UNITED STATES
                       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, 2000  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
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.

</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:

<PAGE>
      AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY NONAFFILIATES OF THE
                                   REGISTRANT
        AS OF THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 1, 2000: $7,527,364,006.

(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  20,  2000:
309,080,723.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.     Portions  of  Ralston  Purina  Company Annual Report to Shareholders 2000
(Parts  I  and  II  of  Form  10-K).

2.     Portions  of  Ralston  Purina  Company Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement  dated  December  11,  2000  (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.  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,  the CHECKERBOARD logo, DOG CHOW, CAT
CHOW,  MEOW  MIX,  PRO  PLAN  and  TIDY CATS 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  three Business Segments - North
American  Pet  Foods,  International  Pet  Foods,  and  Golden  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  dog  litter  and  cat box liners and deodorizers, under the GOLDEN CAT
name,  including  TIDY  CATS and other brands. Operations of the Golden Products
Segment  are  conducted  primarily  in  the  United  States  and  Canada.

     On  April  1,  2000,  the  Company  distributed  to  its shareholders, in a
tax-free  spin-off,  all of the outstanding capital stock of Energizer Holdings,
Inc.,  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  engaged  in  the battery products business.

     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 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  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.

     The  principal  raw  materials used in the North American and International
Pet  Foods  Segments  are grain and grain products, protein ingredients and meat
by-products, and in the Golden Products Segment, clay, paper and silica gel. 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 Foods Segments and the
Golden  Products  Segment  are marketed primarily through direct sales forces to
grocers,  mass  merchandisers,  specialty  retailers,  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.

     During  fiscal  years 1998, 1999 and 2000, revenue from the Company's sales
of its products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliated companies was 18.0%,
20.3%  and  24.0%,  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 are subject to various laws and regulations
relating  to  public  health, worker safety and the environment.  The Company is
not  presently  engaged  in any material issues or controversies related to such
matters.  Compliance  with  laws  regulating the discharge of materials into the
environment  or  otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not
had  a  material  effect  on  the  Company's  capital  expenditures, earnings or
competitive  position.   It  is not expected that the Company will have material
capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during the next fiscal
year.

     As  of September 30, 2000 the Company, as a whole, employed 4,380 employees
in  the  United States and 2,369 outside of the United States.  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
pages  14  through  15,  "Ralston  Purina Company-Financial Review-Liquidity and
Capital  Resources"  on  pages  18 through 19, "Ralston Purina Company-Financial
Review-Operating  Segment  Information"  on pages 16 through 18, "Ralston Purina
Company-Notes  to  Financial Statements-Segment Information" on pages 44 through
45,  and  "Ralston  Purina  Company-Notes  to  Financial  Statements-Summary  of
Accounting  Policies-Research  and Development" on page 29 of the Ralston Purina
Company  Annual  Report  to  Shareholders  2000,  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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



<S>                                              <C>
NORTH AMERICAN PET FOODS PLANTS                  GOLDEN PRODUCTS PLANTS
United States and Canada                         United States and Canada
Atlanta, GA                                      Bloomfield, MO
Clinton, IA (1)                                  King William, VA
Davenport, IA                                    Maricopa, CA
Denver, CO                                       Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Dunkirk, NY                                      Springfield, MO
Flagstaff, AZ
Innisfail, Alberta, Canada                       Packaging Facilities
Mechanicsburg, PA                                Caledonia, Ontario, Canada (4)
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Oklahoma City, OK                                OTHER PROPERTIES
Zanesville, OH
                                                 RESEARCH FACILITIES
Pet Food Ingredient Manufacturing  Plant         United States
Hager City, WI                                   Gray Summit, MO (2)
                                                 St. Louis, MO (2)

INTERNATIONAL PET FOODS PLANTS                   MACHINE SHOP AND FOUNDRY
Chilton, United Kingdom                          St. Louis, MO
Cornard Mills, United Kingdom
Cuautitlan, Mexico                               ADMINISTRATIVE AND EXECUTIVE OFFICES
Dubbo, Australia                                 St. Louis, MO
Encrucijada, Venezuela (3)
Monjos, Spain
Montfort-Sur-Risle, France
Portogruaro, Italy
Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Santo Tome, Argentina
Veghel, The Netherlands

</TABLE>

<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  pursuant  to  industrial  revenue  bond  financing

(2)     Provides  service for North American Pet Foods, International Pet Foods,
and  Golden  Products

(3)     Also  produces  feed  under  a  toll milling arrangement with Agribrands
International,  Inc.

(4)     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.

     In  fiscal  year  1997, the Company changed its method of computing foreign
tax  credits  and,  as  a  result,  the  Company  recognized  tax  benefits  of
approximately  $24  million related to a foreign tax credit refund claim for the
years  1993  through  1995.  The Internal Revenue Service has denied this refund
claim.  On  July  3, 2000, the Company filed a petition in the United States Tax
Court in order to pursue its refund claim.   The Company believes that its claim
is  meritorious.

     Based  upon  the information currently available, the Company believes that
its  ultimate liability for all pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims
and  known potential legal claims which are likely to be asserted, 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.

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, 53, Chief Executive Officer and President since June, 1999
--------------------
and  executive  officer since 1984.  Co-Chief Executive Officer and co-President
from  October,  1997  to  June, 1999; President and Chief Executive Officer, Pet
Products  Group  1992-2000;  President  and  Chief  Operating  Officer,  Grocery
Products  Group,  1989-1992;  Vice President and President, Branded Foods Group,
1987-1989;  Vice  President  and  Executive  Vice  President,  Grocery  Products
Division,  1984-1987;  Division  Vice  President,  Marketing,  Grocery  Products
Division,  1983-1984;  Executive  Vice  President and Director, Grocery Products
Division,  Ralston  Purina  Canada  Inc., 1980-1983.  Company service, 28 years.

Terence  E.  Block,  52, Chief Operating Officer, North American Pet Foods since
------------------
June,  1999  and executive officer since March, 2000.  Executive Vice President,
Marketing  and  Customer  Development,  Pet  Products  Group,  1996-1999;  Vice
President,  Customer  Development, Pet Products Group, 1993-1996; Vice President
and  Director,  Human  Resources,  Grocery  Products  Division,  1992-1993; Vice
President  and  Director,  Marketing,  Grocery  Products  Division,  1986-1992.
Company  service,  22  years.

James R. Elsesser, 56, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1985 and
-----------------
Treasurer  since  1999,  and  executive  officer  since  1985;  Vice  President,
March-September, 1985; Treasurer, February-September, 1985.  Company service, 15
years.

Nancy  E. Hamilton, 50, Vice President, Secretary and Senior Counsel since 1996,
------------------
and  executive  officer  since  1996;  Senior  Counsel  and Assistant Secretary,
1994-1996.  Company  service,  15  years.

Franklin  W. Krum, 66, Chairman, Pet Products International since July, 1997 and
-----------------
executive  officer  since  March,  2000.  President,  Golden  Products Division,
1995-1997.  Business  experience  prior to Ralston Purina includes President and
Chief  Executive  Officer,  Golden  Cat Company, 1990-1995;  President and Chief
Executive  Officer,  Alpo Petfoods, 1986-1990;  Senior Vice President, Sales and
Marketing,  Alpo  Petfoods,  1981-1985.  Company  service,  4  years.

Stanley  M.  Rea,  58,  Vice  President  and General Counsel since May, 2000 and
----------------
executive  officer  since  March, 2000.  Vice President and General Counsel, Pet
Products  Group,  1987-2000.  Company  service,  26  years.

William H. Sackett, 54, Chief Administrative Officer and executive officer since
------------------
March,  2000.  Chief  Administrative  Officer,  Pet  Products  Group, 1999-2000.
Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Pet Products Group,
1995-1999; Vice President and Director, Finance and Administration, Pet Products
Group,  1992-1995;  Chief  Financial Officer, Keystone Resorts Management, Inc.,
1990-1992;  Vice  President and Controller, Branded Foods Group, 1987-1990; Vice
President and Controller, Specialty Foods Division, 1985-1987.  Company service,
29  years.

Robert  C.  Watt,  48,  President, Golden Products Division since June, 1997 and
----------------
executive  officer since March, 2000.  Executive Vice President, Golden Products
Division,  1995-1997;  Vice  President and Director, Marketing, Grocery Products
Division,  1988-1995.  Company  service,  20  years.

Anita  M.  Wray,  46,  Vice  President  and Controller since 1994, and executive
---------------
officer  since  1994;  Vice  President  and  Director  of  Financial  Accounting
Services,  1985-1994.  Company  service,  21  years.

(Ages  and  years  of  service  as  of  September  30,  2000.)

<PAGE>
                                     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, 2000, there were 22,756 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

                                        2000     1999
                                        ----     ----
                 First Quarter          $.10    $.10
                 Second Quarter          .10     .10
                 Third Quarter           .07     .10
                 Fourth                  .07     .10


                               MARKET PRICE RANGE


                           2000                1999
                           ----                ----
                          RAL Stock           RAL Stock
                          ---------          ---------

      First Quarter     $32 1/2 - 25 1/2      $37 3/16 - 28 1/4
      Second Quarter     29 3/4 - 23 1/4       32 1/2 -  25 13/16
      Third Quarter      22 5/16 - 16 3/4*     33 - 25 5/8
      Fourth Quarter     24 1/2 -  18 13/16*   30 7/8 - 27 1/4

*  Prices reflect effects of Energizer Holdings, Inc. spin-off on April 1, 2000.

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 12 through 13, of the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report to
Shareholders  2000,  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  14 through 21 of the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report to Shareholders
2000,  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 20 through 21 of the Ralston
Purina  Company  Annual  Report  to Shareholders 2000, 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  23  through  47,  together  with  the  report  thereon  of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on page 22, and the supplementary data under "Ralston
Purina Company-Quarterly Financial Information" on pages 48 through 49 of the
Ralston Purina Company  Annual  Report  to  Shareholders  2000,  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 4, and information
appearing  under  "Compliance  With  Section  16(a) Reporting" on page 2, of the
Ralston  Purina  Company  Notice  of  Annual  Meeting  and Proxy Statement dated
December  11,  2000,  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference.

ITEM  11.  EXECUTIVE  COMPENSATION.

     Information  appearing  under  "Executive Compensation" on pages 13 through
20,  "Common  Stock  Ownership  Of Directors and Executive Officers" on pages 11
through  12, and "Director Compensation" on page 6 of the Ralston Purina Company
Notice  of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated December 11, 2000, is hereby
incorporated  by  reference.

     Despite  anything  to  the  contrary  in  any of the Company's previous SEC
filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange
Act  of  1934,  as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including the
Ralston  Purina  Company  Notice  of  Annual  Meeting  and Proxy Statement dated
December  11, 2000, in whole or in part, the Human Resources Committee Report on
Executive  Compensation,  the  Ralston Purina Company Audit Committee Report and
Audit  Committee  Charter  and  the  Performance  Graph  from the Ralston Purina
Company  Notice  of  Annual  Meeting and Proxy Statement dated December 11, 2000
will  not  be  incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or
into  any  other  filings.

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 11 through 12 of
the  Ralston  Purina  Company Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated
December  11,  2000,  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  11,  2000,  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, 2000, 1999 and  1998.
        - Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  -- for years ended September 30, 2000
          and 1999.
        - Consolidated  Statement  of Cash Flows -- for years ended
          September 30, 2000, 1999  and  1998.
        - Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity -- for years ended
          September 30, 2000,  1999  and  1998.
        -  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, are hereby
                 incorporated by reference to the Company's  Form  10-K  for
                 the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  1999.
        (3ii)    The  Bylaws  of  Ralston Purina Company, as amended
                 November 16, 2000.
        (4)      The Rights  Agreement,  effective as of March 28, 1996,  and as
                 amended May 28, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference to
                 the Company's Amendment No.1 to Form 8-A  Registration
                 Statement filed on January 21, 1999.
        (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 Agreement for Deferral of 1985, 1986 and
                               1989 Annual and Special Cash  Bonuses.*
                          (b)  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 1991 Non-Qualified Stock
                               Option.*
                          (d)  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.*

                 (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)  Ralston Purina Company Executive Retiree Life
                               Plan.*
                          (l)  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-K
                         for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999.

                          (a)  Form of Management Continuity Agreement with
                               Chief Executive Officer, incorporated by
                               reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for
                               the quarter ended June 30, 1999.*
                          (b)  Form of Management Continuity Agreement with
                               Corporate Vice President, incorporated by
                               reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
                               quarter ended June 30, 1999.*
                          (c)  Form of September 23, 1999 Non-Qualified Stock
                               Option.*
                          (d)  Form of Letter of Deferral of 2000 Bonus Award.*
                          (e)  Form of Agreement for Deferral of 1999 Annual
                               Cash Bonus.*
                          (f)  Form of September 23, 1999 Non-Qualified Stock
                               Option granted to non-management Directors.*
                          (g)  Forms for Deferral Elections under the Deferred
                               Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors.*
                          (h)  Resolution Adopted November 18, 1999, Amending
                               the Deferred Compensation Plan  for
                               Non-Management  Directors.*
                          (i)  Excerpt of March  25, 1999 Human Resources
                               Committee meeting minutes.*
                          (j)  Resolution dated February 15, 1999 to amend
                               Outstanding Option Awards to add Reload
                               Feature.*
                          (k)  Amendment to Executive Long Term Disability Plan
                               dated June 23, 1999.*
                          (l)  Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan for Key
                               Employees effective July,  1999.*

                 (xvi)   The following material contracts are hereby
                         incorporated by reference to the Company's 10-Q
                         for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  1999.

                          (a)  Ralston Purina Company Executive Incentive
                               Compensation  Plan, incorporated by reference
                               to Appendix A of the Company's Proxy Statement
                               dated December 10, 1999.*
                          (b)  Form of Amendment to 1998 Leveraged Incentive
                               Award.*
                          (c)  Amendment to Executive Health Plan dated
                               December  16,  1999.*

                 (xvii)  The following material contracts are hereby
                         incorporated by reference to the Company's 8-K
                         dated  April  1,  2000.

                          (a)  The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated
                               as of April 1, 2000, between Ralston Purina
                               Company  and  Energizer  Holdings,  Inc.
                          (b)  Amendment to Shareholder Agreement between
                               Ralston Purina Company and Interstate
                               Bakeries Corporation dated March 30, 2000.
                          (c)  Letter Agreement between Ralston Purina Company
                               and Interstate Bakeries Corporation dated
                               July 3, 1997.

                 (xviii)  The following material contracts are hereby
                          incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                          for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

                          (a)  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                               April 18, 2000.*
                          (b)  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                               April 18, 2000 with Chief Executive  Officer.*
                          (c)  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                               April 18, 2000 with Chief Financial  Officer.*

                 (xix)    The following material contracts are hereby
                          incorporated by reference to the Company's 8-K dated
                          July  24,  2000.

                          (a)  Amendment #2 to the Shareholder Agreement and
                               Amendment to the Supplement to Shareholder
                               Agreement between Ralston Purina Company and
                               Interstate Bakeries Corporation dated
                               July 24, 2000.
                          (b)  Share Purchase Agreement between Ralston Purina
                               Company and Interstate Bakeries Corporation
                               dated  July  24,  2000.

                 (xx)     The following material contracts are hereby
                          incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                          for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,  2000.

                          (a)  Aircraft Joint Ownership Agreement dated
                               April 1, 2000 between Ralston Purina Company,
                               Eveready Battery Company and Agribrands
                               International, Inc. (Exhibit D to the Agreement
                               and Plan of Reorganization between Ralston
                               Purina Company and Energizer Holdings, Inc.
                               filed as an exhibit to the Company's 8-K
                               dated  April  1,  2000).

                 (xxi)    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                          September 21, 2000 with Chief Executive Officer
                          and other executive officers.*

                 (xxii)   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                          September 21, 2000 with Chief Financial  Officer.*

                 (xxiii)  Form of September 21, 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option
                          granted to non-management  Directors.*

                 (xxiv)   Form of Letter of Deferral of 2001 Salary and Bonus
                          Award.*

                 (xxv)    Form of Agreement for Deferral of 2000 Annual
                          Cash Bonus.*

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

                 (xxvii)  Form of Payment Election Form for Supplemental
                          Executive Retirement Plan.*

                 (xxviii) Excerpt of March  16, 2000 Human Resources Committee
                          meeting minutes amending 1998 Leveraged Incentive
                          Plan.*

                 (xxix)   Form of Letter of Deferral of Potential 1998
                          Leveraged Incentive Plan  Award.*

                 (xxx)    Form of Letter of Deferral of Potential Executive
                          Incentive Compensation Plan Award for Chief
                          Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.*

                 (xxxi)   2000 Leveraged Incentive Plan, adopted effective
                          October 1, 2000.*

                 (xxxii)  Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan
                          adopted May 24, 1999.*

                 (xxxiii)  Forms of Executive Savings Investment Plan Deferral
                           and Payment Election Form for Chief Executive
                           Officer and other participants.*

                 (xxxiv)   Form of Letter of Deferral of Potential Management
                           Continuity Severance Benefits.*

                 (xxxv)    Resolutions dated July 22, 1999 and March 16, 2000
                           amending the Grantor Trust.*

                 (xxxvi)   Consent and Agreement between Ralston Purina Company,
                           Agribrands International, Inc. and Cargill,
                           Incorporated dated December 1, 2000.

                 (xxxvii)  2000 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Chief
                           Executive Officer.*

                 (xxxviii) 2000 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Chairman
                           of the Board.*

                 (xxxix)   Ralston Purina Company 1996 Incentive Stock Plan,
                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the
                           Ralston Purina Company Notice of Annual Meeting
                           and  Proxy  Statement  dated  December  15,  1995.*

                 (xl)      Ralston Purina Company 1999 Incentive Stock Plan,
                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the
                           Ralston Purina Company Notice of Annual Meeting
                           and Proxy Statement dated December 11, 1998.*

(13)     Pages  12 through 49 of the  Ralston  Purina Company Annual Report to
         Shareholders 2000, 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     Financial  Data  Schedule  for  2000  Annual  Period
        27.ii    Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for three month
                 period ended December  31, 1999
        27.iii   Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for  1999  Annual  Period
                 Restated  Financial Data Schedule for nine month period ended
                 June 30, 1999
                 Restated  Financial Data Schedule for six month period ended
                 March 31, 1999
                 Restated Financial Data Schedule for three month period ended
                 December 31, 1998
        27.iv    Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for  1998  Annual  Period



*  Denotes  a  management  contract  or  compensatory  plan  or  arrangement.


2.     A  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated  July 24, 2000 was filed by the
       Company to announce its decision to exchange for cash its 7% Exchangeable
       Notes ("SAILS") due August 1, 2000, pursuant to the provisions of the
       SAILS.  The Report also disclosed an amendment to the Shareholder
       Agreement with Interstate Bakeries  Corporation  ("IBC") and a Share
       Purchase Agreement with IBC regarding the sale by the Company of a
       certain amount of shares of IBC Common Stock to IBC.



                        FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SCHEDULES

The  consolidated  financial statements of the Registrant have been incorporated
by  reference  under  Item  8.  Financial  statements  of  the entities in which
Registrant's ownership interest is 50% or less 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 21, 2000


<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has  been signed below on December 21, 2000, by the following persons on behalf
of  the  registrant  and  in  the  capacities  indicated.


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

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

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

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

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

/s/  David  R.  Banks
-------------------------------     Director
     David  R.  Banks

/s/  John  H.  Biggs
-------------------------------     Director
     John  H.  Biggs

/s/  Donald  Danforth,  Jr.
-------------------------------     Director
     Donald  Danforth,  Jr.

/s/  William  H.  Danforth
-------------------------------     Director
     William  H.  Danforth

/s/  David  C.  Farrell
-------------------------------     Director
     David  C.  Farrell



<PAGE>


/s/  M.  Darrell  Ingram
--------------------------------     Director
     M.  Darrell  Ingram


/s/  Richard  A.  Liddy
--------------------------------     Director
     Richard  A.  Liddy

/s/  John  F.  McDonnell
--------------------------------     Director
     John  F.  McDonnell

/s/  Katherine  D.  Ortega
--------------------------------     Director
     Katherine  D.  Ortega

/s/  Ronald  L.  Thompson
--------------------------------     Director
     Ronald  L.  Thompson


EXHIBIT  INDEX
--------------

Exhibits
--------

EX-3.ii        The  Bylaws  of Ralston Purina Company, as amended
               November 16, 2000

EX-10          Material  Contracts

               10.xxi        Form  of  Non-Qualified Stock Option dated
                             September 21, 2000 with Chief Executive Officer
                             and  other  executive  officers.

               10.xxii       Form of Non-Qualified Stock  Option dated
                             September 21, 2000 with Chief  Financial  Officer.

               10.xxiii      Form  of  September  21, 2000 Non-Qualified Stock
                             Option granted to non-management  Directors.

               10.xxiv       Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  2001  Salary
                             and Bonus Award.

               10.xxv        Form  of  Agreement  for  Deferral  of  2000
                             Annual Cash Bonus.

               10.xxvi       Forms  for  Deferral  Elections under the Deferred
                             Compensation Plan for  Non-Management  Directors.

               10.xxvii      Form of Payment Election Form for Supplemental
                             Executive Retirement Plan.

               10.xxviii     Excerpt  of  March  16,  2000  Human  Resources
                             Committee meeting minutes  amending  1998
                             Leveraged Incentive  Plan.

               10.xxix       Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral of Potential 1998
                             Leveraged Incentive Plan  Award.

               10.xxx        Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  Potential
                             Executive  Incentive Compensation Plan Award for
                             Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
                             Officer.

               10.xxxi       2000 Leveraged  Incentive  Plan, adopted effective
                             October 1, 2000.

               10.xxxii      Group  Personal  Excess  Liability  Insurance Plan
                             adopted May 24, 1999.

               10.xxxiii     Forms of  Executive  Savings  Investment Plan
                             Deferral and Payment Election  Form  for  Chief
                             Executive  Officer  and  other  participants.

               10.xxxiv      Form  of  Letter  of  Deferral  of  Potential
                             Management Continuity Severance  Benefits.

               10.xxxv       Resolutions  dated  July  22,  1999  and
                             March 16, 2000 amending the
                             Grantor  Trust.

               10.xxxvi      Consent and Agreement between Ralston Purina
                             Company, Agribrands International, Inc. and
                             Cargill, Incorporated dated December 1, 2000.

               10.xxxvii     2000 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Chief
                             Executive Officer.

               10.xxxviii    2000 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with
                             Chairman of the Board.

EX-13          Pages 12 through 49  of the Ralston Purina Company Annual Report
               to Shareholders  2000

EX-21          Subsidiaries  of  the  Registrant

EX-23          Consent  of  Independent  Accountants

EX-27          Financial  Data  Schedule
               27.i   Financial Data Schedule for 2000 Annual Period
                      (provided electronically)
               27.ii  Restated Financial Data Schedule for three month period
                      ended December 31, 1999
                      (provided electronically)
               27.iii Restated Financial Data Schedule for 1999 Annual Period
                      Restated Financial Data Schedule for nine month period
                      ended June 30, 1999
                      Restated Financial Data Schedule for six month period
                      ended March 31, 1999
                      Restated Financial Data Schedule for three month period
                      ended December 31, 1998
                      (provided electronically)
               27.iv  Restated Financial Data Schedule for 1998 Annual Period
                      (provided electronically)


Exhibit 27.i
        27.ii
        27.iii
        27.iv
(Documents prepared on Edgar)