SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10Q

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

                        For Quarter Ended March 31, 2000

                           Commission File No. 1-4582


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

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

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

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


Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)
of  the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2)
has  been  subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90  days.

     YES:   X     NO:  _____
          ---

Number  of shares of Ralston Purina common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding as
of  the  close  of  business  on  May  11,  2000:  306,760,333


<PAGE>
PART  I  -     FINANCIAL  INFORMATION



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

OPERATING  RESULTS
Net  earnings  for the six months ended March 31, 2000 were $385.8, or $1.33 and
$1.32  per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared to $284.0,
or  $.92  and  $.89 per basic and diluted share, in the prior year.  Included in
net  earnings for the current six months are earnings from continuing operations
of  $286.2,  or $.99 and $.98 per basic and diluted share, respectively, and net
earnings  from  discontinued  operations of $99.6, or $.34 per basic and diluted
share.  For  the  prior  year  six  months,  net earnings included earnings from
continuing  operations  of $236.2, or $.76 and $.74 per basic and diluted share,
respectively,  and  net  earnings from discontinued operations of $47.8, or $.16
and $.15 per basic and diluted share.  Net earnings from discontinued operations
for  both  periods  represents  results  of  the  Battery  Products  business
(Energizer),  which  was  spun-off  on April 1, 2000.  Pro forma comparisons are
presented  below  to  reflect  the  impact  of  the  spin-off.

Pro  forma  earnings  from continuing operations for the current six months were
$293.9 and include a net pro forma adjustment of $7.7 and several unusual items,
which increased earnings by $125.0, as follows:  an unrealized after-tax gain of
$86.8,  or $.30 and $.29 per basic and diluted share, respectively, representing
a  market  value  adjustment  of  the Company's stock appreciation income linked
securities  (SAILS)  debt;  an  after-tax  gain  of  $7.1, or $.02 per basic and
diluted  share,  on  the  sale  of shares of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(DuPont) common stock; and capital loss tax benefits totaling $31.1, or $.11 per
basic and diluted share.  The net pro forma adjustment in each period represents
a  reduction  in interest expense due to the change in debt structure associated
with  the spin-off of Energizer, net of an adjustment to income taxes to reflect
the  Company's  post-spin-off  tax  rate.

Pro  forma  earnings  from  continuing  operations  for the prior year six-month
period  were  $244.0  and  include  a  net  pro  forma adjustment of $7.8 and an
unrealized  after-tax  gain  of  $93.3,  or  $.30 and $.29 per basic and diluted
share,  respectively,  representing  a  market value adjustment of the Company's
SAILS  debt.

Pro  forma  earnings from continuing operations before unusual items for the six
months  ended  March  31, 2000 were $168.9, or $.58 per basic and diluted share,
compared  to $150.7, or $.48 and $.47 per basic and diluted share, respectively,
in  the  prior  year.  The $18.2 increase, or 12%, was primarily attributable to
higher  operating  earnings  from  each  of  the  Company's  operating segments.

For  the  quarter  ended  March  31, 2000, net earnings were $143.0, or $.49 per
basic and diluted share, compared to $107.2, or $.34 per basic and diluted share
for  the  same  quarter  in  1999.  Net earnings for the current quarter include
earnings  from  continuing  operations  of $151.1, or $.52 per basic and diluted
share,  and  a  net loss from discontinued operations of $8.1, or $.03 per basic
and  diluted  share.  Net  earnings  for the prior year quarter include earnings
from continuing operations of $120.8, or $.38 per basic and diluted share, and a
net  loss  from  discontinued operations of $13.6, or $.04 per basic and diluted
share.

Pro  forma  earnings  from  continuing  operations  were  $156.5 for the current
quarter  and  include  a  pro  forma  adjustment of $5.4 and unusual items which
increased  earnings  by  $76.6.  These  unusual items include the aforementioned
gain on the sale of DuPont stock of $7.1 and capital loss tax benefits of $31.1,
and  also  a market adjustment of the Company's SAILS debt of $38.4.  Prior year
second  quarter  pro  forma  earnings from continuing operations were $126.1 and
include  a pro forma adjustment of $5.3 and a market adjustment of the Company's
SAILS  debt  of  $48.4.

Pro  forma  earnings from continuing operations before unusual items were $79.9,
or $.28 per basic and diluted share, for the current quarter, compared to $77.7,
or  $.25  per  basic and diluted share for the prior year quarter.  The earnings
increase  was  attributable  to  higher  operating  earnings.

RESULTS  OF  CONTINUING  OPERATIONS
Net sales increased 3.6% in the six months ended March 31, 2000 and were flat in
the  quarter.  In the six months, sales increased on higher sales in each of the
Company's  operating  segments.  In the quarter, sales were flat as increases in
International  Pet  Foods and Golden Products were offset by a decrease in North
American  Pet Foods.  See the following section for comments on sales changes by
operating  segment.

Gross  profit increased $80.8 in the current six months and $23.5 in the current
quarter  due  to increases in all operating segments.  As a percentage of sales,
gross  profit  was 60.0% in the current year six months compared to 56.3% a year
ago.  In  the current quarter, the gross profit percentage was 60.2% compared to
56.8%  in  the  prior  year  second  quarter.  The  increased percentage in both
current  year  periods  reflects margin improvements in North American Pet Foods
and  International  Pet  Foods,  partially offset by decreased margins in Golden
Products.

Selling,  general  and administrative expenses increased 5.1% in the current six
months  and  13.9%  in  the  quarter.  This  increase  for  the  six  months  is
attributable  to  increases  in  North  American Pet Foods and International Pet
Foods.   For  the  quarter,  the  increase  is  primarily  due  to  increases in
International  Pet  Foods  and  unfavorable  mark-to-market comparisons  on
liabilities  denominated  in  share  equivalents.  Selling,  general  and
administrative  expenses  increased  to  17.1% and 18.5% of sales in the current
six-month  period and current quarter, respectively, from 16.9% and 16.2% in the
same  periods  a  year  ago.

Advertising  and promotion expense increased 12.1% in the current six months due
to  increases  in  all  operating  segments.  In  the  quarter,  advertising and
promotion expense increased 4.0% due to increases in International Pet Foods and
Golden  Products.  As  a  percentage of sales, advertising and promotion expense
was  22.0% and 21.6% in the current six months and second quarter, respectively,
compared  to  20.3%  and  20.8%  in  the  same  periods  a  year  ago.

Other  income/expense,  net,  was  $3.0  unfavorable for the six months and $3.6
favorable  in  the  quarter.  The  unfavorable  variance  for the six months was
primarily  due to lower dividend income from the Company's investments in DuPont
and  Conoco Inc. (Conoco) common stock.  For the quarter, the favorable variance
was  primarily  attributable  to  higher  returns on other investments and lower
translation  and  exchange  losses,  partially  offset by lower dividend income.

Income  taxes include federal, state and foreign taxes.  Pro forma income taxes,
excluding  the aforementioned unusual items in each period, were 34.5% and 34.0%
of  pre-tax  earnings before equity earnings for the current year six months and
second  quarter,  respectively,  compared  to  33.5%  in  both of the prior year
periods.

BUSINESS  SEGMENTS
See Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements for a table of segment
sales  and  profitability  for  the  quarters  ended  March  31,  2000 and 1999.

Sales  for North American Pet Foods increased 2% in the six months and decreased
3%  in  the  quarter.  The sales increase for the six months was attributable to
volume  increases  in  the first quarter, partially offset by volume declines in
the  second  quarter.  In  the  second  quarter, increased super premium branded
sales  were  more  than  offset  by  lower  volumes  caused by pantry loading by
consumers  related  to  Year  2000  uncertainties,  elimination  of lower margin
products  and  the  timing  of  promotional  activity.

Profitability  for  this  segment  increased 10% in the six months and 4% in the
quarter.  The  six  months'  profitability increase resulted from higher volumes
and lower ingredient costs, partially offset by unfavorable package size mix and
increased  advertising and promotion expense.  In the quarter, lower volumes and
unfavorable  package  size  mix were more than offset by lower ingredient costs.

International  Pet  Foods'  sales  increased  5% in the six months and 9% in the
quarter.   These  increases  are  the result of volume increases in all regions,
partially  offset  by unfavorable product mix in certain South American markets.
Profitability  for  this  segment increased 11% in the six months and 14% in the
quarter.  These  increases  are  primarily  due to the sales increase as well as
improved  margins,  partially  offset  by  increased  advertising  and promotion
expenses  and  increased  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses.

Sales  for  Golden  Products  increased  18%  in the six months and 16% in the
quarter  due  to  significant  volume  increases  in  scooping litter as well as
increased  conventional  litter  volumes.  Profitability  for  Golden  Products
increased  23%  in  the  six  months  and  18%  in  the quarter due to the sales
increase, partially offset by increased product costs and higher advertising and
promotion  expenses.

FINANCIAL  CONDITION
The  Company's  primary  source  of  liquidity  is  cash  flow  generated  from
continuing operations.  The Company's investments in DuPont, Interstate Bakeries
Corporation  (IBC) and Conoco  provide additional sources of liquidity.  For the
six months ended March 31, 2000, cash flow from continuing operations was $141.2
compared to $181.6 in the six months ended March 31, 1999.  The decrease in cash
flow  in  the  current six months results from changes in working capital items,
primarily  increased  accounts  receivable  and  decreased  current liabilities.

Current  liabilities  exceeded current assets by $308.2 at March 31, 2000, which
includes $220.8  of SAILS debt that is expected to be settled with IBC shares on
August 1, 2000.  The improved working capital position at March 31,  2000
results  from  a  decrease in notes payable and current maturities of long-term
debt.

In  preparation  for  the  spin-off  of  Energizer on April 1, 2000, the Company
received during the quarter $478 from new borrowings and then assigned this debt
to Energizer.  The majority of the proceeds from the borrowings were used by the
Company  to  pay  down  its  short-term  debt.

During  the  current  six months, the Company received proceeds from the sale of
DuPont  common  stock  of  $88.6.

The Company used cash of $340.4 during the six months for share repurchases.  As
of  May  10,  2000,  approximately  1,136,600 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
Results  for  the  current  six  months  include an unrealized after-tax gain of
$86.8,  or  $135.6  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  $.30  and  $.29  per  basic  and  diluted share,
respectively.  During  the  prior year six-month period, the Company recorded an
unrealized gain on the SAILS debt of $145.8 and $93.3 on a pre-tax and after-tax
basis, respectively, or $.30 and $.29 per basic and diluted share.  At March 31,
2000,  the  cumulative  unrealized  pre-tax  gain  since  issuance  is  $259.1,
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 IBC
common  stock  and  an  IBC  stock  price  of  $14.25  at  March  31,  2000.

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

For  accounting  purposes,  terms  of the SAILS require them to be marked to the
cash value of the underlying IBC common shares into which they may be exchanged.
Accordingly,  a  market value adjustment is required for the SAILS debt when the
IBC  stock  price  is outside the range of $30.96875 and $37.7819 per share.  If
the  IBC  stock price is greater than $37.7819 per share, the Company records an
unrealized  loss  on  the  SAILS  debt,  and if the IBC stock price is less than
$30.96875  per  share,  the  Company  records  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 (Redeemable Preferred Stock) into RAL Stock in
accordance  with  terms  of  the  Redeemable  Preferred  Stock.  To  effect this
conversion,  the Company issued 13,505,609 shares held in Treasury and 2,209,192
authorized  but  previously  unissued  shares  of  RAL  Stock.

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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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


                               QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                             ----------------------    -------------------------
                                     2000      1999     2000       1999
                                     ----      ----     ----        ----
<S>                                   <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>
Net Sales                            $690.8   $690.6   $1,419.1   $1,369.7
                                     -------  -------  ---------  ---------

Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                 274.9    298.2     567.5      598.9
Selling, general and administrative   127.5    111.9     242.6      230.9
Advertising and promotion             149.5    143.7     312.2      278.4
Interest expense                       44.8     45.2      91.4       92.9
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt         (60.0)   (75.6)   (135.6)    (145.8)
Gain on sale of stock                 (11.1)      -      (11.1)        -
Other (income)/expense, net           (10.4)    (6.8)    (16.9)     (19.9)
                                     -------   -------  -------    -------
                                      515.2    516.6    1,050.1   1,035.4
                                     -------  -------  ---------  ---------

Earnings from Continuing
  Operations before
   Income Taxes and Equity
   Earnings                          175.6     174.0      369.0     334.3

Income Tax Provision                 (30.5)    (61.4)     (96.6)   (115.3)

Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes          6.0       8.2       13.8      17.2
                                    -------   -------   ---------  --------

Earnings from Continuing
   Operations                        151.1     120.8      286.2      236.2

Net Earnings/(Loss) from
   Discontinued Operations            (8.1)    (13.6)      99.6       47.8
                                    -------   -------   ---------  ---------

Net Earnings                         143.0     107.2      385.8      284.0

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

Earnings Available to Common
   Shareholders                     $143.0   $107.2     $385.8      $281.4
                                   =======  =======  =========   =========

Cash Dividends Declared per
  Common Share                        $0.17    $0.20      $0.17       $0.20
                                   =======  =======   =========   =========

Earnings Per Share
Basic
Earnings from continuing
  operations                         $0.52    $0.38      $0.99      $0.76
Net earnings/(loss) from
  discontinued operations            (0.03)   (0.04)      0.34       0.16
                                    -------   -------   -------   --------
Net Earnings                         $0.49    $0.34      $1.33      $0.92
                                    =======  =======  =========  =========

Diluted
Earnings from continuing
  operations                        $0.52    $0.38       $0.98      $0.74
Net earnings/(loss) from
 discontinued operations            (0.03)   (0.04)       0.34       0.15
                                    ------  -------    -------    -------
Net Earnings                        $0.49    $0.34       $1.32      $0.89
                                   =======  =======    =======    ========


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

                                                  MARCH 31,            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                 ---------            -------------
                                                    2000                  1999
                                                    ----                  ----
<S>                                                  <C>                  <C>
                       ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents                         $   133.4         $     56.6
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
  Accounts of $4.5  and $4.7, respectively            211.8              203.6
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies                             50.4               45.2
Finished products                                      79.5               74.0
Other current assets                                   12.4               38.8
                                                    ----------       ---------
Total Current Assets                                  487.5              418.2

Investments and Other Assets                        2,254.3            2,403.8

Investment in Discontinued Operations                 697.6            1,323.7

Property at Cost                                    1,204.6            1,164.2
Accumulated depreciation                              598.3              574.7
                                                  ----------         ---------
                                                      606.3              589.5
                                                  ----------         ---------
Total                                              $4,045.7           $4,735.2
                                                 ==========          =========


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt              $   234.4          $   370.1
Notes payable                                         162.4              572.0
Accounts payable                                      135.0              177.2
Other current liabilities                             263.9              266.3
                                                  ----------         ---------
Total Current Liabilities                             795.7            1,385.6

Long-Term Debt                                      1,249.7            1,249.9

Deferred Income Taxes                                 391.2              435.2

Other Liabilities                                     420.0              407.5

Shareholders Equity
Common stock                                           32.9               32.9
Capital in excess of par value                        177.5              172.8
Retained earnings                                   2,198.2            1,871.7
Common stock in treasury, at cost                  (1,018.2)            (493.7)
Unearned portion of restricted stock                   (0.8)              (2.9)
Value of common stock held in Grantor Trust             -               (199.6)

Cumulative translation adjustment                    (100.8)             (98.4)
Net unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale
  securities                                          (98.4)             (24.5)
Minimum pension liability                              (1.3)              (1.3)
                                                  ----------          ---------
Accumulated other comprehensive income               (200.5)            (124.2)
                                                  ----------          ---------
Total Shareholders Equity                           1,189.1             1,257.0

                                                  ----------          ---------
Total                                             $ 4,045.7         $   4,735.2
                                                  ==========          =========

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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


                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                             --------------------------
                                                                     2000       1999
                                                                   --------  --------
<S>                                                                   <C>       <C>
Cash Flow from Operations
Net earnings                                                      $  385.8  $  284.0
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                                       (135.6)   (145.8)
Net earnings from discontinued operations                            (99.6)    (47.8)
Gain on sale of investments in common stock                          (11.1)      -
Non-cash items included in income                                     72.6     121.6
Changes in assets and liabilities used in operations                 (41.4)     16.5
Other, net                                                           (29.5)    (46.9)
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash flow from continuing operations                                 141.2     181.6
Cash flow from discontinued operations                               230.9     163.5
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash flow from operations                                        372.1     345.1
                                                                    --------  --------

Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Property additions, net                                              (51.5)    (48.9)
Proceeds from the sale of investments in common stock                 88.6       -
Other, net                                                           (21.2)     1.5
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash from (used by) investing activities - continuing operations      15.9     (47.4)
Cash from (used by) investing activities - discontinued operations    10.4     (16.8)
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash from (used by) investing activities                          26.3     (64.2)
                                                                    --------  --------

Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash payment of debt                                            (408.9)   (123.6)
Dividends paid                                                       (57.9)    (69.9)
Treasury stock purchases                                            (340.4)    (82.3)
Other, net                                                             5.3       6.6
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash used by financing activities - continuing operations           (801.9)   (269.2)
Cash from (used by) financing activities - discontinued operations   480.9      (2.9)
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash used by financing activities                               (321.0)   (272.1)
                                                                    --------  --------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                               (0.6)     (1.3)
                                                                    --------  -------

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                             76.8       7.5

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period                        56.6      40.5
                                                                  --------   --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                          $  133.4   $  48.0
                                                                  ========   ========


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2000
                   (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  -  On  April  1,  2000,  the Company completed the tax-free spin-off to
shareholders  of  its  Battery  Products  business (Energizer).  This segment is
accounted  for  as  a  discontinued  operation  in  the financial statements and
related  notes  for  all  periods  presented.  See  notes 3 and 16 which present
quarterly  restatements  for  fiscal  2000  and  fiscal  1999.

NOTE  3  - Segment sales and profitability for the quarters and six months ended
March 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows.  Sales and profitability for the quarter
and  six  months ended March 31, 1999 have been restated to reflect the spin-off
of  the  Battery  Products  segment,  as  discussed  in  Note  2,  above.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                       Quarter ended           Six Months ended
                                         March 31,              March 31,
<S>                                      <C>      <C>              <C>      <C>
NET SALES                                2000    1999             2000      1999
                                        -----    ----             -----   ------
North American Pet Foods                 $516.7  $534.2          $1,077.3  $1,057.4
International Pet Foods                   111.8   102.9             218.7     208.2
Golden Products                            62.3    53.5             123.1     104.1
                                       --------  ------        ----------  --------
TOTAL                                    $690.8  $690.6          $1,419.1  $1,369.7
                                        ======   ======          ========  ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Quarter  ended      Six Months
                                                       March 31,           ended March 31,
<S>                                                     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
PROFITABILITY                                           2000     1999     2000     1999
                                                       -------  -------  -------  -------
North American Pet Foods                               $116.1   $111.7   $ 247.0   $ 224.3
International Pet Foods     .                            12.5     11.0      24.5      22.1
Golden Products                                          15.0     12.7      30.2      24.6
                                                       -------  -------  -------   -------
TOTAL SEGMENT PROFITABILITY                             143.6    135.4     301.7     271.0

General corporate income/(expenses) (a)                  10.3     12.3      20.8      18.5

Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets     (4.6)    (4.1)     (8.8)     (8.1)
Unusual items (b)                                        71.1     75.6     146.7     145.8
Interest expense                                        (44.8)   (45.2)    (91.4)    (92.9)
                                                       -------  -------  --------   -------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY EARNINGS     $  175.6  $ 174.0   $ 369.0   $ 334.3
                                                       =======  =======  ========  ========
</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  on SAILS debt for all periods and a gain on
        the  sale  of  DuPont stock  for  the  quarter  and  six  months  ended
        March  31,  2000.

                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2000
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)

Restated  segment  sales  and profitability for the third and fourth quarters of
fiscal  1999  and  full  year  fiscal  1999  are  presented below to reflect the
spin-off  of  the  Battery  Products  business.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>                                          <C>     <C>      <C>
NET SALES                                   3rd Qtr  4th Qtr  Year 1999
                                           -------  -------  ----------
North American Pet Foods                    $500.9    $534.0   $2,092.3
International Pet Foods                      102.2     101.5      411.9
Golden Products                               52.8      59.4      216.3
                                           -------    -------   -------
TOTAL                                       $655.9    $694.9   $2,720.5
                                            =======   =======  ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>                                                          <C>      <C>       <C>
PROFITABILITY                                              3rd Qtr  4th Qtr   Year 1999
                                                          -------  -------  -----------
North American Pet Foods                                   $ 102.5    $112.1    $438.9
International Pet Foods     .                                  7.7       7.1      36.9
Golden Products                                               11.9      13.1      49.6
                                                           -------    -------   -------
TOTAL SEGMENT PROFITABILITY                                  122.1      132.3    525.4

General corporate income/(expenses) (a)                        1.8        3.7      24.0

Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets          (4.3)      (4.1)    (16.5)
Unusual items (b)                                              2.7       64.2     212.7
Interest expense                                             (43.9)     (42.8)   (179.6)
                                                           -------     -------  --------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   AND EQUITY EARNINGS                                      $ 78.4    $ 153.3   $ 566.0
                                                           ========   =======   ========
</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  on  SAILS  debt  in  all  periods;  a
      restructuring  reversal  in  the 3rd quarter; and gains on the sale or
      conversion of DuPont stock in all periods.

NOTE  4  -  During  the six months and quarter ended March 31, 2000, the Company
recorded  an  unrealized  after-tax  gain  of  $86.8 and $38.4, respectively, or
$135.6  and  $60.0  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  $.30  and  $.29  per  basic  and  diluted share,
respectively,  for  the  six months and $.13 per basic and diluted share for the
quarter.  For  the prior year, the unrealized after-tax gain was $93.3 and $48.4
for  the  six  months  and quarter, respectively, or $.30 and $.29 per basic and
diluted  share  for  the six months and $.15 per basic and diluted share for the
quarter.  The  prior  year  six-month  and quarter pre-tax unrealized gains were
$145.8  and  $75.6,  respectively.

At March 31, 2000, the cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain since debt issuance is
$259.1, 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
$14.25  per  share  at  March  31,  2000.

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.



                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2000
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)

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  5  -  During  the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2000, the Company
sold  shares  of  its investment in E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont)
common  stock for $88.6 and recorded an $11.1, pre-tax, or $7.1, after-tax, gain
on  this  sale.  The cost basis of these shares was determined using the average
cost  method.  On  a  per  share basis, this gain was $.02 per basic and diluted
share  for  the  quarter  and  six  months.

NOTE 6 - Current quarter and six-month results include capital loss tax benefits
totaling  $31.1,  or  $.11  per  basic and diluted share for the quarter and six
months.   These  benefits  relate  to  the sale and reorganization of two of the
Company's  subsidiaries.

NOTE  7  -  The  components  of  total  comprehensive income for the quarter and
six-month  periods  ended  March  31,  2000  and  1999  are  as  follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                             Quarter Ended          Six Months Ended
                                              -------------          ----------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                              3/31/00    3/31/99    3/31/00    3/31/99
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Earnings                                  $ 143.0   $ 107.2    $ 385.8    $ 284.0
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments           .9     (20.1)      (2.4)     (10.6)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-
   sale securities                             (110.7)     71.7      (66.8)      25.3
   Reclassification adjustment                   (7.1)      -         (7.1)       -
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total Other Comprehensive Income               (116.9)     51.6      (76.3)      14.7
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total Comprehensive Income                      $26.1    $158.8     $309.5     $298.7
                                             =========  =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>

NOTE  8  -  Other (income)/expense, net, for the six months ended March 31, 2000
and  1999,  consists  of  the  following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          Six Months Ended March 31,
<S>                                              <C>      <C>
                                                2000     1999
                                              -------  -------
Dividends on available-for-sale securities    $(13.6)  $(15.8)
Return on other investments                     (1.8)    (2.3)
Miscellaneous (income)/expense                  (1.5)    (1.8)
                                              -------  -------
                                              $(16.9)  $(19.9)
                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>

NOTE  9  -  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  10  -  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings  per  share for the quarters and six-month periods ended March 31, 2000
and  1999.






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2000
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)


                                         Quarter Ended      Six Months
                                          March  31,         Ended  March 31,
                                         -------------      ----------------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>
                                           2000     1999      2000    1999
                                          ------  ------     ------  -------
Numerator:
Earnings from continuing operations       $ 151.1  $ 120.8  $ 286.2  $ 236.2
Preferred stock dividends                     -       -         -      (2.6)
                                           ------  ------  ------    -------
Numerator for basic earnings per share -
Earnings from continuing operations
available to common shareholders          $ 151.1  $ 120.8  $ 286.2  $ 233.6

Effect of dilutive securities:
ESOP stock                                    -        -                 2.4
                                         -------  -------  ------    -------
Numerator for diluted earnings per
  share -
Earnings from continuing operations
available to common shareholders          $ 151.1  $ 120.8  $ 286.2  $ 236.0
                                          -------  -------  ------   -------
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued
  operations                              $  (8.1) $ (13.6) $  99.6    $47.8
                                           -------  -------  ------   ------

Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share -
weighted average shares *                   288.1   314.5     290.2    306.7

Effect of dilutive securities:
ESOP stock                                    -       -         -        8.1
Stock options                                 2.4     3.0       2.5      3.5
                                            -----  -----      -----    -----
Dilutive potential common shares              2.4     3.0       2.5     11.6

Denominator for diluted earnings per
share - adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversions              290.5   317.5     292.7    318.3
                                            =====   =====     =====    =====

Basic earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations        $ 0.52  $ 0.38   $  0.99   $ 0.76
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued
  operations                                (0.03)  (0.04)     0.34     0.16
                                          -------  -------  -----      -----
Net earnings                               $ 0.49  $ 0.34   $  1.33   $ 0.92
                                           =======  =======  =======  =======

Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations        $ 0.52  $ 0.38   $ 0.98    $ 0.74
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued
   operations                               (0.03)  (0.04)    0.34      0.15
                                          -------  -------  -----      -----
Net earnings                                $0.49   $0.34   $ 1.32    $ 0.89
                                           =======  =======  =====   =======
</TABLE>

*   Weighted average shares used for the computation of basic earnings per share
    excludes  13,621,000 shares  of  common  stock held by the Company's Grantor
    Trust at March 31,1999.   The  Grantor  Trust held  no  shares  at
    March  31,  2000.  See  Note  11.

NOTE  11  -  At  March  31,  2000, there were 286,658,000 shares of common stock
outstanding,  exclusive of 41,922,000 shares held in treasury.  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.  On
March  30,  2000,  the Company exchanged its commercial paper with a maturity of
approximately  30 days for the RAL common shares then held by the Grantor Trust.
Upon  maturity  of  the commercial paper, the Company exchanged with the Grantor
Trust  the  commercial  paper  for  21,535,675 RAL common shares with a value of
$367.5.







                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2000
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)

NOTE  12  -  Investments  and  Other  Assets  consist  of  the  following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                              <C>              <C>
                                                March 31,         Sept. 30,
                                                  2000              1999
                                                --------          --------

Goodwill                                        $  290.0          $  294.9
Other intangible assets                            133.8             120.9
Investments in affiliated companies                377.3             363.7
Available-for-sale securities                      992.5           1,185.5
Deferred charges and other assets                  460.7             438.8
                                                --------          --------
                                                $ 2,254.3        $ 2,403.8
                                                =========        =========

</TABLE>

NOTE  13  -  Available-for-sale  securities  at March 31, 2000 and September 30,
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 loss, tax benefit, and net unrealized holding
loss  for  these  securities  as  of March 31, 2000 and September 30, 1999.  The
changes  in  net  unrealized  holding  loss,  net  of  tax, for the quarters and
six-month  periods  ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 are included as a component of
Other  Comprehensive  Income  as  shown  in  Note  7,  above.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                 <C>         <C>                    <C>            <C>
                    Aggregate   Gross Unrealized                      Net Unrealized
                    Fair Value   Holding Loss         Tax Benefit      Holding Loss
                    -----------  ---------------      -----------     --------------
March 31, 2000         $992.5      ($153.7)             $ 55.3           ($98.4)
September 30, 1999   $1,185.5       ($38.3)              $13.8           ($24.5)

</TABLE>

NOTE  14  -  In  fiscal  year  1997, the Company changed its method of computing
foreign  tax credits and recognized tax benefits of approximately $24 related to
foreign  tax  credit  refund  claims  for years 1993 through 1995.  The Internal
Revenue  Service  has denied this refund claim and the Company plans to litigate
this  issue.  While  it  is  difficult  to quantify with certainty the potential
impact  of  this  issue,  based  upon  the  information currently available, the
Company  believes  that the ultimate resolution  of this  issue  should not be
material to its financial  position.  Resolution  of this matter could, however,
be material to results of operations  or  cash flows  for  a  particular period.

NOTE  15  -  On  March  30,  2000,  the  Company and IBC amended the Shareholder
Agreement  executed  by the parties on July 22, 1995 in connection with the sale
by  the  Company  of  Continental  Baking  Company  to  IBC.  Under  the amended
agreement, the Company will use IBC shares for the exchange of the SAILS debt on
August  1, 2000 if the Company still holds IBC shares at that time.  The amended
agreement  also provides that the Company will reduce its remaining ownership of
IBC  outstanding  stock to no more than 20% by September 30, 2000, 15% by August
1,  2004,  and  10%  by  August 1, 2005.  The original Shareholder Agreement, as
amended  on  July  3,  1997,  provided that the Company's ownership of IBC stock
would  be  reduced  to  no  more  than  14.9%  by  August  15,  2000.

NOTE 16 - Presented below are quarterly results from continuing operations which
have  been  restated  to  account  for  the  Battery  Products  business  as  a
discontinued  operation.  The  second  table  presents  pro  forma  continuing
operations  reflecting  a reduction in interest expense due to the change in the
debt  structure  associated  with the spin-off of the Battery Products business,
and  an  adjustment  to  income taxes to reflect the Company's post-spin-off tax
rate.

The  pro forma consolidated statements of earnings present the Company's results
as  if  the  distribution  had  occurred  as  of  the  beginning  of the periods
presented.  Pro  forma  financial  statements  may  not  necessarily reflect the
consolidated  results of operations that would have existed had the distribution
been  effected on the dates specified nor are they indicative of future results.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              CONTINUING OPERATIONS
                                FISCAL YEAR 2000

                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR   6 MONTHS
                                               -------  -------  --------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
Net Sales                                      $728.3   $690.8   $1,419.1
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                           292.6    274.9     567.5
Selling, general and administrative             115.1    127.5     242.6
Advertising and promotion                       162.7    149.5     312.2
Interest expense                                 46.6     44.8      91.4
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                   (75.6)   (60.0)   (135.6)
Gain on sale of stock                             -      (11.1)    (11.1)
Other (income)/expense, net                     (6.5)    (10.4)    (16.9)
                                               -------  -------  ---------
                                                534.9    515.2    1,050.1
Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings         193.4    175.6     369.0
Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit                  (66.1)   (30.5)    (96.6)
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                     7.8      6.0      13.8
                                               -------  -------  ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations            $135.1   $151.1    $286.2
                                               =======  =======  =========

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic                                           $ 0.46   $ 0.52  $  0.99
Diluted                                         $ 0.46   $ 0.52  $  0.98
</TABLE>





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    PRO FORMA
                                FISCAL YEAR 2000

                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR  6 MONTHS
                                               -------  -------  --------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
Net Sales                                      $728.3   $690.8   $1,419.1
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                           292.6    274.9     567.5
Selling, general and administrative             115.1    127.5     242.6
Advertising and promotion                       162.7    149.5     312.2
Interest expense                                39.6     37.3      76.9
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                  (75.6)   (60.0)    (135.6)
Gain on sale of stock                             -     (11.1)    (11.1)
Other (income)/expense, net                     (6.5)   (10.4)    (16.9)
                                               -------  -------  ---------
                                                527.9    507.7    1,035.6
Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings         200.4    183.1     383.5
Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit                  (70.8)   (32.6)   (103.4)
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                    7.8      6.0       13.8
                                               -------  -------  ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations          $ 137.4   $156.5    $293.9
                                               =======  =======  =========

Earnings Per Share from Continuing
  Operations
Basic                                          $0.47    $0.54     $ 1.01
Diluted                                        $0.47    $0.54     $ 1.00
</TABLE>

The results presented above for both continuing operations and pro forma reflect
the  following after-tax  unusual  items:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR  6 MONTHS
                                               -------  -------  --------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
Unrealized gain on SAILS                     $ 48.4    $ 38.4    $ 86.8
Gain on the sale of stock                       -         7.1       7.1
Capital loss tax benefits                       -        31.1      31.1
                                              -----     -----    ------
                                              $48.4    $ 76.6    $125.0
                                              =====     =====    ======

Earnings Per Share for Total Unusuals
Basic                                          $0.17     $0.26     $0.43
Diluted                                        $0.17     $0.26     $0.42
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    CONTINUING OPERATIONS
                                      FISCAL YEAR 1999

                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR  3RD QTR  4TH QTR    YEAR
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------    ----
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
Net Sales                                      $679.1   $690.6   $655.9   $694.9   $2,720.5
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                           300.7    298.2    277.1    282.7    1,158.7
Selling, general and administrative             119.0    111.9    125.1    127.9      483.9
Advertising and promotion                       134.7    143.7    139.5    158.0      575.9
Interest expense                                47.7     45.2     43.9     42.8       179.6
Restructuring reversal                            -        -      (3.2)      -         (3.2)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on SAILS debt           (70.2)   (75.6)    13.6      8.7      (123.5)
Gain on sale or conversion of stock               -        -     (13.1)   (72.9)      (86.0)
Other (income)/expense, net                    (13.1)    (6.8)    (5.4)    (5.6)      (30.9)
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
                                                518.8    516.6    577.5    541.6    2,154.5
Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings         160.3    174.0    78.4     153.3      566.0
Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit                  (53.9)   (61.4)  (25.6)    (41.1)    (182.0)
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                     9.0      8.2     8.6      10.1       35.9
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations            $115.4   $120.8    $61.4   $122.3    $419.9
                                               =======  =======  =======  =======  =========

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic                                           $0.38    $0.38    $0.19    $0.40     $1.35
Diluted                                         $0.36    $0.38    $0.19    $0.40     $1.33
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          PRO FORMA
                                      FISCAL YEAR 1999



                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR  3RD QTR  4TH QTR    YEAR
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------    ----
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
Net Sales                                      $679.1   $690.6   $655.9   $694.9   $2,720.5
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                           300.7    298.2    277.1    282.7    1,158.7
Selling, general and administrative             119.0    111.9    125.1    127.9      483.9
Advertising and promotion                       134.7    143.7    139.5    158.0      575.9
Interest expense                                41.5     39.0     37.6     36.6       154.7
Restructuring reversal                            -        -      (3.2)      -        (3.2)
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                  (70.2)   (75.6)    13.6      8.7     (123.5)
Gain on sale or conversion of stock               -        -     (13.1)   (72.9)     (86.0)
Other (income)/expense, net                    (13.1)    (6.8)    (5.4)    (5.6)     (30.9)
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
                                                512.6    510.4    571.2    535.4   2,129.6
Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings         166.5    180.2    84.7     159.5     590.9
Income Tax Provision                           (57.6)   (62.3)   (27.2)   (45.0)    (192.1)
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                    9.0      8.2      8.6     10.1       35.9
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations            $117.9   $126.1    $66.1   $124.6    $434.7
                                               =======  =======  =======  =======  =========

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic                                           $0.39    $0.40    $0.21    $0.41     $1.40
Diluted                                         $0.37    $0.40    $0.21    $0.41     $1.38
</TABLE>

The results presented above for both continuing operations and pro forma reflect
the  following  after-tax  unusual  items:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               1ST QTR  2ND QTR  3RD QTR  4TH QTR    YEAR
                                               -------  -------  -------  -------    ----
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
Unrealized gain/(loss) on SAILS                $44.9    $48.4    $(8.7)   $(5.6)    $79.0
Gain on the sale or conversion of stock          -        -        8.4     46.6      55.0
Restructuring reversal                           -        -        3.2      -         3.2
Capital loss tax benefits                        -        -        -       10.0      10.0
                                               -----    -----     ------   ------   ------
                                               $44.9    $48.4     $2.9    $51.0    $147.2
                                               =====    =====     ======  ======    ======

Earnings Per Share for Total Unusuals
Basic                                          $ 0.15 $ 0.15   $  0.01    $ 0.17    $ 0.48
Diluted                                        $ 0.14 $ 0.15   $  0.01    $ 0.17    $ 0.47
</TABLE>



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

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


Item  5.     Other  Information.  As  a  result of Registrant's  distribution on
             ------------------
April  1, 2000 of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the $.01 par value
common  stock  of its subsidiary Energizer Holdings, Inc. to holders of its $.10
par  value  Ralston  Purina  Common Stock, and pursuant to Section 11 (c) of the
Rights  Agreement  dated March 28, 1996, as amended May 28, 1998, between the
Registrant and Norwest Bank, N.A.,  as  Rights  Agent  and successor to
Boatmen's Trust Company, the Purchase Price, as defined in the Rights
Agreement, has been adjusted from $64.27 for each Common  Share  pursuant  to
the  exercise of  a  Right  to  $46.48.


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

     (a)     Exhibits  filed  with  this  Report:

          (10).(i)    Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock Option dated April 18, 2000


          (10).(ii)    Form  of  Non-Qualified Stock Option dated April 18, 2000
                       with  Chief  Executive  Officer


          (10).(iii)    Form  of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated April 18, 2000
                        with  Chief  Financial  Officer

          (27)     Financial  Data  Schedule

     (b)     Reports  on  Form  8-K

A Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 18, 2000 was filed by the Company to
provide,  based  on  the  impending  spin-off  of the Company's battery products
business,  pro  forma consolidated financial information for the Company for the
quarters  ended  December  31,  1999  and  December  31, 1998 and the year ended
September  30,  1999, reflecting the battery products business as a discontinued
operation  and  pro  forma  adjustments associated with the distribution of this
business  to  the  Company's  shareholders.

A  Current  Report  on  Form 8-K dated April 1, 2000 was filed by the Company to
disclose  the  completion  of  the  spin-off  of  the Company's battery products
business  and  to  provide  pro forma consolidated financial information for the
Company  for  the quarters ended December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 and the
year  ended  September  30,  1999, reflecting  the  battery  products  business
as a discontinued operation and pro forma  adjustments  associated  with  the
distribution  of this business to the Company's  shareholders.  Also provided
were consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended September 30, 1998
and September 30, 1997 reflecting the battery products business as a
discontinued operation.  This Report also disclosed an amendment to the
Company's Shareholder Agreement with Interstate Bakeries Corporation.


<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES



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



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


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


Date:  May  12,  2000

<PAGE>

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


Exhibits
----------

     EX-27     Financial  data  schedule  for  2nd  Quarter  2000
               (provided  electronically)


     EX-10     Material  Contracts


              (10).(i)  Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock Option dated April 18,
                        2000


              (10).(ii)  Form  of  Non-Qualified Stock Option dated April 18,
                         2000 with  Chief  Executive  Officer

              (10).(iii)  Form  of Non-Qualified Stock Option dated April
                          18,  2000  with Chief  Financial  Officer


Exhibit  27
(Document  prepared  on  Edgar)


sec\10q\2qtr-2000.doc