OK, here is what I've got for you.
Please listen to me, please, please, please. I went through skin problems for a over a year for Buddy. We did everything the vet said first. Nothing worked. I literally had to take matters into my own hands.
We switched Buddy to a raw diet. I had been told to use a source he had never had before, like goat. But it was hard for me to get goat and I wanted to start right then. So I started with chicken, which is a common protein for dogs to be allergic to. I figured if everyone else was taking a chance on my dog, I'd take one, too.
We then took Buddy to a holistic vet. yeah, I know, some people cringe and don't believe. But at that point in Buddy's care I didn't give a rip about what anyone ELSE believed. My dog needed help, some kind of relief, and he wasn't getting it from modern medicine. Plain and simple.
I'll have to look to be exact, but I think it's been about two months since Buddy has been on a raw diet and been taking the herbal remedy given to us by the holistic vet. I have to tell you, I have never seen Buddy so happy, so healthy, so full of life. His skin cleared up within a month. He lost some weight and really muscled out. He looks great and he feels great, and I know this because he wants to play 24/7 and has endless energy now. Yep, I sure asked for it, lol.
Is it expensive? Yes. Just for Buddy it can get pricey, especially if I don't shop around for good deals and since I try to buy organic, free range meats. But, we also joined a co-op which has fantastic prices. I bought $400 worth of raw that I'm picking up tomorrow that will last several months.
I highly suggest NOT feeding rice, meat and beans. You will go through that so quickly that I think it will really surprise you. A 116 lb dog does not eat lightly (of course, you know this).
If you don't go the raw route, then please at least feed a high quality, grain-free food. For example, Innova EVO, Innova EVO Red Meat, Orijen, Taste of the Wild, uhhh, help me out here guys, I know there is more. And, I fully realize these foods are more expensive, but the result in the end is worth it, especially from a raw diet perspective.
Lastly, I suggest giving Sabine a try at betterdogcare.com. She doesn't come around to these forums much anymore because her business is literally booming, but she is great, she helps so many people and will do her best to provide a diet plan/holistic plan for your dog. She's always available to answer questions and is very sincere. She's helped me at out with all three of my dogs at least once.
