Some formulas of THK has chunks of fruits & veggies...& yes, it comes out the same as it went in loll. Not sure why they don't grind it up like the rest of their food.
I just take out bigger chunks (like banana in Embark) & cut them up smaller. Thrive doesn't have any chunks.
As for the consistency of the food itself, you can add less water to make it more pasty/clumpy. Grain free versions doesn't need too much water to rehydrate.
Mine don't get too much food around their mouth, but I do sometimes have a problem w/them getting a piece of hair in their mouth & I have to pull it out. It's all gross lolll so I end up washing their mouth, eye gunk (not everyday) & paws after their evening walks.