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Best if you already have heartworm covered
Lean this way if you only need flea and tick protection.
- Flea and tick protection
- Same fast kill speed as Trio
- Single active ingredient (sarolaner)
- Lower price point per chew
Simparica vs Simparica TRIO
Date Posted: 28 May 2026
Simparica vs Simparica TRIO
Same trusted Zoetis brand, same once-a-month chew, same flea and tick power. The difference is what Simparica Trio adds beyond that, here is everything you need to choose between them.
If you have ever stood in the parasite aisle squinting at two near-identical boxes, you are not alone, this is one of the most-asked questions in dog health. Both products are made by Zoetis, both are liver-flavoured monthly chews, and both deliver the same flea and tick protection.
The whole question really comes down to one thing: Do you also need heartworm and intestinal worm cover in the same chew? If yes, Simparica TRIO. If you have heartworm covered separately and just want flea and tick protection, plain Simparica is enough.
The short answer
Which one should you choose?
Best as a complete one-and-done
Lean this way if you want everything in one chew.
- Everything Simparica does, plus…
- Heartworm disease prevention
- Roundworm and hookworm treatment
- Approved from 8 weeks of age
- Higher price point
- More complete treatment
At a glanceWhat is actually in each chew?
The ingredient story
Simparica Trio is Simparica with two extra active ingredients added on. Same brand, same base, broader coverage.
SimparicaSarolaner
The flea and tick killer. Starts working within hours and lasts a full month.
Trio addsMoxidectin
Prevents heartworm disease by stopping larvae from developing.
Trio addsPyrantel
Treats and controls common intestinal worms (roundworm and hookworm).
Side by sideFull comparison table
| Feature | Simparica | Simparica Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Zoetis | Zoetis |
| Active ingredients | Sarolaner | Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel3 actives |
| Form & dosing | Monthly liver-flavoured chew | Monthly liver-flavoured chew |
| Fleas | Yes | YesSame |
| Ticks (multiple species) | Yes | YesSame |
| Flea kill speed | Fast (within hours) | Fast (within hours)Same |
| Tick kill speed | Within 8 hours | Within 8 hoursSame |
| Heartworm prevention | No | YesExtra |
| Roundworm treatment | No | YesExtra |
| Hookworm treatment | No | YesExtra |
| Tapeworm | No | No |
| Whipworm | No | No |
| Minimum age | 6 months | 8 weeksEarlier |
| Minimum weight | From 1.3 kg | From 1.3 kg |
| Price (per chew) | Lower | Higher (covers more) |
Exact weight ranges, pack sizes and species coverage are printed on each product’s packaging. Always match the pack to your dog’s current weight.
In depthHow they really differ
The flea and tick part is identical
This is the most important thing to understand: both products contain sarolaner at the same dose for your dog’s weight, so the flea and tick protection is the same. Speed of kill, duration, tick species covered, none of that changes between Simparica and Simparica TRIO.
What Simparica TRIO adds, and why it matters
Trio has on two more ingredients. Moxidectin handles heartworm prevention, a disease that is common in much of Australia and potentially fatal if untreated, which is why monthly heartworm cover is standard advice for most dogs. Pyrantel treats and controls roundworm and hookworm, two of the most common intestinal worms in dogs. Simparica TRIO does not cover tapeworm or whipworm, so it is not a substitute for a complete intestinal wormer in every situation.
Puppy and age differences
Plain Simparica is approved from 6 months of age. Simparica Trio is approved from 8 weeks. If you have a young puppy who needs flea, tick and heartworm cover, Trio is usually the simpler choice (alongside your vet’s puppy worming schedule to treat tapeworm).
Cost: Is Simparica TRIO actually more expensive?
Per chew, Simparica TRIO costs more than plain Simparica. But if your dog already needs a separate heartworm preventive and worming product each month, you are comparing one chew (Trio) against two or three products together. Once you factor in what you would otherwise be buying, Simparica TRIO is often comparable in total monthly cost, and it is one chew on the calendar instead of three.
Good to knowUsing them safely
Do not give both at the same time. Simparica and Simparica Trio both contain sarolaner. Giving them together would double-dose your dog on the same active ingredient. Choose one product and stick to it.
- Dose by your dog’s current weight, weigh before each new pack, especially for growing puppies.
- Give consistently on the same date each month. Gaps reduce protection, especially against heartworm where missed doses carry real risk.
- Both can be used in dogs with healthy livers and kidneys. If your pet has a history of seizures or significant health conditions check with your vet first before using either product.
- Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established for either. If this is important, you may want to use NexGard or NexGard Spectra.
Questions answeredFrequently asked
What is the difference between Simparica and Simparica Trio?
Both are monthly chews that protect against fleas and ticks using the same active ingredient (sarolaner). Simparica Trio adds two more ingredients, moxidectin and pyrantel, which give it heartworm disease prevention plus treatment for roundworms and hookworms. Plain Simparica covers fleas and ticks only.
Can I give my dog both Simparica and Simparica Trio?
No. Both contain sarolaner, so combining them would duplicate the active ingredient. Choose one or the other based on whether you need heartworm and worm cover in the same chew.
Is Simparica Trio safe for puppies?
Simparica Trio is approved for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age. Plain Simparica is approved from 6 months. Always check that your puppy meets the minimum weight printed on the pack as well.
Do I still need a heartworm treatment if my dog is on Simparica?
Yes. Plain Simparica does not prevent heartworm, so you will need a separate heartworm preventive each month. Switching to Simparica Trio rolls flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm cover into a single monthly chew.
Is Simparica Trio worth the extra cost?
It depends on what you would otherwise need. If your dog requires heartworm and intestinal worm protection (most dogs do), Simparica Trio replaces two or three products with one chew, which is usually simpler and can work out comparable in total cost. If you already have a separate heartworm plan you are happy with, plain Simparica may be enough.
Shop the rangeReady to buy?
Browse both ranges at PETZOO, with packs for every weight band and fast shipping Australia-wide.
