NexGard Spectra vs Simparica Trio for Dogs: What's the Difference?
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NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio are monthly all-in-one parasite preventatives for dogs, protecting against many of the parasites Australian dogs are exposed to, including fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.
While they have a lot in common, they aren't identical. The main differences come down to their active ingredients, speed of action, parasite coverage and flavour.
So, is NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio better? There isn't one universal winner. The right choice depends on the parasites your dog needs protection from, how quickly you want the product to work, and which formulation your dog will reliably take each month.
- NexGard Spectra contains two active ingredients: afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. Simparica Trio contains three: sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel.
- Both products provide monthly protection against fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm, as well as several mites and types of mange.
- NexGard Spectra also treats and controls whipworm, while Simparica Trio does not.
- Neither product treats an existing tapeworm infection, including flea tapeworm, and neither provides protection against hydatid tapeworm.
- Both work quickly against fleas and paralysis ticks. Their Australian product information and comparative research show rapid flea and tick kill, although the exact labelled claims differ between products.
- Both are monthly chewable treatments, but Simparica Trio is liver-flavoured, while NexGard Spectra is braised beef flavoured.
The Short Answer
NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio both provide broad monthly protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms, but they aren't identical. The right choice depends on what your dog needs protection from, how quickly you want flea and tick protection to work, and which formulation suits your dog.
Choose NexGard Spectra if your dog needs whipworm coverage or you want a product that combines flea, tick, heartworm and broader intestinal worm protection in one monthly chew.
Choose Simparica Trio if your dog's parasite risks are well covered by its combination of flea, tick, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm protection, or if your dog prefers its liver-flavoured chew.
Both products work quickly against fleas and paralysis ticks, but their labelled speed-of-action claims differ. Their active ingredients are also different, which can matter if your dog has a particular health history or your vet has recommended one ingredient combination over another.
For a broader comparison of the options available, see our guide to the best flea, tick and worm treatments for dogs in Australia.
NexGard Spectra vs Simparica Trio at a Glance
NexGard Spectra |
Simparica Trio |
|
Active Ingredients |
Afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime |
Sarolaner + moxidectin + pyrantel |
Fleas |
Yes |
Yes |
Paralysis ticks |
Yes |
Yes |
Bush ticks |
Yes |
Yes |
Brown dog ticks |
Yes |
Yes |
Heartworm prevention |
Yes |
Yes |
Roundworm |
Yes |
Yes |
Hookworm |
Yes |
Yes |
Lungworm |
Yes |
No |
| Whipworm | Yes |
No |
|
Hydatid tapeworm |
No | No |
| Mange & mites | Yes |
Yes |
| Flea speed | Kills fleas within 6–8 hours |
Starts killing fleas within 4 hours |
| Paralysis tick speed | >95% efficacy within 48 hours in Australian studies |
Rapidly kills pre-existing infestations; 98.9% killed within 24 hours according to Zoetis AU |
| Dosing | Monthly | Monthly |
| Flavour/formulation | Tasty chew | Liver-flavoured chew |
| Minimum age | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
Always check the current Australian product label for the exact indication, weight range and dosing requirements for your dog's product.
The Key Differences Between NexGard Spectra & Simparica Trio
Active Ingredients
The first major difference between NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio is what's inside each chew.
NexGard Spectra contains two active ingredients:
- Afoxolaner: an isoxazoline that targets fleas and ticks, as well as mites.
- Milbemycin oxime: a macrocyclic lactone that provides heartworm prevention and intestinal worm control.
Simparica Trio contains three active ingredients:
- Sarolaner: an isoxazoline that targets fleas, ticks and mites.
- Moxidectin: a macrocyclic lactone that provides heartworm prevention.
- Pyrantel: an anthelmintic that treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
The extra ingredient in Simparica Trio doesn't necessarily mean it is "stronger". The products simply use different combinations of active ingredients to achieve broad parasite protection.
One practical difference is that Simparica Trio contains moxidectin, while NexGard Spectra contains milbemycin oxime. Both are macrocyclic lactones used for heartworm prevention, but they are different active ingredients.
Parasite Coverage
Both Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra protect against many of the same common parasites, including fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm.
The main differences are their coverage of whipworm and tapeworm: NexGard Spectra treats and controls whipworm, while Simparica Trio does not. Both products help prevent flea tapeworm infestation through flea control, but neither covers hydatid tapeworm.
- Fleas & paralysis ticks: Both products provide monthly protection against fleas and paralysis ticks. Comparative research has found both products highly effective against Australian paralysis ticks.
- Intestinal worms: Both products treat and control roundworm and hookworm. NexGard Spectra also treats and controls whipworm, while Simparica Trio does not.
- Tapeworms: Neither product treats an existing tapeworm infection, including flea tapeworm, and neither provides protection against hydatid tapeworm. Dogs at risk of hydatid infection may need additional tapeworm protection recommended by their vet.
Both products also cover several mites and mange conditions, including demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange and ear mites.
For dogs in paralysis-tick areas, regular tick checks are still important even when using a monthly preventative.
Speed of Action
Speed can be an important consideration when you're choosing a flea and tick preventative, particularly for dogs living along Australia's eastern seaboard, where paralysis ticks are commonly found.
For fleas, Simparica Trio's Australian product information says it starts killing fleas within 4 hours, while NexGard Spectra's label states that fleas are killed within 6-8 hours.
For paralysis ticks, the Australian product information uses different measures, so the numbers shouldn't be treated as a direct head-to-head comparison.
A head-to-head laboratory study showed both products reached 100% efficacy against existing paralysis tick infestations at 72 hours, while efficacy against weekly reinfestations remained at least 99.0% for Simparica Trio and 98.4% for NexGard Spectra.
For paralysis ticks, the Australian product information uses different measures, so the numbers shouldn't be treated as a direct head-to-head comparison.
Simparica Trio reports 98.9% of pre-existing paralysis ticks killed within 24 hours, while NexGard Spectra reports greater than 95% efficacy within 48 hours.
Overall, both products act quickly against fleas and paralysis ticks, but their labelled speed-of-action claims aren't directly interchangeable. If rapid tick kill is a major priority for your dog, look at the specific product claims alongside your dog's individual risk and speak to your vet.
Flavour & Palatability
A parasite preventative only works if your dog actually takes it, so palatability can be an important practical consideration.
Simparica Trio is a liver-flavoured chew, while NexGard Spectra is a tasty chewable designed to be given directly or with food.
Neither product can be considered universally more palatable. Dogs have individual preferences, so if your dog has previously accepted one product readily, that can be a useful consideration when choosing between them.
The most important thing is consistency: whichever product you choose, it needs to be given at the recommended dose and interval to provide ongoing protection.
Which Should You Choose?
For most dogs, the choice between NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio comes down to the parasite coverage you need, the active ingredients you prefer, speed-of-action considerations and which product your dog will reliably take.
NexGard Spectra may be the better fit if:
- You want whipworm coverage included in your monthly parasite preventative.
- You prefer its combination of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime.
- Your dog readily accepts the NexGard Spectra chew.
- Your vet recommends it based on your dog's individual parasite risks.
"It has all the flea, tick, parasite combo that I need. I no longer need to buy multiple products or look for the cheapest ones. Just subscribe and let Vets Love Pets do the work. I just administer once a month when it comes in the mail so I never forget. Best of all: the product works and the dogs love them. Happy dogs! Happy mum!"
Kate A.
Vets Love Pets Customer
Simparica Trio may be the better fit if:
- Your dog doesn't require whipworm coverage and its other parasite protection meets their needs.
- You prefer its combination of sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel.
- Your dog readily accepts the liver-flavoured chew.
- Your vet recommends it based on your dog's individual parasite risks.
The best choice depends on your dog's lifestyle, location, parasite exposure, health history and existing parasite-control plan. If you're unsure which product is right for your dog, your veterinarian can help you weigh up the differences.
Still deciding? Check out this vet-approved guide on the best flea, tick and worm treatments for dogs.
Advocate vs NexGard Spectra FAQs
Is NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio better?
Neither NexGard Spectra nor Simparica Trio is universally better. Both provide monthly protection against fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm, as well as several mites and mange conditions. NexGard Spectra also treats and controls whipworm, while Simparica Trio does not. The best choice depends on your dog's parasite risks, health history and which product your vet recommends.
What is the difference between NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio?
The main differences between NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio are their active ingredients, parasite coverage, speed-of-action claims and formulation. Both cover fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm, while NexGard Spectra additionally covers whipworm.
Which works faster, NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio?
Simparica Trio's Australian product information states that it starts killing fleas within 4 hours, while NexGard Spectra states that fleas are killed within 6–8 hours. For paralysis ticks, both products have demonstrated rapid efficacy, although their Australian label claims use different time points and measures.
Do NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio both cover tapeworm?
Neither NexGard Spectra nor Simparica Trio covers hydatid tapeworm. Both help prevent new flea tapeworm infestations by controlling fleas, but neither should be relied upon to treat an existing tapeworm infection. If your dog has tapeworm or is at risk of a tapeworm species not covered by their monthly preventative, speak to your vet about an appropriate treatment.
Can you switch between NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio?
If you're changing from NexGard Spectra to Simparica Trio or vice versa, ask your vet or follow the product instructions for the appropriate timing. Don't give two parasite preventatives together unless your veterinarian has specifically advised you to do so.
Are NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio safe for puppies?
Both NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio are r egistered for use in puppies from 8 weeks of age, subject to the minimum weight requirements for each product. Always use the chew corresponding to your dog's current weight and follow the product label.
Can dogs with a history of seizures take NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio?
Both NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio contain isoxazoline-class ingredients, and neurological adverse reactions have been reported with products in this class. If your dog has a history of seizures or neurological disease, speak to your veterinarian before choosing a flea and tick preventative.
Veterinarian & Vets Love Pets Partner
BVSc
Dr Jack Ayerbe OAM is a distinguished Geelong veterinarian with over 50 years of experience, the founder of Newtown Veterinary Practice, and a dedicated advocate for animal welfare and ethics.
More articles from Dr Jack AyerbeReferences
- NexGard Spectra Chewables for Dogs — Australian Product Leaflet — Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia. Source for active ingredients, parasite coverage (including whipworm), paralysis tick efficacy, flavour, and minimum age.
- Simparica Trio — Zoetis Australia product page — source for active ingredients, parasite coverage, paralysis tick efficacy, flea speed, flavour, and minimum age.
- Packianathan, R., Hodge, A., Bruellke, N., Jackson, C., Maeder, S. (2020). "Efficacy of combination products containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio) or afoxolaner and milbemycin (NexGard Spectra) against induced infestations of Ixodes holocyclus in dogs." Parasites & Vectors, 13:448. Source for the head-to-head paralysis tick efficacy figures (48h/72h existing infestation and weekly reinfestation).
- APVMA product search — for confirming current registered label status of both products at time of publishing. (General reference only — not a source for any specific claim above.)
