Frontline Plus vs. Simparica Trio – Which One to Choose for Your Dog?

Which product to choose for your furry companion that not only offers comprehensive protection from nasty parasites but is also pocket-friendly? This never-ending dilemma traps every pet parent’s mind and with the plethora of options available in the market, it gets even worse. Worry not, we’ve got you covered!
Continue reading to explore everything about the two most effective and affordable products, Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio, so that you can choose the appropriate one for your little one and keep them in the pink.
Frontline Plus vs. Simparica Trio – An Overview
Frontline Plus is a highly effective, long-lasting, quick-action, easy-to-apply topical treatment for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 5 lbs. This waterproof solution effectively kills all flea and tick life stages as well as prevents future infestations. It is also helpful in controlling sarcoptic mange and eliminating chewing lice infestations. Additionally, this monthly formula is beneficial in preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
Key Specifications:
- Easy-to-apply flea and tick treatment
- Fast-acting, monthly spot-on solution
- Long-lasting and waterproof formula
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae
- Stops existing and future flea infestations
- Reduces the incidence of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Prevents all flea life stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) from developing
- Kills all tick life stages (larva, nymph and adult)
- Covers four tick species including American dog tick, Brown dog tick, Black-legged tick and Lone star tick
- Controls sarcoptic mange and eliminates chewing lice infestations
- Prevents Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases
- Safe for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 5 lbs
Simparica Trio is a potent, easy-to-administer, highly palatable, pork liver-flavored chewable treatment for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 2.8 lbs or greater. This monthly formula kills adult fleas, treats and prevents flea infestations and treats and controls tick infestations. It also prevents Lyme disease and treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections. Moreover, this oral treatment aids in the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
Key Specifications:
- Broad-spectrum, highly palatable monthly treatment
- Pork liver-flavored chews for easy dosage
- Kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations
- Treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections
- Protects against Brown dog tick, Black-legged tick, American dog tick, Gulf coast tick, Lone star tick and Asian longhorned tick
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Indicated for the prevention of Lyme disease
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing 2.8 lbs or greater
Frontline Plus & Simparica Trio – Similarities
Mentioned below are the similarities between Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio:
- Minimum age: Both Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio are suitable for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older.
- Flea & tick protection: Both the treatments effectively kill adult fleas, treat and prevent future infestations and treat and control tick infestations caused by American dog tick, Brown dog tick, Black-legged tick and Lone star tick.
- Lyme disease: Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio are both indicated for preventing Lyme disease as a direct result of killing Deer ticks.
- Dosage frequency: Both Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio should be administered once every month.
Frontline Plus & Simparica Trio – Basic Differences
Here are the basic differences between Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio:
- Active ingredients: The major difference between the treatments is their composition. Frontline Plus is formulated with fipronil and S-methoprene, whereas Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel as the active ingredients.
- Mode of administration: Frontline Plus is a spot-on treatment that should be applied topically on the dog’s skin. On the other hand, Simparica Trio is an oral treatment available in a pork-liver flavored chewable form that should be administered orally, with or without food.
- Uncommon parasitic coverage: Frontline Plus is effective in controlling sarcoptic mange and chewing lice infestations, while Simparica Trio treats and controls tick infestations, including Gulf coast tick and Asian longhorned tick and protects against hookworm and roundworm infections.
- Heartworm disease prevention: Simparica Trio is helpful in the prevention of heartworm disease, whereas Frontline Plus does not prevent heartworm disease.
- Minimum weight: Frontline Plus can be administered to dogs and puppies weighing at least 5 lbs. On the other hand, Simparica Trio is suitable for dogs and puppies weighing 2.8 lbs or greater.
- Safety: Frontline Plus can be safely used in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs, while the safety of Simaprica Trio has not yet been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio – Comparison Table
The chart below shows the comparison of the characteristics of Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio:

Which one is better – Frontline Plus or Simparica Trio?
Both Frontline Plus and Simparica Trio are highly effective, broad-spectrum, easy-to-administer, monthly flea and tick treatments for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older. However, they both differ in terms of their ingredients, mode of administration, parasite coverage, suitability and safety.
For protection against fleas, Black-legged ticks, Brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, Lone star ticks and protection against Lyme disease, you may use either of the treatments, provided your dog fulfils the age & weight requirements of the treatment. If your pet is susceptible to Asian longhorned ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease, you can go for Simparica Trio. Choose Frontline Plus for protection against lice and sarcoptic mange infestations.
Be aware of the parasitic coverage these products offer and your pet’s protection requirements and choose the products accordingly. No matter what you pick for your canine companion, always consult your veterinarian for expert recommendations.
