We Think Your Small Animal Will Love
Why Choose Newcastle Pets?
Free Local Delivery
Spend over £25 online and we’ll deliver to you completely free in selected locations across Staffordshire.
Natural & Grain-Free Specialists
Carefully curated food ranges for pets with sensitivities, allergies or owners who simply want better.
Independent & Proud
You’ll always receive personal treatment whenever you interact with us at Newcastle Pets. In-store, online, or by phone.
A Place for Every Pet
Dogs, cats, birds, fish, small animals and poultry, we’re endeavour to cater to as many pets as possible, all under one roof.
Brands We Stock
Small Animal Advice and Guides
Small Animals
What Do Ferrets Eat? A Complete UK Feeding Guide for Owners
Wondering what do ferrets eat and whether you're getting your ferret's diet right? You're not alone. Ferrets have…
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Small Animals
What Do Guinea Pigs Eat? A Complete Feeding Guide for UK Owners
If you have just brought a guinea pig home, or you are thinking about getting one, one of…
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Birds • Cats • Dogs • Small Animals
Pet odour candles are available from our store today
Pet Odour Candles are specially formulated enzyme products, designed to attack and remove odours while smelling fantastic
Read MoreFeeding Your Small Animal Correctly
Small animal nutrition is more complex and more species-specific than most owners initially realise. The food that is ideal for a rabbit is genuinely unsuitable for a guinea pig. The diet that supports a hamster has nothing in common with what a ferret needs. Getting this right from the start is the single most important thing you can do for your small animal’s long-term health.
Herbivores: rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus
These species share a broadly similar dietary structure, though important species differences mean they should never share food.
- Hay should make up at least 80 percent of the diet for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus and must be available at all times: it is a food source first and bedding material second
- Species-specific pellets provide additional vitamins and minerals but should supplement hay rather than replace it as the main dietary component
- Fresh leafy greens can be offered in moderation alongside the core hay and pellet diet to provide variety and additional nutrients
- Never mix species food: rabbit pellets do not contain the vitamin C that guinea pigs need and can lead to serious nutritional deficiency
Omnivores and specialist feeders
Hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice are omnivores with very different needs to the herbivores above. Ferrets and tortoises represent an even more distinct set of dietary requirements.
- Hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice are omnivores that need food incorporating both plant material and protein sources, alongside fresh supplements
- Ferrets are obligate carnivores and need a diet based entirely on high-quality animal protein and fat: standard small animal mixes are completely inappropriate for them
- Tortoises need a high-fibre, low-protein diet based on appropriate leafy plants and weeds, supplemented with calcium and vitamin D3 for shell and bone health
Small Animal Food in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Newcastle Pets stocks species-appropriate food for a wide range of small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, chinchillas, degus, ferrets and tortoises. Our team can give honest, species-specific advice rather than pointing you at a generic small animal mix.
- Our in-store team can advise on the right food for your specific animal’s species, age and health
- We stock food across all key small animal species from trusted brands
- Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Rabbits need unlimited hay as the foundation of their diet, alongside a small measured portion of species-specific pellets and fresh leafy greens such as kale and spring greens. Fresh water must always be available. Hay must never run out as it is essential for gut health and dental wear.
Guinea pigs need unlimited hay, species-specific guinea pig pellets with added vitamin C, and fresh vegetables daily. Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C so their diet must provide it consistently. We stock a range of guinea pig food in store and online.
Hamsters are omnivores and need a varied diet including hamster-specific pellets or seed mix, occasional protein such as mealworms, and small amounts of fresh vegetables. Always use hamster-specific food rather than a generic small animal mix.
Yes, we stock food for a wide range of small animals in our Newcastle-under-Lyme store and online. Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers.