
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. have  agreed that all liability  and expenses related  to
the above antitrust matters will be shared equally, except that the Company will
be solely responsible  for any settlement  or judgment exceeding  a certain  set
amount.

     The operations of  the Company, like  those of other  companies engaged  in
similar businesses, are subject  to various federal, state,  and local laws  and
regulations intended to protect the public health and the environment, including
regulations related to 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 14 "Superfund" sites.   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.

     In the opinion of management, based on the information presently known, the
ultimate liability for  all such matters,  together with the  liability for  all
other pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims and known potential legal
claims which are probable of assertion, taking into account established accruals
of $13.9 for  estimated liabilities,  should not  be material  to the  financial
position of the Company, but could be material to results of operations or  cash
flows for a particular quarter or annual period.

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:

William P.  Stiritz, 62,  Chairman of  the Board,  Chief Executive  Officer  and

President since  1982 and  Corporate Officer  since  1973; President  and  Chief
Executive Officer 1981-82; Group Vice President, Grocery Products and Restaurant
Operations 1979-81.  Company service, 33 years.

Jay W. Brown, 51, Vice President; Chief Executive Officer and President, Protein

Technologies International, Inc.  since 1995; Chairman  of the  Board and  Chief
Executive Officer, Continental Baking Company 1985 - 1995 and Corporate  Officer
since 1984;  President,  Van  Camp Seafood  Division  1983-84;  Vice  President,
Foodmaker, Inc. 1981-83.  Company service, 26 years.

James R. Elsesser, 52, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1985 and

Corporate Officer since 1985; Vice President, March-September, 1985;  Treasurer,
February-September, 1985.  Company service, 11 years.

Nancy E.  Hamilton, 46,  Secretary  and Corporate  Officer  since 1996;  Senior

Counsel and Assistant Secretary, 1994 - 1996.  Company service, 11 years.

Patrick C.  Mannix, 51,  Vice President;  President, Eveready  Battery  Company,

Inc., Specialty Business since 1995; Executive Vice President, Eveready  Battery
Company, International  1991  - 1995  and  Corporate Officer  since  1992;  Area
Chairman, Asia Pacific operations, Eveready Battery, 1985-91.  Company  service,
33 years, including  23 years with  Eveready Battery Division  of Union  Carbide
Corporation.


W. Patrick McGinnis, 49, Vice President; President and Chief Executive Officer,

Pet Products Group since  1992 and Corporate Officer  since 1984; 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, 24 years.

George L. Meffert, Jr., 56, Vice President; President, Eveready Battery Company,

Inc. since  1995;  Executive Vice  President,  North America,  Eveready  Battery
Company, 1988 -  1995 and  Corporate Officer  since 1992;  Area Chairman,  Latin
American operations,  Eveready Battery,  1985-88.   Company service,  31  years,
including 21 years with Eveready Battery Division of Union Carbide Corporation.

J. Patrick  Mulcahy, 52,  Vice  President;  Chairman  of  the Board  and  Chief

Executive Officer, Eveready Battery Company,  Inc., and responsible for  Ralston
Purina International since 1987 and Corporate Officer since 1984; Vice President
and Director, Corporate Strategic Planning and Administration 1984-86;  Division
Vice President, Strategic Planning 1981-84; Division Vice President, Director of
Marketing, Grocery Products Group 1980-81.  Company service, 29 years.

James M. Neville, 57, Vice President,  General Counsel and  Assistant Secretary

since 1996;  Vice President,  General Counsel  and Secretary  1989 -  1996,  and
Corporate Officer  since  1983;  Vice President  and  General  Counsel  1984-89.
Company service, 13 years.

Ronald D. Winney, 54, Treasurer and Corporate Officer since 1985; Division Vice

President and Assistant Treasurer 1984-85; Assistant Treasurer 1977-85.  Company
service, 27 years.

Anita M. Wray, 42, Vice President and Controller since April 1994; Division Vice

President and Director  of Financial  Accounting Services,  1985-1994.   Company
service, 17 years.

(Ages and years of service as of December 31, 1996.)


                                    PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters.
     The Company's RAL 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,  1996,
there were 23,024 shareholders of record of the Company's RAL Stock.

     The following tables set  forth dividends paid and  range of market  prices
for the  RAL Stock  and the  Company's Ralston-Continental  Baking Group  Common
Stock ("CBG Stock")* (for the year ended September 30):

                                 Dividends Paid

                   1996             1995

                RAL Stock         RAL Stock


First Quarter     $ .30              $.30
Second Quarter      .30               .30
Third Quarter       .30               .30
Fourth Quarter      .30               .30

                               Market Price Range

                  l996                                l995


                  RAL Stock             RAL Stock             CBG Stock


First Quarter     $67    -  57.25       $45.75    - 40.50     $5.50   - 3.625
Second Quarter     69    -  57.875       50.125   - 43.50      4.625  - 3.25
Third Quarter      67.75 -  56           51.75    - 46.375     4.50   - 3.625
Fourth Quarter     68.875 - 57.75        59       - 48.625          **

**Each outstanding share of CBG Stock was exchanged for .0886 shares of RAL
Stock on May 15, 1995 and is no longer outstanding.

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


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

     The summary of  selected financial  data regarding  Ralston Purina  Company
appearing on pages  12 through  13, of the  Ralston Purina  Company 1996  Annual
Report to Shareholders 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 and Subsidiaries  Financial
Review" on pages  15 through  23 and  the information  appearing under  "Ralston
Purina Company  and  Subsidiaries  Business Segment  Information"  on  pages  24
through 26 of the Ralston Purina  Company 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders  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   28 through 46,  together with the  report thereon of  Price
Waterhouse LLP on  page 27,  and the  supplementary data  under "Ralston  Purina
Company and Subsidiaries Quarterly Financial Information" on pages 47 through 48
of the Ralston  Purina Company  1996 Annual  Report to  Shareholders 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  5 through 11 and  information
appearing under  "Section 16(a)  Beneficial Ownership  Reporting Compliance"  on
page 21  of  the Ralston  Purina  Company Notice  of  Annual Meeting  and  Proxy
Statement dated December 6, 1996 is hereby incorporated by reference.


Item 11.  Executive Compensation.
     Information appearing under  "Executive Compensation" on  pages 12  through
16, "Compensation Committee  Interlocks and Insider  Participation" on page  16,
"Human Resources  Committee  Report  on  Executive  Compensation"  on  page  16,
"Performance Graphs"  on pages  20  through 21,  "Stock  Ownership" on  pages  7
through  9,  and  the  remuneration  information  under  "Directors'   Meetings,
Committees and Fees" on pages 9 through 11 of the Ralston Purina Company  Notice
of Annual  Meeting  and  Proxy  Statement  dated  December  6,  1996  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" on pages 7 through 9 of the Ralston
Purina Company Notice of  Annual Meeting and Proxy  Statement dated December  6,
1996 is hereby incorporated by reference.


Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

     Information appearing under "Compensation Committee Interlocks and  Insider
Participation" on page 16 of the Ralston Purina Company Notice of Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement dated December 6, 1996, is hereby incorporated by reference.

                                    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
      hereinabove.

     -    Report of Independent Accountants.
     -    Consolidated Statement of Earnings -- for years ended September 30,
          1996, 1995 and 1994.
     -    Consolidated Balance Sheet -- for years ended September 30, 1996 and
          1995.
     -    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -- for years ended September 30,
          1996, 1995, and 1994.
     -    Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity -- for years ended
          September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
     -  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 1, 1996 are hereby incorporated by
           reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December
           31, 1995.
     (3ii) The By-Laws of Ralston Purina Company, as amended November 16, 1995,
           are hereby incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for
           the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995.
     (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)   The Certificate of Designation of Ralston Purina Company Series A
           ESOP Preferred Stock dated as of July 30, 1993, is hereby
           incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
           year ended September 30, 1993.
     (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.*
             (g)    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option, effective September 22,
                    1983, as amended.*

        (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)    Ralston Purina Company Incentive Compensation Plan, as
                    adopted December 15, 1966, and amended September 1, 1968,
                    and September 25, 1987.*
             (c)    Ralston Purina Company 1972 Incentive Compensation Plan, as
                    amended September 25, 1987.*
             (d)    Form of Agreements for Deferral of 1987 Annual and Special
                    Cash Bonuses.*
             (e)    Form of Agreements for Deferral of 1988 Annual and Special
                    Cash Bonuses.*
             (f)    Form of Stock Performance Awards, effective March 24, 1988.*
             (g)    Ralston Purina Company 1982 Incentive Stock Plan as amended
                    June 19, 1985, and January 21 and March 25, 1988.*
             (h)    Ralston Purina Company 1988 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended
                    January 21 and March 25, 1988.*
             (i)    Personal Financial Planning Program, as amended July 21,
                    1988.*
             (k)    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option, effective September 22,
                    1988.*
             (l)    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)    Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors, as
                    amended September 25, 1987, July 22, 1988 and May 25, 1990.*
             (d)    Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees, as amended
                    September 21, 1989, April 9, 1990 and November 21, 1990.*
             (e)    Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1985, 1986 and 1989 Annual
                    and Special Cash Bonuses.*
             (f)    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.*
             (c)    Form of letter for Deferral of 1992 Bonus Award.*

             (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 letter for Deferral of 1993 Bonus Award.*
             (c)    Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1991 Annual and Special
                    Cash Bonuses.*
             (d)    Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1991 Annual Cash Bonus.*
             (e)    Form of 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option.*
             (f)    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 Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees, as
                    amended, September 21, 1989, April 9, 1990, November 21,
                    1990, December 11, 1992, July 30, 1993 and November 18,
                    1993.*
             (g)    Form of Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management
                    Directors, as amended September 25, 1987, July 22, 1988, May
                    25, 1990, October 27, 1992, July 30, 1993 and November 18,
                    1993.*
             (h)    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)    Form of Letter for Deferral of 1995 Bonus Award.*
             (b)    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.
             (d)    Trust Agreement between Ralston Purina Company and Wachovia
                    Bank of North Carolina, N.A., dated as of September 15,
                    1994.
             (e)    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 Letter for Deferral of 1996 Bonus Award.*
             (d)  Form of March 23, 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract.*
             (e)  Form of September 28, 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option
                  Contract.*
             (f)  Form of September 28, 1995 Non-Qualified Performance Stock
                  Option Contract.*
             (g)  Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1995 Annual Cash Bonus.*
             (h)  Retirement Plan for Non-Management Directors, as amended
                  November 20, 1987, July 22, 1988, May 26, 1989 and November
                  16, 1995.*
       (xii)   Form of September 26, 1996 Non-Qualified Performance Stock Option
               Agreement.*

       (xiii)  Form of September 26, 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.*

       (xiv)   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.*

       (xv)    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.*

       (xvi)   Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1997 Bonus Award.*

       (xvii)  Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1996 Annual Cash Bonus*

       (xviii) Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1996 Annual and Special Cash
               Bonus.*

       (xviv)  Deferral of Potential Fiscal 1997 Protein Sr. Management
               Incentive Award.*

     (11) Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
     (13) Pages 12 to 48 of the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report to
          Shareholders 1996, which are incorporated herein by reference, are
          filed herewith.
     (21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     (23) Consent of Independent Accountants.
     (27) Financial Data Schedule.
     * Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

2.   No Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the  fourth
     quarter of its fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.

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  William P. Stiritz
William P. Stiritz
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

Date:     December 13, 1996

     Pursuant to the requirements of the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934,  this
report has been signed below on December  13, 1996, by the following persons  on
behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated.

     Signature                Title


William P. Stiritz
-------------------------------    Chairman of the Board, Chief
  William P. Stiritz     Executive Officer, President
                         and Director
James R. Elsesser
-------------------------------    Vice President and Chief
  James R. Elsesser      Financial Officer

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

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

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


                       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.