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 December 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  February  9,  2000:  301,817,726


<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 quarter ended December 31, 1999 were $242.8, or $.83 and
$.82  per  share  on  a  basic and diluted basis, respectively.  Included in net
earnings  for  the  current quarter is an unrealized after-tax gain of $48.4, or
$.16  per basic and diluted share, representing a market value adjustment of the
Company's  stock  appreciation  income  linked  securities  (SAILS)  debt.  Also
included  in  the  current  quarter  is  an  after-tax  reversal of prior years'
restructuring  provisions  of  $4.5,  or  $.02  per  basic  and  diluted  share.

The fiscal 1999 first quarter net earnings of $176.8, or $.58 and $.55 per basic
and diluted share, respectively, included an unrealized after-tax gain of $44.9,
or  $.15  and  $.14  per  basic  and diluted share, respectively, representing a
market  value  adjustment  of  the  Company's  SAILS  debt.

Earnings  before  the  unusual items discussed above were $189.9 for the quarter
ended  December 31, 1999 compared to $131.9 in the prior year quarter.  Earnings
increased  primarily on higher operating earnings.  Earnings per share excluding
unusual items were $.65 and $.64 on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for
the  current  quarter  compared  to  $.43  and  $.41  a  year  ago.

RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS
Net  sales increased 9.5% in the quarter ended December 31, 1999 on higher sales
in  each  of  the  Company's  operating segments.  See the following section for
comments  on  sales  changes  by  operating  segment.

Gross  profit  increased  18.6%  in  the current quarter due to increases in all
operating  segments.  As  a  percentage  of sales, gross profit was 55.6% in the
current  quarter  compared  to  51.4%  in  the  prior  year  first quarter.  The
increased  percentage  in  the  current  quarter  reflects  improved margins for
Battery  Products,  North  American  Pet  Foods  and  International  Pet  Foods.

Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  decreased  5.7% in the current
quarter  due  primarily  to  decreases  in  Battery  Products  and  favorable
mark-to-market  adjustments  on  liabilities  denominated  in share equivalents.
These  decreases were partially offset by higher expenses for North American Pet
Foods.  Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses were 15.9% and 18.5% of
sales  in  the  current  and  prior  year  first  quarters,  respectively.

Advertising  and promotion expense increased 18.8% in the current quarter due to
higher  spending  by  all  operating  segments.  As  a  percentage  of  sales,
advertising  and  promotion expense was 16.3% in the current quarter and 15.0% a
year  ago.  Other  income/expense,  net,  was  unfavorable  $5.0 for the quarter
primarily  due  to  lower  returns  on  other  investments.

Income  taxes,  which  include  federal,  state and foreign taxes, were 36.6% of
pre-tax  earnings  before  equity  earnings  for the current quarter compared to
36.0%  in  the  prior  year.

OPERATING  SEGMENTS
See Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements for a table of segment
sales  and  profitability  for  the  quarters  ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.

Sales  for  North  American  Pet  Foods  increased 7.1% in the quarter on higher
volumes.  Profitability increased 16.3% in the quarter due to the sales increase
coupled  with  lower ingredient costs, partially offset by increased advertising
and  promotion  expenses.

International  Pet  Foods'  sales  increased  1.5% in the quarter as a result of
volume  increases  in  most  world  areas,  partially  offset by unfavorable net
pricing  in  certain  South  American  markets.  Profitability  for this segment
increased  8.1% in the quarter due to the sales increase and margin improvements
as  a result of cost reduction programs and plant efficiencies.  These favorable
results  were  partially offset by increased advertising and promotion expenses.

Sales  for  Golden  Products  increased  20.2% in the quarter due to significant
volume  increases  in  scooping  litter as well as increased conventional litter
volumes.  Profitability  for  Golden  Products  increased 27.7% due to the sales
increase,  partially  offset by increased advertising and promotion expenses and
increased  selling  costs.

On  November  1,  1999,  the  Company  completed the sale of its Energizer Power
Systems Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) rechargeable battery business to
Moltech  Corporation.  This business contributed sales of $12.5 and $30.3 in the
current  and  prior year quarters, respectively, and pre-tax operating losses of
$2.9  and  $4.3,  respectively.

Sales  for  Battery  Products  increased  12.0% in the quarter.  Excluding sales
associated  with  the  OEM  business,  sales  increased 15.7%.  Strong Energizer
branded  alkaline  volume  growth,  particularly  in  the  key  U.S. market, was
partially  offset  by  lower carbon zinc sales in Europe and North America.  The
alkaline  volume  growth  was  fueled  by  Year  2000  preparedness  demands.

Profitability  for  Battery  Products increased 58.3% in the quarter.  Excluding
the OEM business, profitability increased 54.9% primarily on the sales increase,
particularly in North America and Asia with improved results of 44.1% and 46.9%,
respectively.  Europe also contributed  to the increase as lower sales were more
than  offset  by  lower  production  and overhead costs, while South and Central
American  results  were  flat.

FINANCIAL  CONDITION
The  Company's  primary  source  of  liquidity  is  cash  flow  generated  from
operations.  The  Company's  investments in E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company,
Interstate  Bakeries  Corporation  and Conoco Inc. provide additional sources of
liquidity.  For  the  quarter ended December 31, 1999, cash flow from operations
was  $209.3 compared to $108.8 in the prior year quarter.  This increase results
primarily  from  higher  cash  earnings.  Current  liabilities  exceeded current
assets  by  $417.2  at  December  31,  1999 and by $440.6 at September 30, 1999.

During  the  current  quarter,  the  Company received net cash proceeds from the
issuance  of  short-term  debt  of  $118.4  which  was used for seasonal working
capital needs and for share repurchases.  The Company used cash of $233.2 during
the  current  quarter to complete the Board of Directors' previous authorization
for  share  repurchases and repurchase approximately 550,000 shares under a new
authorization.  As of February 7, 2000, approximately 5,387,000 shares
remained under the Board of Directors' authorization dated December 20, 1999 for
the  purchase  of  8,000,000  shares  of  RAL  stock.  This  authorization is in
addition  to  a continuing authorization permitting the Company to acquire, from
time  to  time  and 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.

SAILS  MARK-TO-MARKET  ADJUSTMENT
During  the  quarter ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded an unrealized
after-tax  gain  of  $48.4,  or  $75.6  pre-tax,  representing  a  market  value
adjustment  of the Company's stock appreciation income linked securities (SAILS)
debt.  On  a  per  share  basis, this gain was $.16 per basic and diluted share.
During  the prior year first quarter, the Company recorded an unrealized gain on
the  SAILS of $70.2 and $44.9 on a pre-tax and after-tax basis, respectively, or
$.15  and $.14 per basic and diluted share, respectively.  At December 31, 1999,
the  cumulative  unrealized  pre-tax gain since issuance is $199.1, representing
the difference between the debt's value at issuance of $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 $18.125 at
December  31,  1999.

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 a
cumulative unrealized loss on the SAILS debt, and if the IBC stock price is less
than  $30.96875  per  share,  the  Company records a cumulative 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 into RAL Stock in accordance with terms of the
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.

RESTRUCTURING  ACTIVITIES
During  the  quarter ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded a net pre-tax
restructuring reversal of $5.8 related to prior years' charges.  On an after-tax
basis,  the  net  reversal  was  $4.5,  or  $.02  per  basic  and diluted share.

The  net  reversal was comprised of additional charges of $3.8, including $.1 of
cash  charges  and  $3.7  of  non-cash charges, more than offset by reversals of
prior  years'  charges  of  $9.6,  including  $3.2  of  cash charges and $6.4 of
non-cash  charges.  The  additional  charges  primarily  relate  to  inventory
write-offs,  and  the  reversals  primarily relate to adjustments to fixed asset
impairment  write-offs.

During  the  quarter  ended  December 31, 1999, approximately 120 employees were
terminated  in connection with restructuring accruals established by the Company
in  fiscal  years  1997  through  1999.  See  the  Notes  to Condensed Financial
Statements  for  a  table  that presents, by major cost component and by year of
provision,  activity  during  the quarter ended December 31, 1999 related to the
Company's  restructuring  charges.

YEAR  2000  UPDATE
As  of the date hereof, the Company has not experienced any significant business
disruptions  as  a  result  of  Year  2000.

SPIN-OFF  OF  EVEREADY  BATTERY  COMPANY,  INC.
On  June  10, 1999, the Company announced its intention to separate its Eveready
Battery  Company,  Inc.  subsidiary  in  a  tax-free  spin-off  to shareholders.
Completion  of the spin-off is expected to occur in April 2000 and is contingent
upon  a favorable tax ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, effectiveness of
a  registration  statement  relating  to  the spin-off and final approval by the
Ralston  Purina  Company  Board  of  Directors.

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 those 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, 1999.

<PAGE>


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


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


                                                      QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------

                                                        1999              1998
                                                        ----              ----


<S>                                                        <C>            <C>
Net Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $1,414.5   $1,291.8
                                                           ---------  ---------

Costs and Expenses
  Cost of products sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     627.5      628.4
  Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . .     225.5      239.2
  Advertising and promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     230.3      193.9
  Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      48.2       49.4
  Unrealized gain on SAILS debt . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (75.6)     (70.2)
  Restructuring reversals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (5.8)         -
  Other (income)/expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (6.0)     (11.0)
                                                           --------   ---------
                                                            1,044.1    1,029.7
                                                           ---------  ---------

Earnings before Income Taxes and
  Equity Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     370.4      262.1

Income Tax Provision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    (135.4)     (94.3)

Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       7.8        9.0
                                                           ---------  ---------

Net Earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     242.8      176.8

Preferred Stock Dividend, Net of Taxes. . . . . . . . . .         -       (2.6)
                                                           ---------  ---------

Earnings Available to Common Shareholders . . . . . . . .  $  242.8   $  174.2
                                                           =========  =========


Net Earnings Per Share
    Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   0.83   $   0.58
    Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   0.82   $   0.55

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


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


                                                                          DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>
                                                                                  1999             1999
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
ASSETS

Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $       110.4   $         84.7
  Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
    of $25.1 and $24.5, respectively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          870.2            715.8
  Inventories
    Raw materials and supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          108.8            128.5
    Work in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           76.6            111.1
    Finished products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          286.5            309.4
  Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           66.9            123.0
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
    Total Current Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,519.4          1,472.5

Investments and Other Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,922.2          2,824.6

Property at Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,202.7          2,194.8
  Accumulated depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,133.4          1,131.1
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
                                                                               1,069.3          1,063.7
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
      Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $     5,510.9   $      5,360.8
                                                                         ==============  ===============


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $       295.7   $        371.3
  Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          809.6            690.5
  Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          265.3            316.0
  Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          566.0            535.3
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
    Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,936.6          1,913.1

Long-Term Debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,251.2          1,251.8

Deferred Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          461.0            397.4

Other Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          551.9            541.5

Shareholders Equity
  Preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              -                -
  Common stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           32.9             32.9
  Capital in excess of par value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          173.8            172.8
  Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,113.5          1,871.7
  Common stock in treasury, at cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (722.9)          (493.7)
  Unearned portion of restricted stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (2.5)            (2.9)
  Value of common stock held in Grantor Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (201.0)          (199.6)

    Cumulative translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (101.7)           (98.4)
    Net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities           19.4            (24.5)
    Minimum pension liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (1.3)            (1.3)
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
  Accumulated other comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (83.6)          (124.2)
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
    Total Shareholders Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,310.2          1,257.0
                                                                         --------------  ---------------
      Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $     5,510.9   $      5,360.8
                                                                         ==============  ===============

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)




                                                            QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ----------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                   <C>
                                                             1999                  1998
                                                             -----                 -----
Cash Flow from Operations
  Net earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $242.8                  $176.8
  Unrealized gain on SAILS debt . . . . . . . . . . . .     (75.6)                  (70.2)
  Non-cash items included in income . . . . . . . . . . .   125.3                    92.4
  Changes in assets and liabilities used in operations. .   (83.8)                  (58.7)
  Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         0.6                   (31.5)
                                                           --------                -------
    Net cash flow from operations . . . . . . . . . . .     209.3                   108.8
                                                           --------                -------

Cash Flow from Investing Activities
  Property additions, net . . . . . . . . . . . .           (36.1)                  (32.5)
  Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (4.7)                   (3.3)
                                                           -------                 -------
    Net cash used by investing activities . . . . . . .     (40.8)                  (35.8)
                                                           -------                 -------

Cash Flow from Financing Activities
    Net cash proceeds from (payment of) debt. . . . .       118.4                   (38.9)
    Dividends paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (29.1)                  (38.5)
    Treasury stock purchases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (233.2)                  (22.6)
    Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1.6                     6.2
                                                           -------                 -------
      Net cash used by financing activities . . . . . . .  (142.3)                  (93.8)
                                                           -------                 -------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash . . . . . . . .      (0.5)                    1.0
                                                           -------                 -------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents. .      25.7                    (19.8)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period. . . . .      84.7                     89.8
                                                           -------                  -------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period. . . . . . . . .  $110.4                   $ 70.0
                                                           =========                =======


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDAIRES
                    NOTES TO CONDENSED FINFNACIAL STATEMENTS
                                DECEMBER 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,  1999.

NOTE  2  -  Segment  sales and profitability for the quarters ended December 31,
1999  and  1998  are  as  follows:
<TABLE>

<CAPTION>




                                     Quarter ended December 31,
<S>                                               <C>        <C>
NET SALES. . . . . . . .                         1999        1998
                                              -------      -------
North American Pet Foods                     $   560.6    $  523.2
International Pet Foods.                         106.9       105.3
Golden Products. . . . .                          60.8        50.6
Battery Products . . . .                         686.2       612.7
                                             ---------  ----------
    TOTAL. . . . . . . .                     $ 1,414.5   $ 1,291.8
                                             ========    =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                                                        Quarter ended December 31,
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>

PROFITABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         1999          1998
                                                          -------       -------
North American Pet Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   130.9         $112.6
International Pet Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       12.0           11.1
Golden Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       15.2           11.9
Battery Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      175.6          110.9
                                                       ----------        -------
    TOTAL SEGMENT PROFITABILITY . . . . . . . . . . .      333.7          246.5
General corporate income/(expenses) (a)       . . . .       13.8            5.1
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets.      (10.3)         (10.3)
Unusual items (b)              .. . . . . . . . . . .       81.4           70.2
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (48.2)         (49.4)
                                                       ----------        -------
     EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY EARNINGS  $   370.4         $262.1
                                                       ==========        =======

</TABLE>

Additionally, segment sales and profitability for the quarters ended March 31,
June 30, and September 30, 1999 are as follows:


<TABLE>


<CAPTION>




                                                         Quarter ended
<S>                                      <C>             <C>             <C>
                                         March 31,       June 30,       Sept. 30,
                                         --------        -------        ---------
                                            1999           1999           1999
NET SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . --------------  --------------  --------
North American Pet Foods               $    534.2        $  500.9        $  534.0
International Pet Foods                     102.9           102.2           101.5
Golden Products                              53.5            52.8            59.4
Battery Products                            439.6           432.6           515.1
                                       ----------        --------        --------
    TOTAL                              $  1,130.2        $1,088.5        $1,210.0
                                       ==============    ========        ========

</TABLE>


<TABLE>


<CAPTION>





                                                                              Quarter ended
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>

PROFITABILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  March 31,         June 30,         Sept. 30,
                                                            ---------         --------         ---------
                                                              1999              1999             1999
                                                              ----              ----             ----
North American Pet Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 111.7          $ 102.5          $ 112.1
International Pet Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      11.0              7.7              7.1
Golden Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12.7             11.9             13.1
Battery Products . . . .   . . . . . . . . . . . .              42.4             45.3             76.6
                                                            --------       ----------       -----------
    TOTAL SEGMENT PROFITABILITY. . . . . . . . . .             177.8            167.4            208.9
General corporate income/(expenses) (a). . . . . . . .          11.2              6.6              2.9

Amortization of goodwill and other
      intangible assets.                                       (10.3)           (10.4)           (10.5)
Unusual items (b)         .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        18.9            (46.2)            71.4
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (44.9)           (45.2)           (43.9)
                                                             --------       ----------       ----------
     EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY EARNINGS. . .  $  152.7          $  72.2          $ 228.8
                                                            ================  ===============  ========

</TABLE>


(a)     Primarily  includes  general corporate expenses, mark to market
        adjustments on liabilities denominated in share equivalents,
        net unallocated pension income  and  investment  income.
(b)     Includes  unrealized  gains  or  losses  on SAILS debt for all
        quarters; restructuring provisions or reversals for the quarters
        ended March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 1999; gain
        on the sale of DuPont stock for the quarters ended June 30 and
        September 30, 1999; and gain on the conversion of DuPont stock
        for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.


NOTE  3  -  During  the quarter ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded an
unrealized  after-tax  gain  of  $48.4,  or $75.6 pre-tax, representing a market
value  adjustment  of  the Company's stock appreciation income linked securities
(SAILS)  debt.  On  a  per share basis, this gain was $.16 per basic and diluted
share.  For  the  prior year first quarter, the unrealized gain on the SAILS was
$70.2 and $44.9 on a pre-tax and after-tax basis, respectively, or $.15 and $.14
per  basic  and  diluted  share,  respectively.

At December 31, 1999, the cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain since debt issuance
is  $199.1,  representing the difference between the debt's value at issuance of
$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  $18.125  per  share  at  December  31,  1999.

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 a
cumulative unrealized loss on the SAILS debt, and if the IBC stock price is less
than  $30.96875  per  share,  the  Company records a cumulative 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 ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded a net
pre-tax  restructuring  reversal of $5.8 related to prior years' charges.  On an
after-tax basis, the net reversal was $4.5, or $.02 per basic and diluted share.

The  net  reversal was comprised of additional charges of $3.8, including $.1 of
cash  charges  and $3.7  of non-cash charges, more than offset by reversals of
prior years' charges of  $9.6,  including  $3.2  of  cash  charges and $6.4 of
non-cash charges.  The additional  charges  primarily  relate  to inventory
write-offs, and the reversals primarily relate to adjustments to fixed asset
impairment  write-offs.

During  the  quarter  ended  December 31, 1999, approximately 120 employees were
terminated  in connection with restructuring accruals established by the Company
in  fiscal  years 1997 through 1999.  The following table presents the activity,
including  all  reserve  adjustments  and  spending against reserve balances for
termination  benefits  and other cash costs, impacting the restructuring reserve
during  the  quarter  ended  December 31, 1999.  This table reflects activity by
plan  year that each restructuring reserve was taken.  Except for disposition of
certain  assets held for disposal, substantially all actions associated with the
total  remaining  reserve  balance  will be completed by the end of fiscal 2000.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDAIRES
                    NOTES TO CONDENSED FINFNACIAL STATEMENTS
                                DECEMBER 31, 1999
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)

<S>                      <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>
                         BALANCE   PROVISION/                 BALANCE
                          9/30/99  REVERSALS     ACTIVITY     12/31/99

1995 PLAN
Termination benefits. .         -            -           -           -
Other cash costs. . . .       0.8            -           -         0.8
Fixed asset impairments         -         (3.2)        3.2           -
Other noncash charges .         -            -           -           -
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
Total . . . . . . . . .       0.8         (3.2)        3.2         0.8
                         --------   -----------  ---------    --------

1996 PLAN
Termination benefits. .         -            -           -           -
Other cash costs. . . .       0.8            -           -         0.8
Fixed asset impairments         -          1.0        (1.0)          -
Other noncash charges .         -            -           -           -
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
Total . . . . . . . . .       0.8          1.0        (1.0)        0.8
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------

1997 PLAN
Termination benefits. .       6.8         (2.8)       (1.6)        2.4
Other cash costs. . . .       1.7         (0.4)          -         1.3
Fixed asset impairments         -         (2.2)        2.2           -
Other noncash charges .         -          2.7        (2.7)          -
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
Total . . . . . . . . .       8.5         (2.7)       (2.1)        3.7
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------

1998 PLAN
Termination benefits. .       2.4            -        (0.7)        1.7
Other cash costs. . . .       2.0            -        (0.2)        1.8
Fixed asset impairments         -            -           -           -
Other noncash charges .         -            -           -           -
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
Total . . . . . . . . .       4.4            -        (0.9)        3.5
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------

1999 PLAN
Termination benefits. .       0.5          0.1        (0.2)        0.4
Other cash costs. . . .       0.2            -           -         0.2
Fixed asset impairments         -         (1.0)        1.0           -
Other noncash charges .         -            -           -           -
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
Total . . . . . . . . .       0.7         (0.9)        0.8         0.6
                         --------  ------------  ---------    --------
          GRAND TOTAL .  $   15.2  $      (5.8)  $       -   $     9.4
                         ========  ============  ==========  =========
</TABLE>


NOTE  5  -  On November 1, 1999, the Company completed the sale of its Energizer
Power  Systems  Original  Equipment  Manufacturers'  (OEM)  rechargeable battery
business  to  Moltech  Corporation  for  approximately  $20.

NOTE  6  -  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  7  -  The  components of total comprehensive income for the quarters ended
December  31,  1999  and  1998  are  as  follows:
<TABLE>

<CAPTION>




                                                                 Quarter Ended December 31,
                                                                 1999      1998
                                                              ---------  -------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>
Net Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 242.8   $  176.8
  Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
    Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . .     (3.3)       9.5
    Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities     43.9      (46.4)
                                                                --------     ------
Total Other Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . .         40.6      (36.9)
                                                                -------     -------
              Total Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 283.4     $139.9
                                                                =======     =======
</TABLE>

NOTE  8  - Other (income)/expense, net, for the quarters ended December 31, 1999
and  1998,  consists  of  the  following:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


<S>                                               <C>                  <C>

                                                Quarter ended December 31,
                                                  1999             1998
                                              ----------         -------
Net translation and exchange loss. . . .    .  $  1.1             $  1.5
Dividends on available-for-sale securities       (7.0)              (7.9)
Return on other investments. . . . . . . .        0.8               (3.1)
Miscellaneous (income)/expense . . . . . .       (0.9)              (1.5)
                                               -------            -------
                                               $ (6.0)            $(11.0)
                                                =======           =======
</TABLE>


NOTE  9  -  The  following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings  per  share  for  the  quarters  ended  December  31,  1999  and  1998.

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                         RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDAIRES
                        NOTES TO CONDENSED FINFNACIAL STATEMENTS
                                   DECEMBER 31, 1999
                      (Dollars in millions except per share data)


                                                   Quarter Ended December 31,
                                                   --------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                 <C>
                                                    1999               1998
                                                   ------              -------
Numerator:
   Net Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 242.8             $176.8
   Preferred stock dividends. . . . . . . . .          -                 (2.6)
   Numerator for basic earnings per share -        -------             -------
        Earnings available to common shareholders  $ 242.8             $174.2

   Effect of dilutive securities:
        ESOP stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        -                  2.5
   Numerator for diluted earnings per share -      -------             -------
        Earnings available to common shareholders  $ 242.8             $176.7
                                                   -------             -------

Denominator:
   Denominator for basic earnings per share -
          weighted average shares * . . . . . .      292.2              299.1

   Effect of dilutive securities:
          ESOP stock. . . . . . . . . . . .           -                  16.2
          Stock options . . . . . . . . . . . .        2.9                4.1
                                                   -------             -------
   Dilutive potential common shares . . . . . . .      2.9               20.3

   Denominator for diluted earnings per
          share - adjusted weighted average
          shares and assumed conversions. . . . .    295.1              319.4
                                                    =======            =======
Net earnings per share:
   Basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   0.83            $ 0.58
   Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   0.82            $ 0.55


</TABLE>

*Weighted  average  shares  used for the computation of basic earnings per share
excludes  13,785,000 and 13,559,000 shares of common stock held by the Company's
Grantor  Trust  at  December  31,  1999  and  1998,  respectively.


NOTE  10  -  At December 31, 1999, there were 290,116,000 shares of common stock
outstanding,  exclusive  of  24,654,000  shares  held in treasury and 13,785,000
Grantor  Trust  shares.  At September  30,  1999, there were 297,673,000 shares
of common stock outstanding, exclusive  of  17,149,000  shares  held in
treasury and 13,733,000 Grantor Trust shares.

NOTE  11  -  Investments  and  Other  Assets  consist  of  the  following:

<TABLE>


<CAPTION>




                                        Dec. 31,          Sept. 30,
<S>                                       <C>                  <C>
                                         1999                 1999
                                       ---------            --------

Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   493.2             $   499.9
Other intangible assets . . . . . .      227.4                 215.3
Investments in affiliated companies      373.6                 363.7
Available-for-sale securities . . .    1,254.2               1,185.5
Deferred charges and other assets .      573.8                 560.2
                                     ---------             ---------
                                     $ 2,922.2             $ 2,824.6
                                     ==========             ========
</TABLE>

NOTE  12  -  Available-for-sale securities at September 30 and December 31, 1999
consist  primarily  of shares of DuPont common stock and Conoco, Inc. (Conoco) B
common stock.  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  gain/(loss),  tax  (provision)/benefit,  and  net
unrealized  holding  gain/(loss)  for  these  securities  as of September 30 and
December  31,  1999.  The  changes in net unrealized holding gain/(loss), net of
tax,  for  the  quarters  ended  December  31,  1999  and 1998 are included as a
component  of  Other  Comprehensive  Income  as  shown  in  Note  7,  above.

<TABLE>


<CAPTION>




<S>                   <C>          <C>                 <C>               <C>
                                 Gross Unreliazed       Tax             Net Unrealized
                    Aggregate       Holding           (Provision)/          Holding
                    Fair Value     Gain/(Loss)          Benefit          Gain/(Loss)
                    ----------   ----------------    -------------       ---------------
December 31, 1999. $ 1,254.2     $ 30.4               ($11.0)            $ 19.4
September 30, 1999  $1,185.5     ($38.3)               $13.8             ($24.5)

</TABLE>

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


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

Item  4.     Submission  of  Matter  to  a  Vote  of  Security  Holders
             ----------------------------------------------------------

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 27, 2000, for the
purpose  of  electing five directors to serve three-year terms ending in January
2003,  to  ratify  the Board of Directors' appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP  as  independent  accountants  for  the  Company  for the fiscal year ending
September  30,  2000,  and to approve the adoption of the Ralston Purina Company
Executive  Incentive  Compensation  Plan.

The  number  of  votes cast, and the number of shares voting for or against each
candidate  and  the  number  of  votes  cast for the other matters submitted for
approval,  as  well  as  the  number  of abstentions with respect thereto, is as
follows:

<TABLE>


<CAPTION>



<S>                                       <C>          <C>
                                        VOTES          VOTES
                                        FOR            WITHHELD
John H. Biggs. . . . . . . . . . .  254,689,144        3,240,172

David C. Farrell . . . . . . . . .  254,745,719        3,183,597

J. Patrick Mulcahy . . . .   . . .  253,960,863        3,968,453

William P. Stiritz . . . . . . . .  253,538,367        4,390,949

Ronald L. Thompson . . . . . .   .  254,676,282        3,253,034

</TABLE>

<TABLE>


<CAPTION>



<S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>
                                      VOTES        VOTES       VOTES
                                      FOR          AGAINST     ABSTAINED

Ratification of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP . . . . .  254,676,033   1,756,587  1,496,696


Adoption of the Ralston Purina
Company Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan                     234,524,131  18,753,352  4,651,833

</TABLE>

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

     (a)    Exhibits  filed  with  this  Report:

            (10)(i)     Ralston  Purina  Company  Executive  Incentive
                        Compensation  Plan,  incorporated  by  reference
                        to Appendix  A  of  the  Company's  Proxy  Statement
                        dated  December  10,  1999

            (10)(ii)      Form  of  Amendment  to  1998  Leveraged  Incentive
                        Award


            (10)(iii)     Amendment  to  Executive  Health  Plan  dated
                        December  16,  1999

            (27)          Financial  Data  Schedule

     (b)  Reports  on  Form  8-K

          No  reports  on  Form  8-K  were  filed  during  the
          quarter  for  which  this  report  is  filed.



                                   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,  Chief  Financial  Officer
     and  Treasurer


Date:  February  14,  2000

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


Exhibits
----------

     EX-27     Financial  data  schedule  for  1st  Quarter  2000
               (provided  electronically)


     EX-10     Material Contracts


               (10)(ii)   Form  of  Amendment  to  1998  Leveraged  Incentive
                          Award

               (10)(iii)  Amendment  to  Executive  Health  Plan  dated
                          December  16,  1999



Exhibit  27
(Document  prepared  on  Edgar)