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 June 30, 1998

                           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  August  12,  1998:

                                        312,217,512
                                    ---------------------


<PAGE>
------
PART  I - FINANCIAL  INFORMATION


                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                            OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                  (in millions except share and per share data)
        ----------------------------------------------------------------


OPERATING  RESULTS

Net  earnings  for  the nine months ended June 30, 1998 were $1,000.9, or $3.24
and  $3.04  per  share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively.   Included in
net  earnings  for  the  current  nine  months  are  several unusual items which
decreased  net  earnings  by  $10.3,  or $.03 per basic and diluted share.  Also
included  is  an  after-tax gain of $705.1 (pre-tax gain of $1.1 billion) on the
December  3,  1997  sale of the Soy Protein Products business to E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours  and  Company (DuPont) and income from discontinued operations of $10.0.
Discontinued  operations  consist  of  the  operating results of the Soy Protein
Products  business,  through  the  sale  date,  and  the  Agricultural  Products
business,  which  was  spun  off on April 1, 1998.  Also included in the current
year  is  a  gain  on the settlement of a claim related to a previously disposed
business,  partially  offset  by transaction costs associated with the spin-off.

The  following unusual items are included in the current nine month results:  an
after-tax  gain  of  $9.5,  or  $.03 per basic and diluted share, on the sale of
shares of Interstate Bakeries Corporation (IBC) common stock; a capital loss tax
benefit  of  $41.5,  or $.14 and $.13 per basic and diluted share, respectively,
associated with past restructuring actions; and a restructuring charge of $61.3,
after-tax,  or  $.20  and  $.19  per  share  on  a  basic  and  diluted  basis,
respectively,  which  was  primarily  related  to  a write-down of the Company's
investment  in  lithium-ion  rechargeable  battery  manufacturing  assets.   The
restructuring  provision  also includes charges for a voluntary early retirement
option  offered to most U.S. Battery Products' employees meeting certain age and
service  requirements  and charges related to the Company's European battery and
international  Pet  food  operations,  reduced  by  the reversal of prior period
restructuring  charges.

The  fiscal  1997 nine month net earnings of $314.8, or $1.00 and $.94 per share
on  a  basic and diluted basis, respectively, include earnings from discontinued
operations  of  $61.3  and several unusual items which increased net earnings by
$5.6,  or  $.02  per  basic  and  diluted  share.  The first unusual item was an
after-tax  restructuring charge of $90.8, or $.29 and $.27 per basic and diluted
share,  respectively,  related  to  the  continued  rationalization  of  Battery
Products'  worldwide  production  capacity.  The second item is capital loss tax
benefits  of  $61.7, or $.20 and $.18 per basic and diluted share, respectively,
related  to past restructuring actions.  The third unusual item is a tax benefit
of  $34.7, or $.11 per basic and diluted share, related to tax refund claims for
1993  through  1996 as a result of a change in the Company's method of computing
foreign  tax  credits.

Earnings  from  continuing operations, before the unusual items described above,
increased $48.2 in the current nine months, or 19%, to $296.1 compared to $247.9
for  the  same  period  in  the prior year.  The earnings increase resulted from
higher  operating earnings and higher income from investments in DuPont and IBC,
partially offset by higher interest expense.  Earnings per share from continuing
operations,  before  unusual items, for the nine months ended June 30, 1998 were
$.94  and  $.90 on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared to $.78 and
$.74  in  the  prior  year.

For  the  quarter ended June 30, 1998, net earnings were $60.5, or $.19 and $.18
per  basic and diluted share, respectively, compared to $100.7, or $.32 and $.30
per  basic and diluted share, for the same quarter in 1997.  Current quarter net
earnings  include  an  after-tax  restructuring  provision of $17.6, or $.05 per
basic  and diluted share, and earnings from discontinued operations of $.9.  The
prior  year  third  quarter  includes  the unusual items mentioned above for the
prior year nine month period and earnings from discontinued operations of $20.5.
Earnings  from  continuing  operations,  before unusual items, increased $2.6 to
$77.2,  compared  to  $74.6  in  the  prior  year  third  quarter, on higher Pet
Products'  operating  earnings and income on the Company's investment in DuPont,
partially  offset  by  lower  Battery  Products'  operating  earnings and higher
interest  expense.    Basic  and diluted earnings from continuing operations per
share,  before  unusual  items, were $.24 and $.23, respectively, in the current
quarter  compared  to  $.23  and  $.22  a  year  ago.

RESULTS  OF  CONTINUING  OPERATIONS

Net  sales increased 4.5% in the nine months ended June 30, 1998 and 3.0% in the
quarter  on increased Pet Products' sales, partially offset by decreased Battery
Products'  sales.    See  the following section for comments on sales changes by
Business  Segment.

Gross  profit as a percentage of sales was 50.7% in the current year nine months
compared  to  49.3% in the prior year nine months.  The increased  percentage in
the  current  period  reflects  improvements  in  both  Battery Products and Pet
Products  and  increased  sales  in  the higher margin Pet Products segment. Pet
Products'  margins  were unfavorably impacted in the prior year period by higher
grain  prices as price increases were insufficient to maintain historical margin
levels.  The  current  year  improvement  in  Pet Products' margins is partially
offset  by an unfavorable package size mix.  The increased percentage in Battery
Products  reflects  a  favorable  product  mix  and  price increases in the Asia
Pacific  region  in response to currency devaluations.  Gross profit percentages
were 50.7% and 49.7% for the quarters ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, 
respectively.

Selling,  general and administrative expenses decreased to 20.2% of sales in the
current  nine  months  from  20.4% in the prior year nine month period; however,
these  expenses  increased  in the current quarter to 22.2% of sales compared to
21.5% in the prior year quarter.    Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased  3.7%  in  the nine months and 6.1% in the quarter due to increases in
Pet  Products  and  current  quarter  increases  in  Battery  Products.

Advertising  and promotion expense increased 7.8% in the current nine months and
7.6% in the current quarter due to additional brand advertising and, in the nine
months, additional trade promotional spending  by Pet Products.  As a percentage
of  sales,  advertising and promotion expense was 15.1% and 15.5% in the current
nine  months and third quarter, respectively, compared to 14.6% and 14.8% in the
same  periods  a  year  ago.

Other  income/expense,  net,  was  $13.0  favorable for the nine months and $7.6
favorable  in  the  quarter  primarily due to dividend income from the Company's
investment  in  DuPont.    In  addition,  the  nine month period includes higher
returns  on  other investments which nearly offset higher exchange losses in the
Asia  Pacific  and  South  and  Central  American  regions.

Income  taxes,  which  include federal, state and foreign taxes, include certain
unusual items in the current and prior year quarter and nine month periods.  The
prior  year  quarter includes the aforementioned recognition of capital loss tax
benefits  of  $61.7 and a foreign tax credit benefit of $34.7.  Additionally, in
both  the  current  and  prior  year  quarter,  the  income  tax  percentage was
unfavorably  impacted  by  pre-tax restructuring charges which did not result in
tax  benefits  due  to  tax loss situations or particular statutes of a country.
Excluding  these  items,  income  taxes were 34.2% and 34.5% of pre-tax earnings
before  equity  earnings  for  the current and prior year quarter, respectively.

The  current  nine month period includes a capital loss tax benefit of $41.5 and
the  favorable  impact of the reversal of prior period restructuring charges for
which  no  tax benefit had been recorded.  Excluding these items and the unusual
items  mentioned  above  for  the  quarter, income taxes were 35.2% and 36.5% of
pre-tax  earnings  before  equity  earnings for the current and prior nine month
periods, respectively.  The decrease in the tax rate is primarily due to the 70%
exclusion on dividend income received from DuPont and the realization of certain
previously  unrecognized  net  operating  loss  carryforwards.


BUSINESS  SEGMENTS

Sales  for  the Pet Products segment increased 12% in the nine months and in the
quarter  on  higher  volumes  and  on  the inclusion of sales from the Company's
December  1997  acquisition  of  Edward Baker Petfoods.  Operating profit before
unusual items increased significantly in the quarter and nine months.  The sales
increase and lower ingredient costs were positive factors,  partially offset  by
higher  advertising  expenditures  and  an  unfavorable  package  size  mix, and
additionally  by  higher  promotion  support  in  the  nine  months.

Sales for the Battery Products segment decreased 4% in the nine months and 8% in
the  quarter.    In  the  nine  months,  increased alkaline volumes and improved
product  mix  in  North  America  resulted  in  sales increases.  However, these
increases  were  more  than offset by sales declines in Asia Pacific and Europe,
due  primarily  to  currency  devaluations.    Excluding  the impact of currency
devaluations,  Battery Products' sales  increased  2%  in  the  nine  months.

In  the  quarter,  North  American  sales  increased  primarily as a result of a
favorable  product  mix.  These gains were more than offset by sales declines in
Asia Pacific due to decreased volumes as a result of overall market contractions
and  due to the strong dollar.  Excluding the impact of currency devaluations in
Asia and other world areas, Battery Products' sales decreased 3% in the quarter.
In  addition, rechargeable sales decreased significantly on lower volumes due to
competitive  pressures  and  a  softening  market  for  rechargeable  products.

Operating profit before unusual items for Battery Products increased slightly in
the nine months.  The nine month period reflects improved results in the primary
battery  business in North America due to alkaline volume increases and improved
product  mix.    In  addition,  earnings  increased in the rechargeable business
reflecting  cost  reductions  and higher nickel metal hydride volumes related to
new  products.  However, these gains were substantially offset by lower earnings
in  Asia  Pacific and Europe and substantial currency devaluations, particularly
in  Asia.

In  the  quarter,  operating  profit decreased significantly.  The strong dollar
continued  to  impact international results, particularly in Asia Pacific, where
results  were off substantially, and also in Europe.  In North America, improved
results  were negatively impacted by increased advertising expense in support of
the  Energizer  Advanced  Formula product launch.  The rechargeable business was
negatively  impacted  by  lower  volumes  due  to  competitive  pressures  and a
softening  market  for  rechargeable  products.

Results  from  discontinued  operations decreased in the quarter and nine months
primarily due to the December 1997 sale of the Soy Protein Products business and
the  April  1,  1998  spin-off  to  shareholders  of  the  Agricultural Products
business.

MARKET  RISKS

The  recent  economic  crises in the Asia Pacific region, accompanied by various
currency  devaluations, represent a material change in the market risks faced by
the  Company  in  this  region.    The Company's Asia Pacific operations consist
primarily  of  the  Battery  Products  segment.  The  Company  has manufacturing
facilities  in  this  region  whose  products are both sold locally and exported
outside  the  region.    In addition, the Company sources its raw materials from
within  and  outside the region.  Market risks include the risk of loss of value
in  the  Company's  net  investment  in the Asia Pacific region as well as lower
dollar  profits  for  the operations in that region, overall market contractions
and  increased  foreign  exchange  losses.

The depth and duration of the crises in the Asia Pacific region and its economic
effects  on the Company are still uncertain.  Management will continue to pursue
appropriate  actions,  as market conditions allow, to mitigate the impact of the
various  Asian  currency  devaluations  throughout  fiscal  1998.

RESTRUCTURING  ACTIVITIES

During  the nine months ended June 30, 1998, the Company recorded provisions for
restructuring  totaling  $61.3,  after  tax.    On  a pre-tax basis, charges for
restructuring  were  $96.4 and consisted of termination benefits of $31.4, other
cash  costs  of  $6.3  and  non-cash charges of $58.7.  The total pre-tax charge
and the non-cash  component  are  net  of  an  $11.9  reversal  of  prior period
restructuring charges.

Included  in  the  total  pre-tax  charge  of  $96.4  are impairment write-downs
totaling  $66.4, primarily representing a write-down of the Company's investment
in  lithium-ion  rechargeable battery manufacturing assets.  Fair value of those
assets  was  primarily  determined  based  upon  estimates of recovery value for
unique  manufacturing  equipment.    Due  to  rapid  changes  in  the  business
environment  since  the  beginning  of  the  lithium-ion project in 1996, it has
become  more  economical  to  source lithium-ion cells from other manufacturers.
The  Company  will  continue  to  assemble  and package lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries.

The  current  period  restructuring  provision  also  includes charges of $21.8,
pre-tax,  for  a  voluntary early retirement option offered to most U.S. Battery
Products'  employees meeting certain age and service requirements and additional
charges  related  to  the  Company's European battery and international pet food
operations.    These  charges provide for the termination or early retirement of
approximately  750 employees in production, sales and administrative capacities.

During  the current nine months, approximately 560 employees were terminated and
cash exit costs of $25.5 were incurred in connection with current and prior year
restructuring  accruals.    Prior  year  restructuring provisions were primarily
related  to  the  continued  rationalization  of  Battery  Products'  production
capacity and business structure.  Activities impacting the restructuring reserve
during  the  nine  months  ended  June  30,  1998  were  as  follows:

Reserve balance  at September 30, 1997                                     $66.3
Provision recorded, net of reversals of prior period reserves of $11.9      96.4
Portion of current period provision classified as property and
  other asset impairments, net of reversals                               (58.7)
Cash  exit  costs  incurred                                               (26.1)
Decrease  due  to  translation                                              (.7)
                                                                       ---------
Reserve  balance  at  June  30,  1998                                      $77.2
                                                                           =====

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 nine months ended June 30, 1998, cash flow from
continuing  operations  was  $418.2  compared to $316.7 in the nine months ended
June  30,  1997.   The increase in cash flow in the current nine months resulted
primarily  from  increased  cash  earnings.

Working  capital  was  $63.6  at June 30, 1998 and $289.7 at September 30, 1997.
The  decrease  in  working  capital  at  June  30,  1998  is primarily due to an
increased  level  of  notes  payable,  partially  offset  by  decreased  current
maturities  of  long-term  debt.

Cash  used by investing activities - continuing operations increased from $191.4
in  the  nine  months  ended June 30, 1997 to $319.2 in the current nine months.
This increase was primarily due to the December 1997 acquisition of Edward Baker
Petfoods  for  $182.5.

The  Company repurchased approximately  1,968,000 shares of RAL Stock during the
nine  months  ended  June  30,  1998.    On May 28, 1998, the Company's Board of
Directors  declared a 3-for-1 stock split, effected by means of a stock dividend
of  two additional shares of the Company's $0.10 par value common stock for each
outstanding  share  of  common  stock, to shareholders of record at the close of
business  on June 22, 1998.  The Company repurchased 5,191,000 shares for $166.4
during  the period July 1, 1998 through August 11, 1998.  As of August 11, 1998,
after  giving  effect  to  the stock split, 357,000 shares of RAL Stock remained
under a current Board of Directors' authorization for the purchase of RAL Stock.


DIVESTED  BUSINESSES

In  December  1997, the Company sold its Soy Protein Products business 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.

The  April  1, 1998 spin-off of the Agricultural Products business resulted in a
reduction  in  the  Company's  equity  of $333.2, recorded as a reduction of the
Company's  retained  earnings  of  $419.4  and  a  reduction  of  the  Company's
cumulative  translation  adjustment  of  $86.2.

RECENTLY  ISSUED  ACCOUNTING  STANDARDS

In  June  1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
No.  133,  Accounting  for  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  This
statement  requires  that all derivatives be measured at fair value and reported
as  either  assets  or  liabilities in the statement of financial position.  The
Company  will be required to adopt this statement no later than the beginning of
fiscal  year  2000.    The  Company  has  not  yet  completed its evaluations to
determine the impact of this statement on its consolidated financial statements.

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;
fluctuations  in the value of the Company's investments in DuPont and IBC common
stock;  continued  Asian  market  and  currency turmoil and the possibility that
attempts to mitigate the impact of currency devaluations will not be successful;
changes  in  trade  or  monetary  policies,  rates  of  taxation  or tariffs and
regulatory  requirements  of  the  United  States  and other nations, as well as
political,  economic  or  social  instability in certain regions of the world in
which  the  Company does business; 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,  1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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


                                                          QUARTER ENDED         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                             JUNE 30,                JUNE 30,
                                                         --------------          ----------------

                                                          1998      1997        1998         1997
                                                          ----      ----        ----         ----

<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Net Sales                                              $1,072.9   $1,041.8   $3,500.8   $3,350.7 
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Costs and Expenses
     Cost of products sold                                529.0      523.7    1,726.1    1,699.5 
     Selling, general and administrative                  237.7      224.1      707.1      682.1 
     Advertising and promotion                            166.4      154.6      528.7      490.3 
     Interest expense                                      47.1       42.0      142.7      129.0 
     Provisions for restructuring                          21.6      103.3       96.4      103.3 
     Gain on sale of IBC stock                                -          -      (14.7)         - 
     Other (income)/expense, net                          (10.6)      (3.0)     (17.0)      (4.0)
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                          991.2    1,044.7    3,169.3    3,100.2 
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings/(Loss) from Continuing Operations before
     Income Taxes and Equity Earnings                      81.7       (2.9)     331.5      250.5 

Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit                            (31.3)      74.3      (73.3)     (20.4)

Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                               9.2        8.8       27.6       23.4 
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings from Continuing Operations                        59.6       80.2      285.8      253.5 

Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations                   0.9       20.5       10.0       61.3 

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

Net Earnings                                               60.5      100.7    1,000.9      314.8 

Preferred Stock Dividend, Net of Taxes                     (2.8)      (3.2)      (8.8)      (9.9)
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Earnings Available to Common Shareholders              $   57.7   $   97.5   $  992.1   $  304.9 
                                                       =========  =========  =========  =========

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share               $   0.10   $   0.10   $   0.30   $   0.30 
                                                       =========  =========  =========  =========

Earnings Per Share
         Basic
            Earnings from continuing operations        $   0.19   $   0.25   $   0.91   $   0.80 
            Net earnings from discontinued operations         -       0.07       0.03       0.20 
            Gain on sale of discontinued operations           -          -       2.30          - 
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
            Net Earnings                               $   0.19   $   0.32   $   3.24   $   1.00 
                                                       =========  =========  =========  =========

         Diluted
            Earnings from continuing operations        $   0.18   $   0.24   $   0.87   $   0.76 
            Net earnings from discontinued operations         -       0.06       0.03       0.18 
            Gain on sale of discontinued operations           -          -       2.14          - 
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
            Net Earnings                               $   0.18   $   0.30   $   3.04   $   0.94 
                                                       =========  =========  =========  =========


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



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

                                                            JUNE 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           --------   -------------

                                                                1998          1997
                                                                ----          ----
                    ASSETS

<S>                                                            <C>             <C>
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents                                 $   80.6   $  109.1 
     Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
          of $26.0 and $24.8, respectively                        690.7      675.2 
     Inventories
          Raw materials and supplies                              135.9      119.7 
          Work in process                                         109.0      115.8 
          Finished products                                       390.0      369.3 
     Other current assets                                         117.4      116.4 
                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total Current Assets                                  1,523.6    1,505.5 

Investments and Other Assets                                    3,307.5    1,530.3 

Investment in Discontinued Operations                                 -      592.3 

Property at Cost                                                2,233.1    2,160.6 
      Accumulated depreciation                                  1,114.5    1,046.9 
                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                1,118.6    1,113.7 
                                                               ---------  ---------
               Total                                           $5,949.7   $4,741.8 
                                                               =========  =========


             LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
     Current maturities of long-term debt                      $   47.4   $  106.2 
     Notes payable                                                603.6      340.3 
     Accounts payable                                             339.5      264.0 
     Other current liabilities                                    469.5      505.3 
                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total Current Liabilities                             1,460.0    1,215.8 

Long-Term Debt                                                  1,804.5    1,860.4 

Deferred Income Taxes                                             439.5          - 

Other Liabilities                                                 552.9      507.4 

Redeemable Preferred Stock                                        262.9      304.9 

Unearned ESOP Compensation                                        (26.4)     (63.8)

Shareholders Equity
     Preferred stock                                                  -          - 
     Common stock                                                  32.6       11.5 
     Capital in excess of par value                               459.5      320.0 
     Retained earnings                                          2,018.6    1,566.7 
     Cumulative translation adjustment                            (89.8)    (129.8)
     Common stock in treasury, at cost                           (621.0)    (466.7)
     Unearned portion of restricted stock                          (2.4)      (3.4)
     Value of common stock held in Grantor Trust                 (522.7)    (381.2)
     Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities     181.5          - 
                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total Shareholders Equity                             1,456.3      917.1 
                                                               ---------  ---------
               Total                                           $5,949.7   $4,741.8 
                                                               =========  =========

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



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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


                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                --------------------------

                                                                        1998          1997
                                                                        ----          ----
Cash  Flow  from  Operations
    <S>                                                                    <C>        <C>
     Net earnings                                                      $1,000.9   $ 314.8 
     Gain on sale of discontinued operations                             (705.1)        - 
     Gain on sale of IBC stock                                            (14.7)        - 
     Net earnings from discontinued operations                            (10.0)    (61.3)
     Non-cash items included in income                                    169.8     139.1 
     Changes in assets and liabilities used in operations                  (8.4)    (21.1)
     Other, net                                                           (14.3)    (54.8)
                                                                       ---------  --------
          Cash flow from continuing operations                            418.2     316.7 
          Cash flow from discontinued operations                          (76.3)     92.7 
                                                                       ---------  --------
               Net cash flow from operations                              341.9     409.4 
                                                                       ---------  --------

Cash Flow from Investing Activities
     Acquisition of business                                             (182.5)        - 
     Property additions, net                                             (165.6)   (189.0)
     Proceeds from sale of IBC stock                                       27.1         - 
     Other, net                                                             1.8      (2.4)
                                                                       ---------  --------
          Cash used by investing activities - continuing operations      (319.2)   (191.4)
          Cash used by investing activities - discontinued operations    (195.1)    (94.7)
                                                                       ---------  --------
               Net cash used by investing activities                     (514.3)   (286.1)
                                                                       ---------  --------

Cash Flow from Financing Activities
          Net cash proceeds from debt                                     491.4      49.8 
          Dividends paid                                                 (111.2)   (113.1)
          Treasury stock purchases                                       (200.6)    (24.7)
          Other, net                                                      (24.4)     (2.5)
                                                                       ---------  --------
               Net cash provided (used) by financing activities           155.2     (90.5)
                                                                       ---------  --------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                                   (11.3)     (3.7)
                                                                       ---------  --------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                      (28.5)     29.1 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period                            109.1      62.3 
                                                                       ---------  --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                               $   80.6   $  91.4 
                                                                       =========  ========


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

                       RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   JUNE 30, 1998
                      (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,  1997.

Note  2  -  On May 28, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors declared a 3-for-1
stock  split,  effected by means of a stock dividend of two additional shares of
the  Company's $0.10 par value common stock for each outstanding share of common
stock,  to  shareholders  of  record  at the close of business on June 22, 1998.
Additional shares of stock resulting from the split were distributed on July 15,
1998.

The stock split was accounted for as an increase to common stock and a reduction
of  capital  in excess of par of $21.1, as par value remained unchanged at $0.10
per  common  share.   Shares of common stock in the Company's Grantor Trust were
split  3-for-1,  but common stock shares in treasury were not split.  The number
of  shares  outstanding  and  per share amounts for all periods presented in the
accompanying  financial  statements  and the related notes reflect the effect of
this  stock  split.

Note  3  -  During  the quarter and nine months ended June 30, 1998, the Company
recorded  after-tax  provisions  for  restructuring  of  $17.6  and  $61.3,
respectively.    On  a  per  share basis, these charges were $0.05 per basic and
diluted  share  for the quarter and $0.20 and $0.19 per basic and diluted share,
respectively,  for  the  nine  month  period.    On a pre-tax basis, charges for
restructuring  were  $21.6  and  $96.4,  respectively,  for the quarter and nine
months ended June 30, 1998.  Pre-tax charges for the nine month period consisted
of  termination benefits of $31.4, other cash costs of $6.3 and non-cash charges
of  $58.7.   The pre-tax charge and non-cash component for the nine month period
are  net  of  an  $11.9  reversal  of  prior  period  restructuring  charges.

The  restructuring  provision  for  the  current quarter is primarily related to
additional  charges  for  a  voluntary  early retirement option announced in the
second  quarter  which  was  offered  to  most  U.S. Battery Products' employees
meeting  certain  age  and  service  requirements.  The  provision also includes
charges  primarily  related to severance costs at the Company's European battery
and  international  pet  food  operations.    These  charges  provide  for  the
termination or  early  retirement  of approximately 750 employees in production,
sales  and  administrative  capacities.

Restructuring  charges  for  the  current  year  nine  month period also include
impairment  write-downs totaling $66.4, primarily related to a write-down of the
Company's  investment  in lithium-ion rechargeable battery manufacturing assets.
Fair  value  of  those  assets  was primarily determined based upon estimates of
recovery  value for unique manufacturing equipment.  Due to rapid changes in the
business  environment since the beginning of the lithium-ion project in 1996, it
has become more economical to source lithium-ion cells from other manufacturers.
The  Company  will  continue  to  assemble  and package lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries.

During  the  quarter  and  nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company recorded
after-tax  restructuring  provisions  of $90.8, or $0.29 and $0.28 per basic and
diluted  share,  respectively, for the quarter and $0.29 and $0.27 per basic and
diluted  share for the nine months.  These charges were primarily related to the
continued  rationalization  of  Battery Products' worldwide production capacity.
On a pre-tax basis, charges were $103.3 and consisted of termination benefits of
$44.4,  other  cash  exit costs of $9.5 and non-cash charges of $49.4, primarily
related  to  impairment  losses  on land, buildings and machinery and equipment.

Note  4  -  During  the  nine  month  period  ended  June  30, 1998, the Company
recognized  capital loss tax benefits of $41.5, or $0.14 and $0.13 per basic and
diluted  share,  respectively.    During  the  prior year quarter and nine month
period,  the Company recognized capital loss tax benefits of $61.7, or $0.20 and
$0.19  per  basic and diluted share, respectively, for the quarter and $0.20 and
$0.18 per basic and diluted share for the nine month period.  These capital loss
tax  benefits  relate  to  past  restructuring  actions.  Also in the prior year
quarter  and nine month period, the Company recognized tax benefits of $34.7, or
$0.11 per basic and diluted share, related to tax refund claims for 1993 through
1996  as  a  result of a change in the Company's method of computing foreign tax
credits.

Note  5  -  During  the  nine month period ended June 30, 1998, the Company sold
shares  of  its investment in Interstate Bakeries Corporation (IBC) common stock
for  $27.1  and  recognized  an  after-tax  gain of $9.5, or $0.03 per basic and
diluted  share.    On a pre-tax basis, the gain on the sale of the IBC stock was
$14.7.

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 nine months ended June 30, 1998, 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  -  On  April  1,  1998,  the Company completed the tax-free spin-off to
shareholders  of its Agricultural Products business.  The spin-off resulted in a
reduction in equity of $333.2, recorded as a reduction of the Company's retained
earnings  of  $419.4,  and  a  reduction of the Company's cumulative translation
adjustment  of  $86.2.

Note  8  -  Discontinued  operations  consist  of  the  operating results of the
Company's  Soy  Protein Products business through the sale date (see Note 6) and
the  Company's  Agricultural  Products business through the date of the spin-off
(see Note 7).  Also included in discontinued operations in the current year is a
gain  of $5.3, after taxes, on the settlement of a claim related to a previously
disposed  business,  partially  offset  by transaction costs associated with the
spin-off  of  the  Company's  Agricultural  Products  business.   Amounts in the
financial  statements  and notes for all periods presented have been restated to
reflect  discontinued  operations  accounting.

Note  9 - 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.  The acquisition
has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  The acquisition
of  Edward  Baker is not expected to have a significant effect on the net sales,
net  earnings  or earnings per share of the Company for the year ended September
30,  1998.

Note  10 - In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued  Statement  of  Position  (SOP)  No.  98-1,  Accounting  for the Costs of
Computer  Software  Developed  or  Obtained  for  Internal Use.   This statement
requires  that  certain internal and external costs associated with the purchase
and/or development of internal use software be capitalized rather than expensed.
The Company implemented this statement as of the beginning of the current fiscal
year.

Capitalized  software  costs  are  included in deferred charges and other assets
within  Investments  and  Other Assets (see Note 14) and are amortized using the
straight-line method over periods of related benefit ranging primarily from 3 to
7  years.

Note  11  -  In  February  1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  128,  Earnings  per Share.
Statement  128  replaces  the  previously  reported  primary  and  fully diluted
earnings  per  share  with basic and diluted earnings per share.  Basic earnings
per  share  is  based  on  the  average  number of shares outstanding during the
period.    This  calculation  is  the  same  as  the  primary earnings per share
calculation  previously  reported  by  the  Company.

Diluted  earnings  per  share  is  very similar to the previously reported fully
diluted earnings per share and is based on the average number of shares used for
the  basic  earnings  per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of
convertible  preferred  stock,  stock  options,  convertible  debentures  and
compensation  awards.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share  in  accordance with the provisions of Statement 128.  Previously reported
diluted  earnings per share amounts have been restated, as necessary, to conform
to  Statement  128 requirements.  In addition, number of shares and options, per
share  amounts and option prices have been restated to reflect the effect of the
May  28,  1998,  3-for-1  stock  split  (see  Note  2).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Quarter Ended    Nine Months Ended 
                                                      JUNE 30,           JUNE 30,
                                                     -------------------------------
                                                    1998     1997     1998      1997
                                                    ----     ----     ----      ----
Numerator:
<S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
   Earnings from continuing operations             $ 59.6   $ 80.2   $285.8   $253.5 
   Preferred stock dividends                         (2.8)    (3.2)    (8.8)    (9.9)
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
   Numerator for basic earnings per share -
        Earnings from continuing operations
          available to common shareholders         $ 56.8   $ 77.0   $277.0   $243.6 

   Effect of dilutive securities:
        ESOP stock                                    2.6      2.7      7.6      7.6 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
   Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
        Earnings from continuing operations
          available to common shareholders         $ 59.4   $ 79.7   $284.6   $251.2 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
        Net earnings from discontinued operations  $  0.9   $ 20.5   $ 10.0   $ 61.3 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
        Gain on sale of discontinued operations    $    -   $    -   $705.1   $    - 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------

Denominator:
   Denominator for basic earnings per share -
          weighted average shares *                 304.4    306.3    306.6    306.0 

   Effect of dilutive securities:
          ESOP stock                                 17.2     19.3     18.0     19.6 
          Stock options **                            5.3      3.3      4.6      4.8 
          Deferred Compensation                         -        -        -      0.8 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
   Dilutive potential common shares                  22.5     22.6     22.6     25.2 

   Denominator for diluted earnings per
          share - adjusted weighted average
          shares and assumed conversions            326.9    328.9    329.2    331.2 
                                                   =======  =======  =======  =======

Basic earnings per share:
   Earnings from continuing operations             $ 0.19   $ 0.25   $ 0.91   $ 0.80 
   Net earnings from discontinued operations            -     0.07     0.03     0.20 
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations              -        -     2.30        - 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
   Net earnings                                    $ 0.19   $ 0.32   $ 3.24   $ 1.00 
                                                   =======  =======  =======  =======

Diluted earnings per share:
   Earnings from continuing operations             $ 0.18   $ 0.24   $ 0.87   $ 0.76 
   Net earnings from discontinued operations            -     0.06     0.03     0.18 
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations              -        -     2.14        - 
                                                   -------  -------  -------  -------
   Net earnings                                    $ 0.18   $ 0.30   $ 3.04   $ 0.94 
                                                   =======  =======  =======  =======

<FN>

*      Weighted  average  shares used for the computation of basic earnings per share
excludes  13,423,000  and  12,870,000 shares of common stock held by the Company's 
Grantor Trust at June 30, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.

**    Options to purchase 40,575 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $39.47
to $42.84  per  share,  and 5,184,960  shares  of  common stock at prices ranging 
from $18.47 to $42.84 per share  outstanding  during  the  quarter and  nine  months 
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were not included in  weighted  average  
shares  used  for the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were 
antidilutive at period  end.  As a result of the spin-off of the Company's 
Agricultural Products business, the number of options to  acquire  shares  of  
Ralston  Purina Company  (RAL) common stock and the related exercise prices were 
adjusted based upon  the  ratio  of  the  average trading  prices  of  RAL  common  
stock  prior  to  and following the spin-off.
</TABLE>


Note  12  -  On  June 30, 1998, after giving effect for the 3-for-1 stock split
(see  Note  2),  there  were  303,986,000  shares  of  common stock outstanding,
exclusive  of  8,895,000  shares  held  in treasury and 13,423,000 Grantor Trust
shares.    At  September 30, 1997, there were 306,813,000 shares of common stock
outstanding,  exclusive  of  8,116,000  shares  held  in treasury and 12,922,000
Grantor  Trust  shares.

Note  13  - Other (income)/expense, net, for the nine months ended June 30, 1998
and  1997,  consists  of  the  following:

                                                          June  30,
                                                      1998          1997
                                                      ----          ----

Net  translation  and  exchange  loss              $  10.7           $ 5.4
Dividends  on  DuPont  common  stock                (15.0)               -
Other  investment  income                            (4.0)           (2.5)
Return  on  other  investments                       (8.4)           (5.4)
Miscellaneous  (income)/expense                      (0.3)           (1.5)
                                                 ---------        --------
                                                  $ (17.0)         $ (4.0)
                                                 =========        ========

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

                                                   June  30,    Sept.  30,
                                                     1998          1997
                                                     ----          ----

Goodwill                                          $  555.8       $  446.5
Other  intangible  assets                            232.4          236.4
Investments  in  affiliated  companies               313.1          299.9
Available-for-sale  securities                     1,691.7              -
Deferred  charges  and  other  assets                514.5          547.5
                                                 ----------    ----------
                                                 $ 3,307.5      $ 1,530.3
                                                 ==========    ==========

Note  15  -  Available-for-sale securities 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 fair value and cost basis of
these  securities  at  June  30,  1998, are $1,691.7 and $1,408.1, respectively,
resulting  in  a gross unrealized holding gain of $283.6.  This gain, net of tax
of $102.1, is shown as a separate component of shareholders equity.  The changes
in net unrealized holding gain for the three and nine months ended June 30, 1998
are  $95.8  and  $181.5,  respectively.

Note  16 - During the first quarter of the current year, the Company adopted SOP
96-1,  Environmental  Remediation  Liabilities, which was issued in October 1996
and  provides  guidance for the accrual of environmental remediation costs.  The
adoption  of SOP 96-1 did not have a material effect on the financial statements
of  the Company for the nine months ended June 30, 1998.  As a matter of policy,
costs  of  future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not
discounted  to  their  present  value.

Note  17  - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
This  statement  requires  that  all  derivatives  be measured at fair value and
reported as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position.
The Company will be required to adopt this statement no later than the beginning
of fiscal year 2000.  The Company has not completed its evaluations to determine
the  impact  of  this  statement  on  its  consolidated  financial  statements.


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

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

Item  5.          Other  Information
                  ------------------

On July 15, 1998, Registrant effected a three-for-one stock split in the form of
a stock dividend to holders of its $.10 par value Common Stock on June 22, 1998.
Pursuant  to  Section 11(a) of the Rights Agreement dated March 28, 1996 between
the Registrant and Norwest Bank, N.A. as Rights Agent and Successor to Boatmen's
Trust Company, the Purchase Price for a share of Common Stock upon exercise of a
Right has been adjusted from $192.80 to $64.27.  In addition, as a result of the
stock  split,  and  pursuant  to the terms of Section 9(a) of the Certificate of
Designation  of  the Registrant's Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (the
"ESOP  Stock"),  the  Conversion  Denominator with respect to the ESOP Stock was
adjusted  from 46.72 to 15.57 and, consequently, each share of ESOP Stock is now
convertible,  in  accordance  with  the terms of the Certificate of Designation,
into  7.12  shares  of  the  Registrant's  Common  Stock.


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

Registrant  filed its Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 1998, to disclose
the  declaration  of  the  three-for-one  stock split described in Item 5 above.


                                   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:    August  14,  1998

<PAGE>


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


Exhibits
--------

     EX-27          Financial  data  schedule  for  3rd  Quarter  1998

     (provided  electronically)


Exhibit  27

(Document  prepared  on  Edgar)