I am feeding Wellness core original formula and Chloe's poo is also very dark in color. Maybe that is just something to be expected with grain free ? I don't really know. But she doesn't strain and it is just a normal firm poo , so I have been happy with the food .
They do occasionally lick at their paw's ( Sydney more so than Chloe) but I am not sure it has anything to do with the food , because it's not everyday so I assuming it's just more a habit or she hates long nails.
I haven't tried the Ocean formula yet , but I plan on rotating to it the next bag or so , so I will watch and see if they have any reaction to it.