SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                        For Quarter Ended March 31, 1999

                           Commission File No. 1-4582


                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
                             ----------------------
           -----------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                        MISSOURI               43-0470580
          ------------------------------------------------------------
        (State of Incorporation)     (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                  CHECKERBOARD SQUARE, ST. LOUIS MISSOURI 63164
          ------------------------------------------------------------
             (Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)

                                 (314) 982-1000
          ------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Registrant (1) 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 (2)
has  been  subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90  days.

                         YES:      X          NO:    _____
                               -----

Number  of shares of Ralston Purina common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding as
of  the  close  of  business  on  May  7,  1999.

                                     325,710,069
                                   ----------------

<PAGE>
PART  I  -          FINANCIAL  INFORMATION



                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

                            OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                  (Dollars in millions except per share data)
      ----------------------------------------------------------------



OPERATING  RESULTS

Net  earnings  for the six months ended March 31, 1999  were $284.0, or $.92 and
$.89  per  share  on  a  basic and diluted basis, respectively.  Included in net
earnings for the current six months is an after-tax charge of $35.0, or $.11 per
basic  and  diluted share, associated with the write-down of fixed assets of the
Original  Equipment  Manufacturers'  (OEM)  rechargeable battery business.  Also
included  in  the current six month net earnings is an unrealized after-tax gain
of  $93.3,  or  $.30  and  $.29  per  basic  and  diluted  share,  respectively,
representing  a  market  value  adjustment  of  the Company's stock appreciation
income  linked  securities  (SAILS)  debt.

The  fiscal  1998 six-month net earnings of $940.4, or $3.04 and $2.85 per basic
and  diluted share, respectively, included several unusual items which increased
net  earnings  by $7.3, an after-tax gain on the sale of Soy Protein Products of
$705.1 (pre-tax gain of $1.1 billion) and income from discontinued operations of
$9.1.  The Soy Protein Products business was sold to E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company  (DuPont)  on  December 3, 1997.  Discontinued operations consist of Soy
Protein  Products  through  the sale date, Agricultural Products, which was spun
off  on  April  1,  1998,  and  transaction  costs associated with the spin-off.

The  following  unusual  items included in the prior year six-month results were
recorded  in  the  prior  year  second  quarter.  First, the Company recorded an
after-tax  gain  of  $9.5,  or  $.03 per basic and diluted share, on the sale of
shares  of  Interstate  Bakeries  Corporation  (IBC) stock.  Second, the Company
recorded  a  capital  loss  tax benefit of $41.5, or $.13 and $.12 per basic and
diluted  share,  respectively,  associated with past restructuring actions.  The
third  unusual  item  is an after-tax restructuring charge of $43.7, or $.14 and
$.13  per  share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, which was primarily
related  to  the Company's rechargeable business but which also included charges
for  a  voluntary early retirement option offered to most U.S. Battery Products'
employees  meeting certain age and service requirements, reduced by the reversal
of  prior  period  restructuring  charges.

Earnings  from  continuing  operations  before the unusual items described above
increased  $6.8 in the current six months, or 3.1%, to $225.7 compared to $218.9
for the same period in the prior year.  The increase in earnings is attributable
to  higher Pet Products' operating earnings and an additional quarter's dividend
income from the Company's investment in DuPont common stock, partially offset by
lower Battery Products' operating earnings.  Earnings also benefited from second
quarter  mark-to-market  adjustments  on  liabilities  denominated  in  share
equivalents.    Earnings  per  share  from continuing operations, before unusual
items, for the six months ended March 31, 1999 were $.73 and $.71 on a basic and
diluted  basis,  respectively,  compared  to  $.69  and  $.66 in the prior year.

For  the  quarter  ended  March  31, 1999, net earnings were $107.2, or $.34 per
basic  and  diluted  share,  compared  to  $79.9, or $.25 and $.24 per basic and
diluted share, respectively, for the same quarter in 1998.  Net earnings for the
current  quarter  include  the  aforementioned  $35.0  after-tax  fixed  asset
write-down and an unrealized after-tax gain of $48.4 representing a market value
adjustment of the Company's SAILS debt.   Net earnings for the prior year second
quarter  include  a  loss  from  discontinued operations of $6.6 and the unusual
items recorded in the second quarter of 1998 as described above.   Earnings from
continuing  operations, before unusual items, increased $14.6, or 18.4%, for the
quarter  to $93.8, compared to $79.2 in the prior year second quarter. Basic and
diluted  earnings  per  share,  before  unusual  items, were $.30 in the current
quarter  compared  to  basic  and  diluted  earnings  per  share from continuing
operations,  before  unusual  items,  of  $.25  and  $.24  a  year  ago.

The  earnings  increase  in  the  quarter  resulted  primarily  from  higher Pet
Products'  operating  earnings,  partially  offset  by  lower  Battery Products'
operating  earnings,  largely  due to continued declines in the OEM rechargeable
battery  business.    Earnings  also benefited from the mark-to-mark adjustments
recorded  in  the  quarter.

RESULTS  OF  CONTINUING  OPERATIONS

Net sales were flat in the six months ended March 31, 1999 and increased 1.8% in
the  quarter  on  increased  Pet  Product  sales,  offset  and partially offset,
respectively,  by decreases in Battery Product sales.  See the following section
for  comments  on  sales  changes  by  Business  Segment.

Gross  profit  as a percentage of sales was 51.2% in the current year six months
compared  to  50.7%  a  year  ago.    In  the  current quarter, the gross profit
percentage  was  also 51.2%, compared to 50.6% in the prior year second quarter.
The  increased  percentage  in  both  current  year  periods  reflects  margin
improvements  in  Pet  Products  and  increased  sales  in the higher margin Pet
Products  segment,  partially  offset  by decreased margins in Battery Products.

Selling,  general  and administrative expenses decreased 1.6% in the current six
months  and  6.5%  in  the  quarter  due  primarily  to favorable mark-to-market
adjustments  in  the  quarter  on  liabilities denominated in share equivalents.
Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses decreased to 19.1% and 19.9% of
sales  in  the  current six-month period and current quarter, respectively, from
19.3%  and  21.6%  in  the  same  periods  a  year  ago.

Advertising  and  promotion expense increased 2.4% in the current six months and
3.0% in the current quarter due to increased spending in Pet Products, partially
offset  by  lower  spending  in  Battery  Products.    As a percentage of sales,
advertising  and promotion expense was 15.3% and 15.7% in the current six months
and  second  quarter,  respectively,  compared  to  14.9%  and 15.5% in the same
periods  a  year  ago.

Other income/expense, net, was $6.7 favorable for the six months.  The favorable
variance  for  the  six  months  was  primarily  due  to an additional quarter's
dividend  income  from  the  Company's  investment in DuPont common stock in the
current  year.

Income  taxes,  which  include  federal, state and foreign taxes, were 35.7% and
35.2%  of  pre-tax  earnings  before  equity  earnings for the current six-month
period  and  current  quarter,  respectively.    Income taxes for the prior year
periods  include the recognition of a capital loss tax benefit of  $41.5 related
to  past  restructuring  actions.    In  addition, the income tax percentage was
favorably  impacted  in  the  prior  year  by  the  reversal  of  prior  period
restructuring  charges  for  which  no tax benefit had been recorded.  Excluding
these items, income taxes were 35.5% and 34.2% of pre-tax earnings before equity
earnings  for  the  prior  year  six  months  and  second quarter, respectively.

BUSINESS  SEGMENTS

Sales  for the Pet Products segment increased 5.9% in the six months and 4.0% in
the quarter primarily on higher volumes, and also on the inclusion of sales from
the  Company's  December 1997 acquisition of Edward Baker Petfoods, based in the
United  Kingdom, in the six months.  Operating profit increased significantly in
both  periods  due  to  the  sales increase coupled with lower ingredient costs,
partially  offset  in  the  six  months  by  an  unfavorable  package  size mix.

Sales for the Battery Products segment decreased 7.2% in the six months and 1.6%
in  the  quarter  over the same periods in the prior year.  In the six months, a
strong  second  quarter  volume  increase  in  North America was offset by North
American  volume declines in the first quarter, decreased international volumes,
particularly  in  the  emerging markets of Asia and South America, and decreased
rechargeable  battery  sales,  particularly  to the OEM market.  In the quarter,
significant  volume  increases  and favorable product mix in alkaline and carbon
zinc  batteries in North America were offset by volume declines in international
markets  and  decreased  OEM  rechargeable  sales.    Excluding sales of the OEM
rechargeable  battery  business  and  the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange
rates,  sales  declined  3.6%  in  the  six months and were flat in the quarter.

Operating  profit  before  unusual  items  for  Battery  Products  decreased
substantially  in  the  six  months  on declines in the OEM rechargeable battery
business,  impacts  of foreign exchange, primarily in the first quarter, and the
volume  decline  in  the  international  markets.    Operating  profit decreased
significantly  in  the  quarter,  primarily attributable to the OEM rechargeable
business  and  the  international  sales decline.  These declines were partially
offset by significant operating profit improvements in North America, reflecting
volume  increases  and  product  mix  improvements.

Due  to  the  continued  decline  in  sales and earnings of the OEM rechargeable
battery  business,  the  Company  announced  that  it will exit this business by
fiscal  year  end.    This  exit  will allow the Company to focus on its primary
battery  business  and  the  competitive  challenges  facing that business.  The
Company  has  commenced  an  auction  process  for the business and has taken an
after-tax charge of $35.0 representing an impairment loss on the fixed assets of
this business.  The Company expects to take additional after-tax charges related
to  this exit in the range of $25 to $45 in the second half of this fiscal year.

The  OEM  rechargeable  business  contributed  sales  of  $64.2 and $33.8 in the
current  six  months  and  quarter, respectively, compared to sales of $85.0 and
$36.0 in the comparable periods of last year.  Pre-tax operating losses for this
business were $9.1 and $4.7 in the current quarter and six months, respectively,
compared  to  pre-tax  operating  earnings of $5.7 and $2.1 for the same periods
last  year.

The  Company expects to receive net after-tax cash proceeds of at least $65 from
the  exit  of  this  business.

FINANCIAL  CONDITION

The  Company's    primary  source  of  liquidity  is  cash  flow  generated from
operations.    The  Company's  investments  in DuPont and IBC provide additional
sources  of  liquidity.  For the six months ended March 31, 1999, cash flow from
operations was $345.1 compared to cash flow from continuing operations of $245.4
in  the  six  months  ended  March  31,  1998.  The increase in cash flow in the
current  six  months  results  from  higher cash earnings and changes in working
capital  items,  primarily  decreased  accounts  receivable  and  inventories.

Current  liabilities  exceeded  current assets by $24.6 at March 31, 1999 and by
$54.5  at September 30, 1998.  The slightly improved working capital position at
March  31,  1999  results  from  a  decrease in notes payable, largely offset by
decreases  in  accounts  receivable  and  inventories.

During  the  prior  year  six  months,  the  Company  used the proceeds from the
issuance  of  short-term  debt  primarily  for  the  acquisition of Edward Baker
Petfoods  for  $182.5.

In December 1997, the Company sold its Soy Protein Products operations to DuPont
for  $1,554.2,  comprised  of  22.5 million shares of DuPont common stock (which
stock  was  valued  at  $1,399.2 at purchase date) and the assumption of certain
liabilities.  This non-cash transaction resulted in an after-tax gain of $705.1.

On February 3, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the purchase of
up  to  eight million shares of Ralston Purina Company common stock (RAL stock).
As  of  May  7,  1999,  approximately  6,014,000  shares  remained  under  this
authorization  for the purchase of RAL stock.  This authorization is in addition
to  a  continuing  authorization  permitting the Company to acquire from time to
time,  at  prevailing market prices, shares of RAL stock that may be offered for
sale  by  the  trustee  of  the Company's Savings Investment Plan as a result of
investment  directions  from  participants  in  the  plan.

RESTRUCTURING  ACTIVITIES

During  the  current  quarter,  the  Company  recorded  an  after-tax impairment
write-down  of $35.0 related to the fixed assets of the OEM rechargeable battery
business.      On  a  pre-tax basis, this charge was $56.7.  In 1998 the Company
recorded an after-tax impairment write-down totaling $66.4, primarily related to
the  Company's  investment  in  lithium  ion  rechargeable battery manufacturing
assets.  These assets of the rechargeable business, which are currently held for
sale,  have  a  carrying  value  of  $16.5  at  March  31,  1999.

During  the six months ended March 31, 1998, the Company recorded provisions for
restructuring  totaling  $43.7,  after  tax.    On  a pre-tax basis, charges for
restructuring  were  $74.8  and  consisted  of  cash costs of $13.2 and non-cash
charges  of $61.6.  Included in the total pre-tax charge of $74.8 are impairment
write-downs  totaling  $66.4,  as discussed above.  This provision also included
charges  of  $9.9,  pre-tax,  for a voluntary early retirement option offered to
most  U.S.  Battery  Products'  employees  meeting  certain  age  and  service
requirements.    The  total charge and the non-cash component are net of an $8.0
reversal  of  prior  period  restructuring  charges.

During  the  current  six months, approximately 200 employees were terminated in
connection  with  restructuring  accruals  established  in  prior  years.  These
provisions  were primarily related to the voluntary early retirement option, the
continued  rationalization of Battery Products' production capacity and business
structure  and restructuring of the Company's international pet food operations.
Activities impacting the restructuring reserve during the six months ended March
31,  1999  were  as  follows:

Reserve  balance  at  September  30,  1998                                $57.3
Provision  recorded                                                        56.7
Portion of current period provision classified   
    as property write-downs                                               (56.7)
Termination  benefits  paid                                               (24.1)
Other  cash exit costs incurred                                            (3.5)
Decrease  due  to  translation                                             (0.1)
                                                                       ---------
Reserve  balance  at  March  31,  1999                                  $  29.6
                                                                         =======

SAILS  MARK-TO-MARKET  ADJUSTMENT

Results  for  the  current  six  months  include an unrealized after-tax gain of
$93.3,  or $.30 and $.29 per basic and diluted share, respectively, representing
a  market  value  adjustment  of  the Company's stock appreciation income linked
securities  (SAILS)  debt.    On  a  pre-tax  basis, this gain was $145.8.  This
unrealized  gain represents the difference between the debt's value at issuance,
or $480, and the current cash settlement value of the debt based on 15.5 million
shares  of  Interstate  Bakeries Corporation (IBC) common stock and an IBC stock
price  of  $21.5625  at March 31, 1999.  For the current quarter, the unrealized
gain  was  $48.4,  after-tax, or $.15 per basic and diluted share.  On a pre-tax
basis,  the  current  quarter  gain  was  $75.6.

At  maturity  on  August  1, 2000, the SAILS are mandatorily exchangeable into a
number  of  shares  of  IBC  common  stock owned by the Company, or cash, at the
Company's  option.   The number of shares or the amount of cash will be based on
the  average  market price of IBC stock on the 20 trading days prior to maturity
(the IBC Maturity Price).  If the IBC Maturity Price is greater than or equal to
$37.7819,  the  SAILS will be exchangeable at maturity into 12.70 million shares
of IBC stock.  If the IBC Maturity Price is $30.96875 or less, the SAILS will be
exchangeable  into 15.50 million shares of IBC stock.  If the IBC Maturity Price
is  between $30.96875 and $37.7819, the SAILS will be exchangeable into a number
of  shares  of  IBC stock between 15.50 million and 12.70 million, respectively,
based  on  an  exchange  ratio.

For  accounting  purposes,  terms  of the SAILS require them to be marked to the
cash value of the underlying IBC common shares into which they may be exchanged.
Accordingly,  a  market value adjustment is required for the SAILS debt when the
IBC  stock  price  is  outside  the range of $30.96875 and $37.7819.  If the IBC
stock  price is greater than $37.7819, the Company records an unrealized loss on
the  SAILS  debt, and if the IBC stock price is less than $30.96875, the Company
records  an  unrealized  gain.

The  Company's investment in IBC is included in Investments and Other Assets and
is  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method of accounting, which results in a
carrying  value  different  from  the  current  market  value of the investment.

ESOP  CONVERSION

At the end of December 1998, the Company converted all of the outstanding shares
of Series A 6.75% Preferred Stock (Redeemable Preferred Stock) into RAL stock in
accordance  with  terms  of  the  Redeemable  Preferred  Stock.   To effect this
conversion,  the Company issued 13,505,609 shares held in Treasury and 2,209,192
authorized  but  previously  unissued  shares  of  RAL  stock.

YEAR  2000  UPDATE

The  Company  is  progressing with its plans and active projects to achieve 100%
Year  2000  readiness in its key application systems software, computer hardware
and  operating  systems  software, and various other systems containing embedded
chip  technology  before  the  turn  of  the  millennium.

The Company estimates that more than 90% of its application systems software has
been  modified  or replaced, which includes a higher level of remediation in the
United  States  than  in  other  world  areas.    Testing  has been completed on
approximately  80%  of  the  Company's  modified or replaced application systems
software.  The remaining application systems software is in the process of being
modified  or  replaced  and  tested,  with  completion,  in all but a few cases,
targeted  for  June  1999.

Approximately  93%  of  the  Company's  computer  hardware and operating systems
software  have been modified or replaced, of which 95% have been tested for Year
2000  readiness.    Upgrade/replacement  and  Year 2000 readiness testing of all
computer  hardware  and  operating  systems  software is targeted for June 1999.

The inventory of systems that contain embedded chip technology is progressing as
planned,  and  these  systems are in the process of being verified for Year 2000
readiness.    Testing and upgrade/replacement of all impacted systems containing
embedded  chip  technology  is  targeted  for  completion  in  July  1999.

The  estimated  total  cost  for  the  Company to achieve Year 2000 readiness is
approximately  $36,  of  which  $29  has  been  expended through March 31, 1999.

The  Company's  Year  2000  contingency  planning  efforts  are ongoing and will
continue to evolve as new information becomes available; however, a base plan is
targeted for completion in June 1999.  Contingency plans to address specifically
identified  Year  2000  risks  may  include  increasing  raw material, packaging
material and inventory levels in key manufacturing locations, securing alternate
sources  of  supply, distribution and warehousing, developing manual workarounds
and  other  appropriate  measures.    The Company's critical suppliers and major
customers  have  been  contacted  regarding  Year  2000  issues.  Because of the
uncertainties  associated  with  assessing  the  ability  of major suppliers and
customers  to  complete  the  remediation  of  their  systems in time to prevent
operational  difficulties,  the  Company  will  continue to contact and/or visit
these  business  partners  to  gain  assurances  that  no  significant  adverse
consequences  will  result  due  to  failure  to  complete  remediation of their
systems.

FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS

Statements  in  this  document  that  are  not  historical  are  forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.    The  Company  cautions  readers  not  to  place  undue  reliance on any
forward-looking  statements,  which  speak  only  as  of  the  date  made.

The  Company  advises readers that various risks and uncertainties could affect
its  financial  performance  and  could  cause  the Company's actual results for
future  periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.  These
risks  and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:  the effect of general
economic  conditions;  fluctuations  in  supply  and  demand  for  the Company's
products;  competition and competitive pricing pressures in the battery products
and  pet products industries, both domestically and internationally; significant
increases  in  operating  expenses,  including  the  cost of raw materials; cash
proceeds  realized  upon the exit of the OEM rechargeable business could be less
than anticipated, and charges related to the exit could be greater; fluctuations
in  the  value  of the Company's investments in DuPont and IBC common stock; the
Year  2000 readiness of critical suppliers, customers and governmental agencies,
as  well  as  the  difficulty  of evaluating and remediating certain systems and
technologies  utilized  in  the  operation  of  the  Company's  businesses,  and
incremental  costs  associated  with evaluation and remediation; and other risks
detailed  from time to time in the Company's publicly-filed documents, including
its  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 1998, and its
current  report  on  Form  8-K  dated  January  26,  1999.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                             (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


                                                              QUARTER ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED 
                                                                 MARCH 31,             MARCH 31,
                                                              --------------       -----------------
                                                             1999        1998      1999       1998
                                                             ----        ----      ----       ----

<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Sales                                                  $1,130.2   $1,110.8   $2,422.0   $2,427.9 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Costs and Expenses
  Cost of products sold                                       551.6      548.9    1,181.3    1,197.1 
  Selling, general and administrative                         224.7      240.3      462.1      469.4 
  Advertising and promotion                                   177.0      171.9      371.1      362.3 
  Interest expense                                             45.2       49.3       94.9       95.6 
  Provisions for restructuring                                 56.7       74.8       56.7       74.8 
  Gain on sale of IBC stock                                       -      (14.7)         -      (14.7)
  Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                               (75.6)         -     (145.8)         - 
  Other (income)/expense, net                                  (2.1)      (6.2)     (13.1)      (6.4)
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              977.5    1,064.3    2,007.2    2,178.1 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings from Continuing Operations before
  Income Taxes and Equity Earnings                            152.7       46.5      414.8      249.8 

Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit                                (53.7)      31.6     (148.0)     (42.0)

Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                                   8.2        8.4       17.2       18.4 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings from Continuing Operations                           107.2       86.5      284.0      226.2 

Net Earnings/(Loss) from Discontinued Operations                  -       (6.6)         -        9.1 

Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations                           -          -          -      705.1 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Net Earnings                                                  107.2       79.9      284.0      940.4 

Preferred Stock Dividend, Net of Taxes                            -       (2.9)      (2.6)      (6.0)
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings Available to Common Shareholders                  $  107.2   $   77.0   $  281.4   $  934.4 
                                                           =========  =========  =========  =========

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share                   $   0.20   $   0.20   $   0.20   $   0.20 
                                                           =========  =========  =========  =========

Earnings Per Share
    Basic
      Earnings from continuing operations                  $   0.34   $   0.27   $   0.92   $   0.71 
      Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations            -      (0.02)         -       0.03 
      Gain on sale of discontinued operations                     -          -          -       2.30 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net Earnings                                         $   0.34   $   0.25   $   0.92   $   3.04 
                                                           =========  =========  =========  =========

    Diluted
      Earnings from continuing operations                  $   0.34   $   0.26   $   0.89   $   0.68 
      Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations            -      (0.02)         -       0.03 
      Gain on sale of discontinued operations                     -          -          -       2.14 
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net Earnings                                         $   0.34   $   0.24   $   0.89   $   2.85 
                                                           =========  =========  =========  =========


                            See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               (CONDENSED AND UNAUDITED)
                                 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

                                                               MARCH 31,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              ---------       -------------
                                                                 1999             1998
                                                                 ----             ----
                       ASSETS

<S>                                                               <C>        <C>
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                                       $   75.6   $   89.8 
  Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
    of $24.4 and $24.5, respectively                                 675.7      717.2 
  Inventories
    Raw materials and supplies                                       122.5      134.7 
    Work in process                                                  120.4      124.1 
    Finished products                                                317.3      341.6 
  Other current assets                                               112.8      120.1 
                                                                  ---------  ---------
    Total Current Assets                                           1,424.3    1,527.5 

Investments and Other Assets                                       2,973.9    2,908.2 

Property at Cost                                                   2,195.9    2,212.9 
  Accumulated depreciation                                         1,136.7    1,096.9 
                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                   1,059.2    1,116.0 
                                                                  ---------  ---------
      Total                                                       $5,457.4   $5,551.7 
                                                                  =========  =========


          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt                            $   64.9   $   37.1 
  Notes payable                                                      654.6      772.4 
  Accounts payable                                                   253.7      286.2 
  Other current liabilities                                          475.7      486.3 
                                                                  ---------  ---------
    Total Current Liabilities                                      1,448.9    1,582.0 

Long-Term Debt                                                     1,595.8    1,794.8 

Deferred Income Taxes                                                372.0      309.3 

Other Liabilities                                                    539.3      533.6 

Redeemable Preferred Stock                                               -      256.1 

Unearned ESOP Compensation                                               -      (13.2)

Shareholders Equity
  Preferred stock                                                        -          - 
  Common stock                                                        32.9       32.6 
  Capital in excess of par value                                     165.5      127.7 
  Retained earnings                                                1,723.6    2,067.0 
  Common stock in treasury, at cost                                  (59.3)    (766.3)
  Unearned portion of restricted stock                                (3.5)      (4.2)
  Value of common stock held in Grantor Trust                       (196.3)    (191.5)
    Cumulative translation adjustment                                (97.9)     (87.3)
    Net unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities     (63.6)     (88.9)
                                                                  ---------  ---------
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                            (161.5)    (176.2)
                                                                  ---------  ---------
    Total Shareholders Equity                                      1,501.4    1,089.1 
                                                                  ---------  ---------
      Total                                                       $5,457.4   $5,551.7 
                                                                  =========  =========

                 See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                             (CONDENSED AND UNAUDITED)
                               (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED 
                                                                     MARCH 31,
                                                                  ---------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>
                                                                    1999      1998 
                                                                 --------  --------
Cash Flow from Operations
  Net earnings                                                   $ 284.0   $ 940.4 
  Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                                   (145.8)        - 
  Gain on sale of discontinued operations                              -    (705.1)
  Net earnings from discontinued operations                            -      (9.1)
  Gain on sale of IBC stock                                            -     (14.7)
  Non-cash items included in income                                204.7     117.4 
  Changes in assets and liabilities used in operations              53.5     (67.4)
  Other, net                                                       (51.3)    (16.1)
                                                                 --------  --------
    Cash flow from continuing operations                           345.1     245.4 
    Cash flow from discontinued operations                             -     (18.9)
                                                                 --------  --------
      Net cash flow from operations                                345.1     226.5 
                                                                 --------  --------

Cash Flow from Investing Activities
  Acquisition of business                                              -    (182.5)
  Property additions, net                                          (81.2)   (116.1)
  Proceeds from sale of IBC stock                                      -      27.1 
  Other, net                                                        (5.9)     (5.1)
                                                                 --------  --------
    Cash used by investing activities - continuing operations      (87.1)   (276.6)
    Cash used by investing activities - discontinued operations        -    (107.5)
                                                                 --------  --------
      Net cash used by investing activities                        (87.1)   (384.1)
                                                                 --------  --------

Cash Flow from Financing Activities
    Net cash proceeds from (payment of) debt                      (126.4)    354.7 
    Dividends paid                                                 (69.9)    (71.8)
    Treasury stock purchases                                       (46.7)    (70.0)
    Stock repurchases in connection with ESOP                      (35.6)    (16.7)
    Other, net                                                       6.5      10.0 
                                                                 --------  --------
      Net cash provided (used) by financing activities            (272.1)    206.2 
                                                                 --------  --------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                             (0.1)    (11.4)
                                                                 --------  --------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents               (14.2)     37.2 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period                      89.8     109.1 
                                                                 --------  --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                         $  75.6   $ 146.3 
                                                                 ========  ========

              See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
</TABLE>


                    RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1999
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)


Note  1 - The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
accordance  with  the  instructions  for Form 10-Q and do not include all of the
information  and  footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for  complete  financial  statements.    In  the  opinion  of  management,  all
adjustments  considered  necessary  for  a fair presentation have been included.
Operating  results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results
for  any other quarter or for the full year.  These statements should be read in
conjunction  with  the  financial  statements  and notes thereto included in the
Ralston  Purina Company (the Company) Annual Report to Shareholders for the year
ended  September  30,  1998.

Note  2  -  During  the  quarter  and six-month period ended March 31, 1999, the
Company recorded provisions for restructuring totaling $35.0, after tax, or $.11
per  basic  and  diluted  share.    This charge represents a write-down of fixed
assets  of  the  Company's  Original  Equipment  Manufacturer (OEM) rechargeable
business.    On  a  pre-tax  basis,  this  charge  was  $56.7.

During  the  quarter  and  six-month  period  ended  March 31, 1998, the Company
recorded  after-tax  provisions for restructuring of $43.7, or $.14 and $.13 per
basic  and diluted share, respectively, primarily related to a write-down of the
Company's  investment  in lithium ion rechargeable battery manufacturing assets.
The  provision  also  included  charges  for a voluntary early retirement option
offered to most U.S. Battery Products' employees meeting certain age and service
requirements, reduced by the reversal of prior period restructuring charges.  On
a  pre-tax  basis, these charges were $74.8 and consisted of cash costs of $13.2
and  non-cash  charges  of  $61.6.

Note  3  -  During  the six months ended March 31, 1999, the Company recorded an
after-tax,  unrealized  gain  of $93.3, or $0.30 and $0.29 per basic and diluted
share,  respectively,  representing  a  market value adjustment of the Company's
stock  appreciation  income linked securities (SAILS) debt.  On a pre-tax basis,
this  gain  was  $145.8. The unrealized gain of $145.8 represents the difference
between  the  debt's value at issuance, or $480, and the current cash settlement
value  of  the  debt  based  on  15.5  million  shares  of  Interstate  Bakeries
Corporation  (IBC)  common stock and an IBC stock price of $21.5625 per share at
March  31, 1999.  For the quarter ended March 31, 1999, the unrealized after-tax
gain  was  $48.4,  or $.15 per basic and diluted share.  On a pre-tax basis, the
gain  for  the  quarter  was  $75.6.

At  maturity  on  August  1, 2000, the SAILS are mandatorily exchangeable into a
number  of  shares  of  IBC  common  stock owned by the Company, or cash, at the
Company's  option.   The number of shares or the amount of cash will be based on
the  average  market price of IBC stock on the 20 trading days prior to maturity
(the IBC Maturity Price).  If the IBC Maturity Price is greater than or equal to
$37.7819  per  share,  the  SAILS  will  be  exchangeable at maturity into 12.70
million  shares  of IBC stock.  If the IBC Maturity Price is $30.96875 per share
or  less, the SAILS will be exchangeable into 15.50 million shares of IBC stock.
If the IBC Maturity Price is between $30.96875 and $37.7819 per share, the SAILS
will  be exchangeable into a number of shares of IBC stock between 15.50 million
and  12.70  million,  respectively,  based  on  an  exchange  ratio.

For  accounting  purposes,  terms  of the SAILS require them to be marked to the
cash value of the underlying IBC common shares into which they may be exchanged.
Accordingly,  a  market value adjustment is required for the SAILS debt when the
IBC  stock  price  is outside the range of $30.96875 and $37.7819 per share.  If
the  IBC  stock price is greater than $37.7819 per share, the Company records an
unrealized  loss  on  the  SAILS  debt,  and if the IBC stock price is less than
$30.96875  per  share,  the  Company  records  an  unrealized  gain.

The  Company's investment in IBC is included in Investments and Other Assets and
is  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method of accounting, which results in a
carrying  value  different  from  the  current  market  value of the investment.

Note  4  -  During  the  quarter  and six month period ended March 31, 1998, the
Company  recognized  a  capital  loss tax benefit of $41.5, or $.13 and $.12 per
basic  and  diluted  share,  respectively,  for  both  the quarter and six-month
periods.  This  tax  benefit  was  related  to  past  restructuring  actions.

Note  5  -  During  the  quarter  and six month period ended March 31, 1998, the
Company  sold  shares  of  its  investment  in  IBC  common  stock for $27.1 and
recognized  an  after-tax gain of $9.5, or $.03 per basic and diluted share, for
both  the  quarter  and  six-month  periods.

Note  6 - On December 3, 1997, the Company completed the sale of the Soy Protein
Products  business to E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) for $1,554.2,
comprised  of 22.5 million shares of DuPont common stock (which stock was valued
at  $1,399.2 at the date of purchase) and the assumption of certain liabilities.
During  the quarter ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain
on  the  sale  of  the  Soy  Protein  Products  business  of $1.1 billion and an
after-tax  gain  of  $705.1,  or  $2.30  and  $2.14 per basic and diluted share,
respectively.

Note  7  - Discontinued operations consist of the Company's Soy Protein Products
business through the sale date (see Note 6), the Agricultural Products business,
which  was  spun off on April 1, 1998, and transaction costs associated with the
spin-off.

<PAGE>

Note 8 - In the first quarter of the current year, the Company adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." The
Company  has  restated  its  balance  sheet  at  September  30,  1998 to reflect
"Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Income,"  in accordance with this statement.

The  components  of  total  comprehensive  income  for the quarter and six-month
periods  ended  March  31,  1999  and  1998  are  as  follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Quarter Ended         Six Months Ended
                                                -------------         ----------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                             3/31/99    3/31/98    3/31/99    3/31/98 
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Earnings                                $  107.2   $   79.9   $  284.0   $  940.4 
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax    
  Foreign currency translation adjustments     (20.1)     (37.4)     (10.6)     (50.1)
  Unrealized gains on available-for-sale        71.7      116.3       25.3       85.7 
           Securities                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total Other Comprehensive Income                51.6       78.9       14.7       35.6 
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
   Total Comprehensive Income               $  158.8   $  158.8   $  298.7   $  976.0 
                                            =========  =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>

Note  9  -  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings  per  share for the quarters and six-month periods ended March 31, 1999
and  1998.   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      
                              RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                         MARCH 31, 1999
                           (Dollars in millions except per share data)

                                                         Quarter  Ended   Six Months Ended 
                                                            March  31,        March 31,
                                                         --------------   -----------------
                                                          1999    1998       1999   1998
                                                          ----    ----       ----   ----
Numerator:
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
   Earnings from continuing operations                    $107.2  $ 86.5   $284.0   $226.2 
   Preferred stock dividends                                   -    (2.9)    (2.6)    (6.0)
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
   Numerator for basic earnings per share -
        Earnings from continuing operations
          available to common shareholders                $107.2  $ 83.6   $281.4   $220.2 

   Effect of dilutive securities:
        ESOP stock                                             -     2.6      2.4      5.3 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
   Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
        Earnings from continuing operations
          available to common shareholders                $107.2  $ 86.2   $283.8   $225.5 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
        Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations  $    -  $ (6.6)  $    -   $  9.1 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
        Gain on sale of discontinued operations           $    -  $    -   $    -   $705.1 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------

Denominator:
   Denominator for basic earnings per share -
          weighted average shares *                        314.5   308.1    306.7    307.7 

   Effect of dilutive securities:
          ESOP stock                                           -    17.1      8.1     17.8 
          Stock options                                      3.0     4.6      3.5      4.2 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
   Dilutive potential common shares                          3.0    21.7     11.6     22.0 

   Denominator for diluted earnings per
          share - adjusted weighted average
          shares and assumed conversions                   317.5   329.8    318.3    329.7 
                                                          ======  =======  =======  =======

Basic earnings per share:
   Earnings from continuing operations                    $ 0.34  $ 0.27   $ 0.92   $ 0.71 
   Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations            -   (0.02)       -     0.03 
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations                     -       -        -     2.30 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
   Net earnings                                           $ 0.34  $ 0.25   $ 0.92   $ 3.04 
                                                          ======  =======  =======  =======

Diluted earnings per share:
   Earnings from continuing operations                    $ 0.34  $ 0.26   $ 0.89   $ 0.68 
   Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations            -   (0.02)       -     0.03 
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations                     -       -        -     2.14 
                                                          ------  -------  -------  -------
   Net earnings                                           $ 0.34  $ 0.24   $ 0.89   $ 2.85 
                                                          ======  =======  =======  =======

</TABLE>
*  Weighted  average  shares used for the computation of basic earnings per
   share  excludes  13,621,000  and  13,002,000 shares of common stock held by
   the Company's Grantor Trust at March 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.


Note  10 - Other (income)/expense, net, for the six months ended March 31, 1999
and  1998,  consists  of  the  following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  March  31,
                                              1999          1998
                                              ----          ----
<S>                                            <C>          <C>
Net translation and exchange loss            $  7.9       $ 8.8 
Dividends on DuPont common stock              (15.8)       (7.1)
Other investment income                        (5.9)       (8.3)
Miscellaneous (income)/expense                  0.7         0.2 
                                             -------      ------
                                             $(13.1)      $(6.4)
                                             =======      ======
</TABLE>


Note  11  -  At  the  end  of  December  1998, the Company converted all of the
outstanding  shares  of  Series  A  6.75%  Preferred Stock (Redeemable Preferred
Stock)  into Ralston Purina Company common stock (RAL Stock), in accordance with
terms of the Redeemable Preferred Stock.  To effect this conversion, the Company
issued  13,505,609  Treasury  shares  and  2,209,192  authorized  but previously
unissued  shares  of  RAL  Stock.

Note 12 - In December 1997, the Company acquired Edward Baker Petfoods, a United
Kingdom  manufacturer  of  extruded complete pet foods and a supplier of branded
and  private  label  products  to  the  European  market,  for  $182.5.

Note  13  -  On  March  31,  1999, there were 312,758,000 shares of common stock
outstanding,  exclusive  of  2,174,000  shares  held  in treasury and 13,621,000
Grantor  Trust  shares.  At September 30, 1998, there were 298,958,000 shares of
common  stock  outstanding,  exclusive of 13,875,000 shares held in treasury and
13,470,000  Grantor  Trust  shares.

Note  14  -  Investments  and  Other  Assets  consist  of  the  following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    Mar. 31,   Sept. 30,
                                      1999       1998
                                      ----       ----
<S>                                    <C>        <C>
Goodwill                             $  522.4  $  545.9
Other intangible assets                 224.5     231.2
Investments in affiliated companies     339.2     319.3
Available-for-sale securities         1,322.7   1,281.2
Deferred charges and other assets       565.1     530.6
                                     --------  --------
                                     $2,973.9  $2,908.2
                                     ========  ========
</TABLE>

Note  15  -  Available-for-sale  securities at March 31, 1999 and September 30,
1998  consist  primarily of shares of DuPont common stock obtained in connection
with  the  sale  of  the  Company's  Soy Protein Products business (see Note 6).
Available-for-sale  securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted market
prices.    The difference between fair value and cost basis of these securities,
net  of  tax,  is  shown  as  a  separate  component  within  Accumulated  Other
Comprehensive  Income  in  the  shareholders  equity section of the Consolidated
Balance Sheet.  The table below shows the aggregate fair value, gross unrealized
holding  loss, tax benefit, and net unrealized holding loss for these securities
as  of  September  30,  1998  and March 31, 1999.  The changes in net unrealized
holding loss, net of tax, for the quarters and six-month periods ended March 31,
1999 and 1998 are included as a component of Other Comprehensive Income as shown
in  Note  8,  above.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                    Gross                          Net 
                    Aggregate     Unrealized                   Unrealized
                    Fair Value   Holding Loss   Tax Benefit   Holding Loss
                    -----------  ------------   -----------   ------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>
March 31, 1999       $1,322.7      ($99.4)       $35.8          ($63.6)
September 30, 1998   $1,281.2      ($138.9)      $50.0          ($88.9)


</TABLE>

PART  II  -          OTHER  INFORMATION
                      ------------------

There  is  no  information  required to be reported under any items except those
indicated  below.

Item  6.          Exhibits  and  Reports  on  Form  8-K
                  -------------------------------------

     (a)          Exhibits  filed  with  this  Report:

     (27)          Financial  Data  Schedule

     (b)          Reports  on  Form  8-K

          The  Current  Report  on Form 8-K which was filed on January 26, 1999,
was  reported in the Company's Form 10Q for the period ending December 31, 1998.


<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


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



                                  RALSTON  PURINA  COMPANY
                                  -----------------------------------------
                                  Registrant


                                  By:    /s/ James R. Elsesser
                                     James R. Elsesser
                                     Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



Date:    May  14,  1999


<PAGE>
EXHIBIT  INDEX
----------------------


     EX-27     Financial  Data  Schedule  for  Second  Quarter  1999
               (provided  electronically)


Exhibit  27
(Document  prepared  on  Edgar)