This reminds me of Hitchhiker's Guide when they met animals that give consent. In fact I think the animal itself was the waiter. I seem to remember something along the lines of "Are you sure? I'm quite well marbled."
It's quite a terrifying thought, to be honest - maybe because the animal in question is very much conscious and intelligent.
I'm never quite sure whether or not Douglas Adams wrote it for comedic effect or to provoke some deeper discussion.
Might as well be both.